Brampton (ON): During the March 9th Special Council meeting regarding the 2023 Budget, members from various senior’s groups across the city delegated to seek clarification and advocate for recreation for seniors.
Last fall, senior’s groups across the city advocated for access to free recreation programs. At a seniors meeting held on Tuesday March 7th, senior’s groups were provided false information by another Councillor.
At the Budget meeting on Thursday, March 9th, Mr. Jangir Singh Sehmby, President of Association Seniors Clubs Brampton which represents 38 senior’s clubs across the city, delegated on behalf of the dozens of seniors in attendance at City Hall.
Sehmby sought clarification on the city’s intentions to implement free recreation for seniors and asked for a phase-in of free recreation for seniors to start at age 70 and older, followed by 65 and older.
Councillor Santos thanked the seniors and commented, “Seniors are here today with misinformation regarding a reference to a 10 year phase-in… As you can see on the screen that was never the case. It’s unfortunate that you received incorrect information.”
In addition to providing clarification regarding the false remarks and misinformation being shared with seniors, Councillor Santos brought forward a motion to ensure the work to implement free recreation for seniors moves forward.
The motion, which passed unanimously, recognizes that as per the corresponding report, a user fee study is currently underway this year to determine the increase in demand, resource requirements and costs of implementing free recreation for seniors. The motion further states that free recreation for seniors will be phased-in after the user fee study is complete, beginning for those 70 years of age and older in 2024, and for 65 and older starting in the year of 2025.
“We appreciate and acknowledge our seniors in Brampton, many of whom live on a fixed income. Enabling seniors to remain physically and socially active is important for them personally and it pro-actively helps our healthcare system to keep seniors living an active lifestyle,” Santos states. “Thank you to all of our seniors for seeking the necessary clarification on the matter and for your ongoing advocacy.”