The new Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) for the County of Haliburton was officially opened at the Seniors Seminar, hosted by MPP Laurie Scott and MP Jamie Schmale, June 25 at the Haliburton Legion.
Donna Lynn Clarke, representing the minister for seniors and accessibility, made the announcement.
SALCs are not one physical location, but rather activities and events funded by the province to be put on in various locations across the Highlands.
Clarke said the province has given a grant that provides “consistent annual funding” to the County.
Sue Tiffin, County of Haliburton’s community safety and well-being plan coordinator, said the County received $46,000, as well as $10,000 for start-up funding, and $4,420 as a special grant for the 2025-26 program.
Programs are designed for older adults (age 55+) and seniors (65+) but can be intergenerational.
Tiffin added the County is the SALC operator, the local municipalities are funding partners, offering in-kind space and staff support, and SALC partners offering programming this year include: the four legions, Abbey Gardens, the Haliburton County Master Gardeners, SIRCH Community Services, the Haliburton County Public Library, the Haliburton County Community Paramedics, the Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Group, and local municipalities.
Tiffin said planned upcoming programming to be held between July and March include: first aid for seniors; museum tours; information sessions; nature walking tours; a pen pal program; a forest bathing session; tech help workshops; disc golf lessons; cooking classes; board game and cards drop-in events, and a variety of recreational programs. SALC programming in Haliburton County will take place at locations throughout the Highlands, as well as virtually/online.
Clarke said the centres were “designed to build capacity; allow you to try new ideas; form strategic partnerships with other senior-serving organizations, and to meet the needs of seniors in your community.”
She added she had seen first-hand how the program “brings together senior-serving organizations to bring meaningful collaboration to address local community needs and it is truly transformational when the program comes to a community, so I am so excited for you.”
MPP Laurie Scott added, “we love that Haliburton County is the newest seniors active living centre. It will offer seniors from the entire community the opportunity to stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected through various activities.”
Information will be available at www.haliburtoncounty. ca/SALC, in local newspapers and on radio, and through printed calendars available throughout the County.
