The City of Oshawa is committed to providing inclusive and equitable service to all of its residents, demonstrated through the Oshawa Strategic Plan and the City’s Diversity and Inclusion Plan. These policy documents provide a framework for the City to achieve Social Equity and Cultural Vitality.

The City has a strong partnership through a long-term funding arrangement with the Oshawa Senior Community Centres (OSCC) as an experienced and innovative not-for-profit organization that provides invaluable services to the 55+ community in Oshawa. The overall goal of OSCC is to serve the community through excellence in leadership, advocacy and a holistic approach to wellness. This is achieved through the support of community partners and a shared commitment to the provision of sustainable, engaging leisure programs and supportive, independent living services.

OSCC offers six participant-centred core support services that promote independent living for older adults: Adult Day Programs, Footcare, Transportation, Congregate Dining, Peer Mentoring and Physiotherapy functional fitness classes. OSCC offers many special events and recreation programs and understands that recreation is an important part of overall wellness.

The philosophy that learning is a lifelong goal is fully embraced at OSCC. Courses and workshops are designed to keep aging minds and bodies active and are grouped into either Fitness & Dance, General Interest, Computers & Technology or Information & Wellness categories. In addition to this important partnership, the City of Oshawa provides many programs for older adults including the Snow Clearing Assistance Program, Waste Collection Assistance Program, Side Boulevard Grass Cutting Assistance Program, the Municipal Tax Deferral Program and financial subsidies to recreation centres.

The Oshawa Age-Friendly Strategy provides a clear roadmap for the City of Oshawa and the OSCC to, in partnership with the community, build on the current programs and services to achieve a more age-friendly City.