East Elgin Community Complex Expands Senior Programming with $25,000 Provincial Grant The East Elgin Community Complex (EECC) has long been a hub for activity in Aylmer and Malahide, offering everything from shuffleboard and skating to pickleball and community gatherings. Now, thanks to a $25,000 Ontario Seniors Community Grant, the Complex and the Town of Aylmer will be expanding their recreational and wellness programming for older adults. The grant was announced on August 13th during a press conference at Palmer Park, where Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt praised the initiative, saying it would support “healthy, independent, and connected living” for residents aged 55 and older. The funding will launch the Active Living Aylmer program, which includes weekly dance fitness, creative painting sessions, pop-up senior centres, and a workshop series covering topics from caregiving to community development. Mayor Couckuyt credited the leadership of EECC’s Manager of Parks & Recreation, Susie Wray, for securing the grant and developing such a comprehensive program. “We are proud to invest in services that support people of all ages and abilities,” he said. “We’re excited to see Active Living Aylmer come to life this fall.” Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the importance of staying active at any age. “We need to make sure our seniors participate and remain active,” he said. “It’s not just about exercise, it’s about social connection, learning, and having choices.” For Susie, the new funding builds on the EECC’s existing offerings for older adults, which already attract a loyal crowd. “We have shuffleboard Wednesdays at 1 pm year-round, pickleball several times a week, adult skate on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, and public skating,” she said. A newer initiative, the monthly Connection Club, has been particularly well-received. Held on the first Thursday of each month, it offers free board games, cards,
Aylmer City Councillor Kathryn Desrosiers, Mayor Jack Couckuyt, Minister Rob Flack, Susie Wray, and CAO Andy Grozelle. refreshments, and a welcoming space for conversation. “It’s about promoting social inclusion and preventing isolation,” said Susie. “We want people to feel connected and comfortable here.” The grant will allow the Town of Aylmer to introduce pop-up senior centres starting in September. These will run Mondays from 9 am to noon at Old Town Hall and Wednesdays at the EECC’s Blue Line Room. The pop-ups will feature a mix of unstructured social time, crafts, card and board games, guest speakers, and occasional fitness or creative activities. “What’s nice is there’s no membership, no sign-up, just drop in,” Susie explained. “Everything is free, and people can come to both locations if they want. It’s really about giving residents options.” A workshop series running from September through March will tackle topics relevant to older adults, including bone health, elder abuse prevention, and caregiver support. The schedule also includes a “Treasure Your Bones” health series and lunch-and-learn sessions. Physical activity is a key part of the expanded programming. Free dance fitness classes will be offered Wednesday mornings at 11 am, and a creative paint series will give
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