Seniors Centre makes outdoor space more accessible

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Member of parliament Andy Fillmore chats with community planners and designers, lyad Al-Halis and Kieran Stepan.

Government of Canada supports community revitalization and inclusive social participation

April 14, 2023 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Canadian cities and towns flourish when they have community public spaces to promote social interaction and physical activity, and provide access to recreational programs and facilities. These amenities are integral to the overall well-being of individuals, families and communities. Our economic recovery is closely linked to the vitality of our local communities and their shared spaces.

Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced an investment of $85,659 through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) for Spencer House Seniors Centre. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This support will allow the Centre to extend and widen its wrap-around deck, replace the damaged front stairs, and install double doors on the front entrance. These upgrades will help the Centre provide a larger, age-friendly outdoor space where seniors, youth and families can meet and spend time together.

The CCRF was launched in June 2021. The fund provides $500 million over two years to Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) to invest in shared and inclusive public spaces. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in shared spaces to make them safer, greener and more accessible. This will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.

Quotes

“Strong, vibrant communities in Nova Scotia are a critical part of a robust and inclusive economic recovery. Investing in shared spaces like Spencer House in Halifax helps gives residents a place to come together safely with friends and family.”

-       The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Spencer House has been contributing to the health and wellness of older adults and seniors in Halifax for decades. With these upgrades to its entrance and outdoor deck, people of all ages and mobility levels can meet and mingle safely, enjoying each other’s company in the fresh air and sunshine. On behalf of the entire Halifax community, we are so grateful that after 40 years, Spencer House is still going strong.”

-       Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“After two years of dreaming, designing, and planning an outdoor space that was accessible to all members of the community, we are thrilled to finally begin the next phase of building our new outdoor space! Our project, called “For the Community, By the Community,” is exactly that – a place where friends can gather and enjoy each other.”

-    Allison Davis, Executive Director, Spencer House Seniors Centre

Quick facts

  • Spencer House is a community drop-in centre for people aged 50 and up. It has been a community fixture in the South end of Halifax since the early 1980s. 

  • The Centre’s mission is to support the social participation and inclusion of seniors by providing services and programs to enable older adults to live independently, contribute to their community, and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. It offers daily homemade meals, social activities, health and wellness programs and educational workshops.

  • The Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports two major streams of activity:

    • adapting community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public health guidelines,
    • building or improving community spaces to encourage Canadians to re-engage in, and explore their communities and regions. 

  • Application intake for the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is now closed. If you have a pending application, please contact your account manager for more information.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lauren Sinclair
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
782-641-6365
Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Allison Davis
Executive Director
Spencer House Seniors Centre
902-421-6131
ED@SpencerHouse.ca

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