NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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Warden George Cornell has once again proclaimed Oct. 1 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 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 lifelong 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.
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