Township of Tiny receives $22,000 through Ontario Minister of Seniors and Accessibility’s Seniors Community Grant

(Tiny, Ontario) The Township of Tiny is excited to share that we have received a $22,105 grant through the Ontario Minister of Seniors and Accessibility’s Seniors Community Grant program for new active living programs and walking equipment. 

Through this grant, the township will be implementing a four-part program called Nature Connect: Outdoor Adventures for Seniors. 

Part one includes six (6) free outdoor recreation excursions led by a local outdoor adventure company called Free Spirit Tours in English and French covering hiking, learning to canoe, learning to kayak, a forest-therapy walk, a wild edibles walk (foraging), and snowshoeing. 

Part two includes a free eight (8) week slow sensory walking program facilitated by a local Certified Forest Therapy Guide taking place at a variety of Tiny’s accessible trails and parks. 

Part three will allow the township to purchase specialized walking equipment for use during all seasons including urban poles (aka Nordic walking poles) and snowshoes. These items will be used during the new Nature Connect program and also be made available through our sport loaner equipment program where they can be signed out for use by the community. 

Part four will include the creation of a walking group for older adults and provide an opportunity for volunteers to give back to the North Simcoe community and take part in certification training such as first aid and Urban Poling Canada. 

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility to enhance our programs and active living opportunities for the whole community,” said Mayor David Evans. “As a recognized Age-Friendly Community by the World Health Organization (WHO), we continue to work with members of the community, our advisory committees, and other levels of government to enhance our recreation and program offerings to ensure people of any age and ability can participate.” 

“The Seniors Community Grant Program is helping protect the well-being of seniors by providing opportunities to stay active, connected and engaged. We are honoured to support Nature Connect: Outdoor Adventures for Seniors, a program that demonstrates Tiny’s commitment to creating inclusive, age-friendly opportunities for learning, wellness and accessible outdoor activities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. 

"I’m thrilled to see this important investment from the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility supporting the Township of Tiny. With its beautiful trails, waterfronts, and green spaces, Tiny provides the perfect outdoor environment for seniors to stay active and connected. This funding will enhance opportunities for older adults to enjoy healthy, engaged living through accessible programs and equipment that support well-being and community inclusion," said Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North

The Township of Tiny looks forward to partnering with our Senior Advisory Committee and volunteers to deliver these new programs to the community. 

For more information about these programs, please visit www.tiny.ca/seniors. 

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