Press Release
Township of Whitewater Region
On October 29, 2021, the Whitewater Seniors Hub celebrated its grand opening. The Whitewater Seniors Task Force, many of whom were present at the grand opening, worked hard over the past two years to first create an Age Friendly Plan for Whitewater Region and then address the highest identified needs by helping to launch the Whitewater Seniors Hub pilot project.
Without the leadership, commitment and passion of the Seniors Task Force members, in combination with the involvement of many residents and community groups in the Township of Whitewater Region, this pilot project and the necessary funding would not have come to fruition.
Through the Province of Ontario Inclusive Community Grants program, $60,000 was awarded to implement the Whitewater Seniors Hub pilot project.
This grant funding is provided to municipalities and local organizations to help strengthen a community’s ability to create opportunities for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“The Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living pilot project is a wonderful example of our Inclusive Community Grant program in action,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Congratulations on your official launch and thank you for creating new ways to make your community more inclusive for seniors.”
MPP John Yakabuski was in attendance, spoke and assisted with the ribbon cutting.
He said, “The Whitewater Seniors Hub will help bring exactly what the community needs to support its senior population.”
“As the number of seniors grows, this will be even more greatly appreciated. The repurposing of an excellent facility was a tremendous initiative on the part of the community. I want to thank and congratulate all that played a role in making this happen.”
This project is also a prime example of leveraging and extending existing resources through partnership. Renfrew & Area Seniors Home Support and Carefor Health & Community Services of Pembroke are integral partners in helping to improve access and reduce barriers to services across Whitewater Region.
Both have a long-standing commitment and proven success in supporting seniors and individuals with disabilities in Renfrew County.
An additional partner is the law firm of Johnson, Fraser & Conroy now owners of the former Beachburg Scotia Bank building. Although the loss of the in-person services from Scotia Bank was a difficult adjustment for the community, the building is now serving a new important purpose as the Whitewater Seniors Hub thanks to their generosity.
Mayor Michael Moore, Township of Whitewater Region, opened the event.
He comments, “Our senior residents are vital to the health and prosperity of our Township. We are happy to be able to provide these residents with improved access to services and active living opportunities and, ultimately, to help them age in place in their communities while staying connected to their social and family networks.”
Alice Grenon, Manager, Community Support Services Carefor Health & Community Services stated, “It has been a great opportunity to partner with Renfrew & Area Seniors Home Support and the Whitewater Seniors Hub to help bring programs and services to the Whitewater Region!”
“With more services we can help keep seniors aging in their own homes for a longer period of time.”
Dennis Harrington, Executive Director of Renfrew & Area Seniors Home Support added, “It was with great pleasure and an abundance of pride to be here today for the grand opening of the Whitewater Seniors Home Support and Active Living Centre.”
“As Executive Director of Renfrew and Area Seniors’ Home Support Inc, I am pleased to partner with Whitewater Region Township and Carefor Health & Community Services (Renfrew County) to offer Home Support programs for the seniors and disabled of Whitewater Region”.”
“Michael Conroy of Johnson, Fraser & Conroy concluded, “The Whitewater Seniors Hub is a fantastic initiative. I am just happy that I was able to contribute to such a great cause.”
