Wasaga Beach Public Library receives $23,000 in grant funding to support seniors.

(Wasaga Beach, ON, June 15, 2023) – The Wasaga Beach Public Library (WBPL) is excited to announce it has been chosen as a recipient of the 2023-24 Seniors Community Grant Program. The grant will contribute over $23,000 in funding to support the WBPL Seniors Cultural Connections program to provide older adults in Wasaga Beach with new cultural opportunities.

As announced by Minister of Seniors and Accessibility of Ontario, Raymond Cho, on June 1st, the provincial government is investing up to $6 million dollars in over 280 projects across the province. These projects promote social inclusion, volunteerism, and community engagement.

“Across the province, June is a time when we pay formal tribute to our seniors. Ontario’s older adults are the province’s fastest growing demographic, and they are to be celebrated for the contributions they have made to our communities. It’s important that they know we are working hard to provide them with grants such as this one, that will be used by the Wasaga Beach Public Library to provide opportunities for them to keep active and socially connected close to their home.” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe Grey. “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to WBPL CEO Pamela Pal and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work hard to deliver quality programming that makes a big difference in the lives of seniors in Wasaga Beach.”

WBPL will use the funds to focus on helping to combat social isolation by providing seniors with uplifting and enlightening cultural experiences. Using a portion of the grant money the library will be organizing four coach bus excursions to cultural attractions around the GTA. These trips will be highly subsidized to equalize access for all older adults.

Funds will also be used to organize four live musical performances at the new Twin Pad Arena & Library, providing seniors with unique social entertainment throughout the fall and winter seasons.

To ensure that the Cultural Connections program resonates with seniors and reaches those isolated the most, WBPL will be convening a Seniors Advisory Committee of volunteers to help with the organization and delivery of these programs. These volunteers will be instrumental in helping to organize specialized transit solutions to ensure that those with mobility and transit challenges will be able to still attend the performances.

WBPL has tremendous experience programming for seniors through its ongoing adult programs as well as having been a recipient of Seniors Community Grant funds in the past. “We recognize that there is a significant population of older adults in Wasaga Beach, and we are dedicated to providing them with unique opportunities to bolster their well-being while simultaneously removing barriers.” Said Pam Pam, library CEO.

To get the latest updates on this program and others that the library offers, you can follow the library on social media or sign up for their email newsletter at wasagabeachpubliclibrary.ca.