Popularity of program, recent heavy snowfall led to addition of funds

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It's been a snowy winter and there will soon be more support available for low-income older adults (65+), older adults (75+), and low-income individuals with disabilities for assistance with outdoor maintenance. 

The Town of Caledon offers a financial grant of up to $500, through a rebate, to successful applicants to its Outdoor Maintenance Assistance Program.

Through the 2025 budget process, Caledon allocated $150,000 for this program, enough to support 300 applicants. Through January and February, this limit has already been reached. 

At Caledon Council's February 25 meeting, Mayor Annette Groves brought forward a motion requesting that $50,000 be added to the program so more people can be supported by it. The motion was supported unanimously by all Caledon Councillors. 

Ward 4 Councillor Nick de Boer said the program has proven to be very well-received considering how well-used it is. 

Groves said she wanted to thank Ward 3 Councillor Doug Maskell for bringing the need for more funding to her attention; she said Maskell heard about the need when he attended the 55+ Active Living & Wellness Fair at the Caledon Seniors Centre last Thursday.

“The program was so well-used by our residents, and given the amount of snow we've had… this will help 100 more seniors with snow shovelling and maintenance,” said Groves. “This is a very cost-effective way of assisting our seniors.”

Maskell said he wanted to thank Caledon's Age Friendly Task Force and Caledon's age-friendly staff for getting the word out about the Outdoor Maintenance Assistance Program.

Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa said he was happy to see marketing for the program has worked. 

“This has been quite the challenging winter; it's been challenging for myself, I can imagine senior citizens who are dealing with this,” said Rosa. “I've had a lot of positive feedback from seniors in my neighbourhood.”