Picton, ON — June 23, 2025 — After nearly 50 years of supporting older adults in Prince Edward County, Community Care has announced its most ambitious initiative yet: the establishment of a permanent County Seniors’ Centre at 74 King Street in Picton.
At an official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony, Community Care unveiled its vision for the Centre—a central, fully accessible, and welcoming space where older adults can come together for recreation, learning, social connection, and community engagement.
“This is about more than just purchasing a building,” said Peter Landry, President of the Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors Association. “It’s about creating a space where older adults can connect, thrive, and feel a strong sense of belonging. We’re grateful to be joined today by community members, partners, and representatives from all three levels of government to mark this important milestone.”
Prince Edward County is home to one of the oldest populations in Ontario, with more than 35 percent of residents over the age of 65—almost double the provincial average. The new Centre will provide essential programs and services that help local seniors remain healthy, independent, and socially connected, addressing the loneliness and isolation that affect too many older adults.
At the launch, Campaign Chair Anne Van Vlack announced a fundraising goal of $1.2 million, with over $900,000 already raised thanks to generous contributions from local philanthropist Michael Hymus, the Parrott Foundation, and Community Care’s own fundraising efforts. “The support we’ve received so far is extraordinary,” said Van Vlack. “It gives us the confidence to move forward as we work to raise the remaining $350,000 over the next year.”
MPP Tyler Allsopp presented a certificate of congratulations on behalf of the Government of Ontario, recognizing the impact of the initiative. “The work Community Care is doing is vital for seniors in Prince Edward County,” said Allsopp. “We’re proud to support the County Seniors’ Centre and the Seniors Active Living Programs that keep older adults engaged and thriving.”
Mayor Steve Ferguson praised the leadership role seniors play in the County. “Seniors are the backbone of this community. Their involvement is essential—from volunteering on municipal committees to enriching our social fabric,” he said. “This Centre will be a place where they can celebrate life, belong, and continue contributing meaningfully to our community.”
Long-time Community Care supporter, naturalist and author Terry Sprague, had the honour of cutting the ribbon. “There comes a time when we can no longer do all the things we once could—but there is still so much we can do,” he said. “I’m proud to support Community Care as both a participant and a volunteer. This Centre will help ensure older adults continue to live well, stay active, and feel connected.”
With a strong foundation laid, the final phase of the capital campaign is now underway—and community support is essential to reach the finish line. Every gift makes a difference. One-time or monthly donations will help open the doors to a Centre that will serve generations of older adults in Prince Edward County.
Let’s open the doors to a Seniors’ Centre in Picton
Why it matters:
- One of Ontario’s Oldest Populations: 35% of our residents are over the age of 65—nearly double the provincial average. Senior services are critical to the vitality of many of Prince Edward County’s residents.
- A fully accessible, permanent centre: Older adults will find services to help them live at home, and gather for recreation, learning, conversation, and community to address the loneliness that affects too many seniors.
- Stability and Sustainability: Owning the building shields Community Care from dramatic rent increases, safeguarding the financial future of the organization and the programs seniors rely on.
- Community Care for Seniors will be able to bring our programming under one warm, welcoming and familiar roof that will serve County seniors for decades to come.
- Proven Impact: In the past year alone, with the help of 40 volunteers, we delivered over 1,000 active living programs to more than 300 local seniors.
Thanks to generous donors and fundraising—including significant contributions from Michael Hymus and the Parrott Foundation—we’ve already raised over $900,000 toward our $1.2 million goal.
Now, we need your help to cross the finish line.
Your gift—whether a one-time donation or a monthly contribution—will help us open the doors to a centre that will serve generations of seniors in Prince Edward County.
Let’s give seniors the place they deserve.
Together, we can create a permanent home base that will stand as a testament to care, dignity, and community.
There are many ways to support seniors in Prince Edward County
Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors Association
74A King Street
Picton, ON K0K 2T0
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