City of Toronto giving seniors early access to winter recreation programs

Seniors in Toronto can register for the city's winter recreation programs a week early this year.  (Michelle Siu/The Canadian Press - image credit)
Seniors in Toronto can register for the city's winter recreation programs a week early this year. (Michelle Siu/The Canadian Press - image credit)

The City of Toronto is giving seniors early access to its recreational programs for the winter months.

Registration for the city's winter programs opens next week, but for the first time, seniors are being given early access to sign up starting Tuesday morning.

Mayor Olivia Chow says it's to help seniors keep from feeling isolated in the cold winter months.

She says the city has heard from seniors looking for social activities to help stay healthy and engaged during the winter months but found themselves frustrated because the city's programs were often full.

"As mayor, my priority is to make sure that all Torontonians, no matter their age, have access to the programs in order to stay active, engaged and connected," Chow said

"This early registration gives seniors a chance to secure a spot they've been looking forward to."

Residents aged 60 and up will be able to register for the city's winter programs starting Nov. 26 at 10 a.m.

For all other residents, registration for winter recreation programs in Etobicoke, York, Toronto and East York opens at 7 a.m. on Dec. 3, while registration for programs in North York and Scarborough opens at 7 a.m. on Dec. 4.

People can sign up online, by phone or at any city-run community centre across the city.