NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, visited Orillia today to discuss the successful seniors’ programming launched as a result of the New Horizons for Seniors Fund.
The City of Orillia Parks, Recreation and Culture Department received a total of $50,000 from the New Horizons for Seniors Fund in 2018 and 2019. Minister Tassi met with representatives from Orillia’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department and local volunteers at Rotary Place to discuss how the funding has and will benefit the community.
“Our Government of Canada remains committed to improving the well-being of Canadian seniors. By supporting local projects through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping seniors stay healthy and active in their communities. I want to thank the City of Orillia for their project, Seniors at Play, which will create an inclusive space where seniors can participate in fun and engaging activities,” said Minister Tassi.
“The City of Orillia strives to provide engaging recreation programs for residents of all ages. Thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Fund, Orillia is able to offer local seniors with access to activities that encourage social participation and promote their overall health and well-being. It is my belief that you are never too old to play and this funding ensures Orillia seniors have a variety of options to stay active,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
In 2018, the federal funding was used to expand the multi-use pad at Homewood Park by adding court lining and pickleball nets to facilitate the “Pickleball in the Park” program. In 2019, the funds will be used to purchase materials for the “Seniors at Play” program such as card tables, shuffleboards, dart boards, a karaoke machine, and carpet bowling materials. In addition, the funding was used to hire a Seniors Coordinator who will help organize the new programming.
The establishment of the “Seniors at Play” program will help facilitate senior-specific programming, while encouraging seniors to build and maintain new relationships, acquire new skills, improve their health, increase motivation, and retain integrity.
For more information regarding the “Pickleball in the Park” or “Seniors at Play” program, please contact Chris Gammon, Sports Program Supervisor, at [email protected] or 705-325-2050.
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