Ontario’s new Minister of Education, Todd Smith, was at the Consecon branch of the Libraries last week, touting an investment of $60,000 to support four local programs, two of which are in the County.

MPP Smith spoke to the immeasurable value of seniors and their contributions to the building of Canada. He noted the Quinte area tilted senior compared to the general population. The 2021 Census indicated Prince Edward County, where 33% of its population is over 65, nearly doubled the provincial average of 18 per cent.

“Seniors continue to be a growing demographic in the Quinte area and particularly here in Prince Edward County. Through the Seniors Community Grant, our government is pleased to partner with local organizations offering programming to support their well being and social inclusion,” said MPP Smith.

Community Care for Seniors will receive $25,000 to hire a project manager to recruit and train volunteers, produce a targeted survey to better understand the needs of this growing demographic, and develop a communications strategy to attract new volunteers and clients.

Community Care’s Executive Director, Debbie MacDonald Moynes, noted the new initiative supported the County’s Age-Friendly Community Plan. The program will affect over 4,000 seniors.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding. We will be able to determine why current clients and volunteers choose our agency, and then target future communications,” she said.

Another $10,800 is earmarked for the County Library system. The funding will help the library partner with its four current Friends of the Library groups in Ameliasburgh, Consecon, Milford, and Wellington, and launch similar groups for the branches in Bloomfield and Picton. The project will help the Friends increase membership and volunteer opportunities, and deliver social and educational programming. Funding may also support games and art supplies, speakers, and healthy snacks.

Library CEO Barbara Sweet said the Friends groups ensure the various library branches serve as vital community hubs through their support and advocacy.

“This project will both attract new members and enable the Friends to offer a series of special programs for older adults at each branch,” she said.

Senior-centric programs are also coming to Quinte West and Hastings. In Trenton, the Quinte West Public Library plans to engage senior volunteers in a $13,462 intergenerational cooking program that will promote healthy eating habits and cooking skills across various age sectors and cultural groups.

In Hastings County, $11,138 will give lower-income older adults and seniors in community and geared-to-income housing access to safe and accessible fitness, recreational and social programming to promote social inclusion and aid in improved mental and physical health.

The 2024-25 Seniors Community Grant Program supports 282 projects across Ontario through a total investment of around $6 million. Organizations can apply for up to $25,000. Projects must provide seniors with opportunities for community engagement.