Midhurst/June 24, 2025 – Committed to fostering age-friendly communities, the County of Simcoe is proud to unveil the 2025-2030 Age-Friendly Positive Aging Strategy. This revitalized strategy builds on years of research, engagement, and community-driven priorities that enhance the lives of older adults across the region.
As Simcoe County’s older adult population continues to grow, the County remains a leader in innovative approaches to aging, ensuring seniors have access to inclusive, healthy, and sustainable community programs, services, and infrastructure.
“Our older adults play a vital role in our communities, and we recognize the need for forward-thinking planning to support their well-being,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “This updated strategy directly responds to feedback from residents and focuses on key priorities that will help to make Simcoe County a model for age-friendly living.”
Since receiving provincial funding in 2015 for its Age-Friendly Community Planning Grant Program, Simcoe County has remained committed to strengthening age-friendly infrastructure, planning, and services. The Simcoe County Positive Aging Strategy has evolved over the years, with the initial document incorporating more than 140 recommendations to enhance the well-being of older adults in the community, nearly 90% of which were addressed between 2018 and 2023.
More recently, the County conducted an extensive Age-Friendly Simcoe County Community Survey, which garnered 2,587 responses. Findings underscored three key priorities: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, and Communication and Information.
County Launches Age-Friendly Calendar
In direct response to community feedback, the County, in partnership with 211 Community Connection, has launched the Age-Friendly Activity Calendar. This initiative provides older adults with easy access to information on local programs, events, and activities that support healthy aging and social engagement.
“The Age-Friendly Calendar helps bridge the communication gap identified in our community survey by empowering older adults to stay active, informed, and connected,” said Jane Sinclair, General Manager, Health and Emergency Services. “With the support of 211 Community Connection, we’ve created a resource that enhances accessibility and fosters engagement among seniors in our region.”
The Age-Friendly Activity Calendar features activities across five distinct regions: South Georgian Bay, South Simcoe, North Simcoe, Barrie, and Orillia. Events and programs will be submitted online, vetted by dedicated volunteers, and regularly updated to ensure the most current information is available.
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 [email protected] or call 705-726-9300 ext. 3127.
About 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.
