There will be no drop-in or coffee hour this week. Anita's regular drop-in hours and coffee hour will resume in 2019. Please check in with us in the new year.
Every Friday join Anita for a coffee chat at Algonquin College
Funding for Villa Marconi (New Horizons for Seniors program)
May 15th, 2018: Anita was happy to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for new bocce courts and gazebo at Villa Marconi. The project was supported by $25 000 from the federal government's New Horizons For Seniors Program. This program has the goal of funding community projects that are focused on, or directed by, seniors, in order to support their community engagement and increase their already-rich contributions to our society. Anita especially congratulates Villa Marconi's L'Eta Doro members, who put in the original request for funding. Projects like these will allow the residents of Villa Marconi to participate in and enjoy outdoor activities for this summer, and for many years to come.
Inauguration of new Algonquin College building
May 3rd, 2018: Today, Algonquin College in my riding of Ottawa West-Nepean inaugurated the Discovery, Applied Research and Entrepreneurship (DARE) building. Almost half the funding for this project - $22.9 million - came from our federal government's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. This new building will be home to a new library and learning centre, an Indigenous Commons, a space for students to access the newest technology, a cyber-security centre and more. I am proud to have been involved since the very first concept stage of this project. DARE creates a truly pan-collegiate model that will be a pilot for colleges across Canada. It includes an Institute for Indigenous Entrepreneurship which will help stimulate the potential and creativity of Algonquin College's over 1,000 indigenous students. It is a welcoming and inclusive physical space using state-of-the-art architecture of the future. A place where we can all truly DARE to dream!
Funding for low-income seniors' housing
March 12th, 2018: Anita was thrilled to announce funding for an innovative new approach to affordable seniors housing at the Carlington Community Health Centre. The joint federal and provincial infrastructure funding will go toward Ottawa Community Housing for 42 new housing units for low-income seniors directly attached to the health clinic and other social services. It was a pleasure to tour the construction site with MPP Bob Chiarelli where we could begin to see the apartments that will become home to as many as 80 seniors who otherwise may have to move to long term care, or go without the services they need. This is a perfect example of what can be done when all three levels of government come together with communities to form creative partnerships. This will truly make a difference for people in Ottawa West-Nepean!