Province announces $113,474 in annual funding for Port Hope, Cobourg ‘Seniors Active Living Centres’
By West Northumberland Independent staff
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini has announced provincial funding intended to help seniors in Port Hope and Cobourg remain fit, active and connected with others.
The Government of Ontario is investing a combined $113,476 in annual funding to support two local Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) through the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility.
For 2026-27, the SALC at the Cobourg Seniors Activity Centre will receive $55,880. Located in Cobourg, the centre serves about 1,000 older adults and seniors from Cobourg and the broader Northumberland community each year. Programming includes social activities, gentle and high-intensity exercise classes, creative expression activities and pickleball, according to a recent release.
The SALC at the Ruth Clarke Activity Centre will also receive a reported $57,596. Located at the Town Park Recreation Centre in Port Hope, the centre serves nearly 700 older adults and seniors. Programs include recreation, arts and culture, fitness, cards, educational workshops and clinics, dining, social activities and transportation.
“Programs like these play an important role in helping seniors stay active, build friendships and remain connected to their communities,” said Piccini. “Our seniors deserve opportunities to stay engaged, maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life close to home.
“I’m proud that our government is continuing to invest in these valuable programs across Northumberland-Peterborough South.”
This year, Ontario is investing a record amount of close to $23 million to support 416 SALC programs across the province, including 97 new ones, the recent release from Piccini’s office reads.
“(SALCs) keep our seniors, fit, active, healthy, socially connected, close to their homes and in their communities,” said Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho. “Thanks to Ontario Premier (Doug) Ford’s leadership, our government is making the largest investment in (SALC) programs in Ontario’s history.
“This will help even more seniors, no matter where they live, including those in a city or rural, remote and northern communities live more healthy, happy and independent lives.”
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first six “Elderly Persons’ Centres” – now known as SALC programs – established under the Elderly Persons’ Centres Act, 1966.
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