Members of the Simcoe Seniors Centre are worried that they may not be getting a new home after all.
Wayne Blazey was part of a team that looked at the needs of the Seniors Centre and compared it to other facilities in the area back in 2012.
Blazey says that when the current Council said the Seniors Centre could move to the Simcoe Rec Centre, it left them stunned and excited.
But, after backlash from local ice users, Blazey says their new home may not come to fruition.
In use since the 1970s, Blazey explains that the Seniors Centre has severe mould issues, ancient washrooms, and poor air quality.
Blazey hopes that people may be able to reach out to Council to emphasize the fact the Seniors Centre needs a new home.
A full letter penned by Blazey can be found below.
TO ALL CITIZENS OF NORFOLK COUNTY REGARDLESS OF AGE
From Wayne Blazey, Simcoe, Norfolk County, Ontario
You may be aware of a charitable organization in Simcoe called the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre. It’s Constitution begins with a clear Mission Statement … “To provide and augment a variety of programs to ensure that the 50-plus community of Norfolk County have comradeship and activities that enhance their lifestyle and promote healthy living.” To this end, the Centre’s program schedule offers over 45 scheduled activities each week plus several special occasion events and services. The operations are completely volunteer run with over 500 members. Since the 1970’s, the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre has enjoyed the use of about 17,000 sq. ft. in the old factory building at 89 Pond Street in Simcoe. This building is owned by the County. Every official who has visited the site for at least the past 20 years has acknowledged that this ancient building is too old and too decrepit for continued service. During this period, successive Norfolk Councils have paid lip service to the need for new and improved facilities to house the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre. Numerous in-staff and third-party studies have been commissioned. Every study has had the same conclusion … the Simcoe Seniors’ need larger, updated, and in-code facilities. Other than including a “Seniors’ space” in a hypothetical Norfolk Hub, no actions have ever materialized from all these studies.
Then in January this year, Council surprised everyone by unilaterally deciding to close the ice surface at the South Drive Recreation Centre, perform some renovations, and move the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre into that space. The Seniors’ Centre members were all in favour of this concept. They are looking forward to a new home at the Rec Centre.
Fast-forward to July, 2020 – Council has blind-sided the Seniors by voting to reconsider this plan. It seems that Council is using pandemic expenses as an excuse. However, in reality, is Council giving-in to a very vocal and sustained propaganda campaign carried on by the ice rink users who don’t want to see the Rec Centre ice removed? Remember, too, that the County admits to losing over $2 million annually by maintaining the County’s ice surfaces. Note also that an Adult Community Centre (a Seniors’ Centre) costs the County relatively little money due to the Federal and Provincial grants received for supporting Aged Adults.
Rumour has it that Council is now proposing to give the Seniors use of 2 rooms at the Rec Centre – the Norfolk Room and the Dogwood Room – plus the attached kitchen. Is this true? If so, members of the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre should be extremely insulted by this meagre offering and should be disgusted by the Council’s about-face. Once again, it seems that the Senior population of Norfolk is being neglected. But let’s hope this is only an unsubstantiated rumour.
Honestly, I believe the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre doesn’t really care whether or not their next home is at the Rec Centre. All it wants and needs …
• Is a new home with comparable space to their current location (preferably extra to expand their activities).
• Is to be centrally located in Simcoe for easy access.
• Is to continue to provide the programs and services to the Seniors of Norfolk County.
The Simcoe Seniors’ Centre wants to fulfil its Mission Statement!
and,
Seniors want to be treated with RESPECT!!
Please write or call your Council member to tell them what you think of their treatment of the Seniors of Norfolk County. Keep in mind that everyone inevitably becomes a Senior Citizen (in this case, 50 years young). As your time approaches, wouldn’t it be great to know you have a modern and welcoming Simcoe Seniors’ Centre waiting to entertain you?