Midhurst/February 27, 2026 – The County of Simcoe is opening applications for its 2026 Age‑Friendly Seniors Housing Grant on March 1, 2026. Now in its ninth year, the program provides $500,000 in annual funding to support seniors in remaining independent, safe, and connected within their communities.
The grant is a cornerstone of the County’s Positive Aging Strategy, which was first introduced in the original plan and reaffirmed in the renewed Simcoe County 2025–2030 Positive Aging Strategy. It supports homeowners and landlords across the region in making accessible, adaptable, and inclusive upgrades for residents aged 60 and older. These projects range from mobility‑friendly renovations to adaptable living spaces and inclusive design features, helping older adults remain independent and safely at home for as long as possible.
In 2025, the County approved 93 applications, highlighting a significant need throughout the community.
“Supporting our aging population is one of the County’s most important responsibilities,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “We are grateful that the Age‑Friendly Seniors Housing Grant continues to make a meaningful difference by helping older adults remain safe, independent, and connected in the homes and communities they love.”
To be eligible for the grant, projects must be located within the 16 municipalities of the County of Simcoe (excluding the Cities of Barrie and Orillia), applicants must be homeowners of principal residences or landlords renting to individuals aged 60+ and applicants can not have received an Age‑Friendly Seniors Housing Grant in the past three years, or other County capital funding for the same project. Individual grant amounts will be determined based on the number of applications received and the applicant’s ability to meet program criteria.
Applications open March 1, 2026, and close May 31, 2026. Full program details and application forms will be available at simcoe.ca/age-friendly.
About Age-Friendly Simcoe County
Recognized by the WHO, the Age-Friendly Simcoe County initiative was established in 2016 to increase awareness of the County’s aging population and help businesses and organizations evaluate their environment and service delivery. The County continues to provide resources and assessment tools to help organizations implement age-friendly goals and strategies and adapt to our aging population. For more information about the Age-Friendly program, along with the Business and Individual Recognition Awards, visit www.simcoe.ca/age-friendly, email agefriendly@simcoe.ca or call 705-726-9300 ext. 3127.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
