Senior services
June is Seniors month! Register below to attend free online events throughout the month of June in recognition of seniors in the community.
On this page
- Senior centres
- Active living programs
- Leisure programs
- Day programs
- Home support services
- WOW Waterloo telephone program
- June is Seniors month
- Older Adult Housing Directory
- You are not alone guide
- Celebrating seniors video series
Senior centres
The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and the Community Pavilion are located at 101 Father David Bauer Drive. Programming for different activity levels is available.
Active living programs
Many of our registered programs appeal to active seniors. Programs take place at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. Types of activities include:
- dance
- yoga
- tai chi
- other activities as scheduled
Check our program and classes page to learn how to register.
Getting there:
- to arrive by car, enter the east entrance from Father David Bauer Drive
- to arrive by bus, use Route 5 ERB or Route 12 WESTMOUNT buses
- the walking distance to the WMRC east entrance from the nearest bus stops are 350 metres from the stop on the north side of Erb Street and 370 metres from the stop on the south side of Erb Street
Leisure programs
Drop-in leisure activities are available at the Community Pavilion.
- billiards, cards, knitting, and arts and crafts now in progress
- wood carving and ukulele will resume in Fall 2022
Getting there:
- to arrive by car, enter the west entrance from Father David Bauer Drive and follow the laneway under the new pedestrian bridge to reach a parking area closest to the Community Pavilion entrance.
- to arrive by bus, use Route 5 ERB or Route 12 WESTMOUNT buses
- the walking distance to the Community Pavilion from the nearest bus stops are 341 metres from the stop on the north side of Erb Street and 377 metres from the stop on the south side of Erb Street
Call customer service at 519-579-1020 or email Leisureprogramming@waterloo.ca for schedule information.
Senior day program
We provide a variety of group activities for those 55+ and living with a chronic illness, physical disability or memory loss.
Programs run Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Pavilion. The cost is $17 per day. Subsidies are available if necessary.
Referrals can be made through Community Care at 519-310-2222. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our program please call 519-888-6356 or TTY (for deaf) 1-866-786-3941. There is a waitlist for this service.
Participants, caregivers and families are key partners in care provided by the senior day program and are supported by a Patient Bill of Rights that sets the foundation for how they can expect to interact with and be treated by all staff.
Home support services
We provide a number of support services to assist vulnerable older adults to live safely and remain active. Depending on the service, it may take one day to several months to complete registration.
Register at 519-579-6930 or TTY (for deaf) 1-866-786-3941.
Participants, caregivers and families are key partners in care provided by the home support services program and are supported by a Patient Bill of Rights that sets the foundation for how they can expect to interact with and be treated by all staff.
Three course lunches |
Enjoy a delicious three course meal Monday to Friday at noon at the Community Pavilion. We make accommodations for special dietary needs. Clients must book one business day in advance. $8/meal. All meals are served with vegetable and salad, and include one cup of tea or coffee. All meals can be made to accommodate individual dietary requirements. Menus are posted weekly on Mondays in the front lobby. Sample menus
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Grocery shopping |
Getting your grocery shopping done can be a challenge. Our volunteers can assist you in the store or list shop on your behalf. $10/shopping trip. |
Home maintenance |
Maintenance workers can assist with seasonal work, including lawn care, snow removal and minor repairs. The cost is $20/hour. If workers uses their own equipment the rate is $25.00/hour. Services are provided by a brokered worker that operates as an independent contractor paid directly by the client. Brokered workers are screened by Senior Services staff prior to being matched with clients. Services arrangements are made between the client and brokered worker. |
Homemaking |
Dependable homemakers help with household tasks, including cleaning, laundry and meal preparation. You will have a standing appointment with the same homemaker, scheduled weekly, bi-weekly or every four weeks. Cost is $20/hour. Services are provided by a brokered worker that operates as an independent contractor paid directly by the client. Brokered workers are screened by Senior Services staff prior to being matched with clients. Services arrangements are made between the client and brokered worker. There is a waiting list for service. |
Telephone reassurance |
When you live alone, loneliness and personal safety are issues. Our trained volunteers can call from Monday to Friday to check in and give you and your family peace of mind. This service is free. |
Rides |
Free transportation to vaccination clinics for older adults (65+), and adults with unique needs is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
General ride serviceThis service provides rides to medical appointments, activities and grocery shopping. Book your trained volunteer driver at least two business days in advance. The cost is $5 for a one-way ride in Waterloo; rates outside of Waterloo vary depending on the location. We are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or rides to day programs. For accessible transportation, please contact Mobility Plus. |
WOW Waterloo
WOW is a Seniors’ Centre Without Walls telephone program that brings social, recreational and educational programs to seniors. Enjoy guests speakers, learn new skills and engage in friendly conversations with other seniors in your community.
In order to join the WOW program you will need:
- A working telephone
- To be a senior in Waterloo or the surrounding community
- To register by calling 519-579-1020 x 10037
- To answer a brief intake questionnaire
After joining, you will be registered for weekly or daily activities offered on our program calendar: July, August.
WOW Waterloo is an inclusive program for all older adults residing in Waterloo. To promote a welcoming and safe setting for all, we ask that participants observe our Respectful Conduct Policy:
- to participate in a kind and respectful manner
- to create an inclusive environment that honours people of all cultures, traditions, faiths, genders, sexual orientation, abilities, and life experiences
- to respect all group members and their opinions, even if they differ from your own
- to allow the facilitator, volunteer or guest speaker to lead the conversation or activity
- to allow everyone a chance to speak and participate by not dominating conversations
- to maintain confidentiality – information that is shared on the call by others should be kept private and confidential
June is Seniors month
Join us for one or all of the free online events we have planned throughout the month of June in recognition of seniors in the community. The 2022 theme is Stay Active, Connected, and Safe.
June 1 Senior of the Year recipient announcement
June 3 Friday Flicks Travel Show - Back roads of Eastern Ontario, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Discover, or rediscover sites of Eastern Ontario. Visit charming small towns and
villages in this part of the province. Register.
June 8 Staying Healthy & Well: Music For Well-Being, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Discuss the ways we can incorporate music into our lives for the purpose of health.
With Waterloo Public Library & Wilfred Laurier Faculty of Music. Register.
June 9 WPL Living Library: Rainbow Elders edition. Register.
June 14 Aging Well: Discussion with Waterloo Community Volunteers, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
In partnership with Waterloo Public Library. Register.
June 15 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) national webinar, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Bringing together experts on aging and elder abuse, politicians and community
to discuss what we can all do to ensure older Canadians are safe from
abuse and neglect. Register.
June 15 Staying Healthy & Well: June is Seniors and Parks & Recreation Month, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Take a virtual tour of the WMRC expansion and the new Community Pavilion.
Register.
June 22 WOW Presentation: Kevin Coates in Concert, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Join in on this afternoon of entertainment with local musician Kevin
Coates. Register.
June 23 Seniors In the City, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Outdoor event. Live music and light refreshments. Bring your own lawn
chair to Brewmeister Green,155 King St. South at William. Sponsored by Chartwell
Retirement Residences. No registration required.
June 24 NEW! Seniors Month Showcase, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
This fair-style event will feature engaging booths from the SIIP projects and other
opportunities for older adults living with dementia and youth. Find out how you can
get involved in these programs while enjoying light refreshments. Be sure to stop by
the WMRC Community Pavilion Fitness Room from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and learn about
some of the Age-Friendly fitness classes offered. Hosted by the Supporting Inclusion
through Intergenerational Partnerships project at the RIA in collaboration with the
City of Waterloo Age-Friendly Cities Committee. No registration required
June 29 Staying Healthy & Well: Growing Something Different, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
With David Hobson. Plant to impress with the red passionflower, a plant that smells
like buttered popcorn, and another that can grow as high as a house in one season!
Register.
Older Adult Housing Directory
Each year we publish an older adult housing directory. The latest version was updated in June 2021.
Download the Older Adult Housing Directory (PDF)
You are not alone
The City of Waterloo in collaboration with Age-Friendly Waterloo Multi-Agency Committee has developed a Guide to Improve Social Connectedness (PDF) as recommended from the city's Older Adult Social Isolation Report (2018).
The guide is intended to create awareness for older adults experiencing social isolation and provide resources to support getting connected in your community.
Content for the guide was compiled with the help of various community organizations and members.
Hard copies of the guide are available at city recreation facilities and local libraries.
Celebrating seniors video series
Celebrate Seniors is a video campaign featuring City of Waterloo senior groups that contribute to the health and wellness of other seniors in the community.
- The Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club (1:09)
- Owl's Nest woodcarvers club (1:29)
- Creative Crafters (1:15)