Ontario officially recognizes Eight Niagara Age-Friendly Communities at Award Ceremony

The Niagara Older Adult Alliance (NOAA) is proud that eight of its member municipalities, Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, and West Lincoln and the Age-Friendly Niagara Council (AFNC), were officially recognized as Age-Friendly Communities and were invited to the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Ceremony on January 18, 2026 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. The ceremony coincided with the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference.

The Niagara Older Adult Alliance (NOAA) brings together at one table the local Niagara municipal committees known by various name such Older Adult, Age-Friendly, Wellness, and Active Living Seniors Advisory Committees. NOAA works collaboratively with the AFNC, which serves as the Niagara’s Council on Aging, sharing information on advocacy efforts and best practices to foster an Age-Friendly Niagara – a Community for all Ages.

Hosted by Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of several communities across Ontario for their contributions toward making Ontario more accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. Age-friendly communities create more inclusive physical and social environments that support older adults to live safely, enjoy good health and stay active and involved. Communities were recognized for their achievements in building spaces that are more inclusive of older adults.

In attendance at the awards ceremony were:

• Mayor Cheryl Ganann, West Lincoln
• Mayor Jeff Jordan, Town of Grimsby
• Councillor Tim O’Hare, City of Thorold and Jean D’Amelio Swyer, Chair, Thorold Age-Friendly Committee
• Dominic Ventresca, Chair, Age-Friendly Niagara Council

“Staying physically, mentally and socially active is the prescription for healthy aging,” said Jean D’Amelio Swyer, Chair, Niagara Older Adult Alliance. “Age-Friendly Communities promote healthy living which is especially important in the Niagara Region home to one of the highest concentrations of older adults in Ontario.

Media Contact

Jean D’Amelio Swyer, Chair, Niagara Older Adult Alliance
jdamelioswyer@gmail.com
289-241-2537