Midhurst/September 30, 2022 – Warden George Cornell has once againproclaimed October 1st as National Seniors Day, an occasion for Simcoe County residents to join all Canadians in celebrating the profound impact of seniors in our homes, communities, and workplaces.
According to the 2021 Census Profile prepared by Statistics Canada, the proportion of adults aged 65 and over in Simcoe County continues to grow, now hitting 19.9 per cent of the population.
“The County has recognized this shift in our demographics, and we are implementing a variety of crucial services that impact seniors across our region, » said Jane Sinclair, General Manager, Health and Emergency Services. “These new initiatives will help to support and improve the quality of life of our senior residents now and in the years to come. »
In 2022, the County of Simcoe broke ground on the new Simcoe Village Campus redevelopment. This important project is expected to provide 160 long-term care beds (including an additional 34 beds), and more than 180 seniors housing units and homes (including over 140 new spaces). The range of housing aligns with the innovative continuum of living and care approach, allowing residents to live on one campus as their care needs evolve and change.
The County has also supported seniors to live independently in their communities for as long as possible through the innovative Age-Friendly Seniors Housing Grant. Since 2018, annual funding of $500,000 has been available to support with nearly 260 projects, including 62 new projects for 2022.
“Staff across the County have worked tirelessly to ensure that our seniors are treated with the care and respect that they deserve », said Warden George Cornell. “As we recognize National Seniors Day, we celebrate the life-long contributions our seniors have made and continue to make to their families and our communities. »
These pieces, combined with vital services provided through the County’s Long-Term Care and Seniors Services, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, including the Community Paramedicine Program, and the County’s LINX Transit system, which now offers six routes linking residents to health, social, educational and employment pursuits, are all ways the County is continuing to serve the older residents that have helped to establish our communities.
Age-Friendly Community Initiative
The County of Simcoe received funding from the Government of Ontario of as part of its Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program. The funding served to establish a baseline assessment of Simcoe County’s age-friendliness and to determine the recommendations for action according to scope of community responsibility. For more information on this program, visit simcoe.ca/age-friendly <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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CONTACTS:
Jen Straw
Public Relations Consultant
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-790-5979 (mobile)
Jennifer.Straw@simcoe.ca
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca