ONE CARE celebrates new seniors centre in Clinton

Dawson Hallahan, representing Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson presented a cheque to Shelley McPhee-Haist and Madison Stephenson (right).

A new Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) at the Betty Cardno Memorial Centre in Clinton has been established by ONE CARE Home and Community Support Services.

Funded by the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, this initiative aims to provide a vibrant community hub for seniors to help them stay active, independent, and engaged.

“Social isolation is a pressing issue for Ontario’s aging population, particularly in rural areas,” explained Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive Director at ONE CARE.

“This centre will provide vital opportunities for seniors to connect, learn, and thrive, while addressing gaps in services for caregivers and under-served populations, including new Canadians and individuals experiencing dementia, loneliness, and grief.”

The new centre aims to promote wellness, social interaction, inclusion, and education to meet diverse needs of seniors in Clinton, Central Huron and surrounding areas.

Programming at the centre is tailored to support physical and mental well-being, offering activities such as community meals and cooking classes, exercise programs, arts and culture events, health workshops, caregiver support groups and musical events.

With 26.6 per cent of Central Huron’s population aged 65 and older, well above the national average of 19 per cent, this new centre will address the needs of this growing demographic.

ONE CARE has been a part of the regional community for over four decades, and the recently renovated Betty Cardno Centre provides an excellent location to support expansion of services offered to seniors.

Made possible through an annual $55,000 grant starting in 2025-2026 fiscal year, this funding will enable ONE CARE to expand its programs and forge new partnerships with local municipalities. This will ensure sustainability and growth of this vital community resource.