Our constituency office is open to serve you! - Contact Us

MPP Darouze Announces Over $48,000 of Seniors Community Grants in Carleton

August 19, 2026

Ontario invests in services and activities helping seniors stay active and socially connected

NEWS

OTTAWA – Today, MPP Darouze announced that Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS) and Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton (TROtt) have received Seniors Community Grants bringing seniors together in Carleton.

ROSSS’ Champlain Seniors Connection Program will help to address chronic loneliness among seniors who are least likely to reach out for help. By partnering with community agencies, their program will ensure that seniors are contacted regularly to combat the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

TROtt’s Horse Power for Seniors program provides seniors with a free, hands-on experiential program that will allow seniors aged 55 and older to enjoy ground-based/unmounted activities that will aid people with diverse disabilities and mental health challenges.

“This Seniors Community Grant continues to support programs that promote mental health, well-being, and social connection for older adults in Carleton,” said George Darouze, MPP for Carleton. “By investing in initiatives that reduce isolation and provide meaningful opportunities for engagement, we are helping seniors stay connected, supported, and active members of our community.”

The Ontario government is investing up to $7 million for more than 320 Seniors Community Grants helping seniors and stay fit, active, healthy and socially connected, close to home and in their communities.

“The Seniors Community Grants Program is a great example of how our government is working for local communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “We are pleased to provide investments for so many services and activities that bring seniors together, learn new skills, get fit, and stay connected to their neighbours and friends.”

Up to $25,000 per project is invested in local services, activities and events to provide seniors with opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. The Seniors Community Grants is a unique Ontario government grant designed to reduce social isolation, fight ageism and create positive connections.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $40 million dollars in over 2,100 Seniors Community Grants.

QUOTES

“TROtt is excited to continue to offer free programming designed specifically for seniors including veterans, people living with dementia, people experiencing social isolation, and people with disabilities. Our participants experience significant benefits both physically and emotionally through our equine-assisted programming creating engagement and a strong sense of purpose, connection and community involvement.”

  • Andrea Stuhec-Leonard, Executive Director, Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton (TROtt)

ROSSS is sincerely grateful to receive funding through the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program for the Champlain Seniors Connection Program. Loneliness and social isolation are among the most significant challenges affecting seniors across the Champlain region. This investment will enable ROSSS to reach seniors who might otherwise remain disconnected, providing meaningful social connections, reducing isolation, and helping more seniors feel supported, valued, and connected to their communities.

  • Kelly Dumas, Executive Director, Rural Ottawa South Support Services (ROSSS)

-30-

MEDIA CONTACT

Office of George Darouze, MPP – Carleton
1128 Mill St. Manotick, ON K4M 1A2
Tel.: 613-838-4425
george.darouze@pc.ola.org