City celebrates first seniors’ satellite location

Members of the community, the London Public Library, City staff and Councillor Bill Armstrong gathered at the East London Public Library to officially open the City’s first Seniors’ Centre satellite location with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration.

The City is in the process of implementing a three year strategic plan developed for the Seniors’ Centres and endorsed by City Council. Currently the City operates the Kiwanis Seniors’ Community Centre and Hamilton Road Seniors’ Centre and Community Centre which have been popular community hubs offering older adults in London recreation and leisure opportunities for over forty years.

The new strategic direction will focus on moving to a “hub and satellite” model of service delivery. The current facilities will be the "hubs" and continue to provide a number of services for older adults including daily activities, special events, day trips, Spectrum programs, food services and access to information. Partnerships will be developed with existing organizations to form "satellites". Satellite arrangements will provide access to services, daily activities and programs for adults 55 and over at neighbourhood locations throughout the city.

“The City continually strives to identify opportunities for improvement at our centres, aiming to enhance the experience for the members as well as the broader community,” said Lynne Livingstone, Managing Director of Neighbourhood, Children and Fire Services.

The London Public Library is an integral partner in this initiative, providing the programming space required, and adding additional complementary program opportunities during satellite hours.

“The Argyle Seniors’ Satellite is the first of its kind in London. Recognizing the value community recreation programs play in building strong and healthy residents and neighbourhoods I am excited this initiative has come to fruition. I continue to be a strong supporter of the current work being done,” said Ward 2 Councillor Bill Armstrong.

The annual membership fee to the Argyle Seniors’ Satellite is $10. Programs and activities run Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The programs offered will mimic the core programs available at the hubs, and the programming lineup will rely on the suggestions and requests of the satellite members. Members will also receive discounted rates on Spectrum programs and bus trips offered at the hub locations.