MerBess Care
Healthy, active aging is a goal we all share!
Updated: Jan 15, 2022

Home Care Services for Seniors
https://www.ourqol.ca/services
Ontario Digital Literacy and Access Network
Need free technology support for yourself or a loved one? Connected Canadians is there for you. Book a complimentary 1-on-1 session today! Learn more:
1-877-304-5813
connectedcanadians.ca/programs
Local Resources
A free helpline that connects you to community and social services in your area. Information and referrals for senior support services, as well as counseling over the phone for seniors and caregivers in Toronto. 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, in over 150 languages.
Toronto Seniors Helpline – 416-217-2077
https://211ontario.ca/211-topics/older-adults/
Recreational Activities
A listing of over 120 free, high-quality recreation, active living, and cultural online virtual activities to enjoy from home. Many activities are specifically for seniors (you can search or sort by “Senior” or “Older Adult”) and include language classes, men’s groups, book club, fitness and yoga, discussion groups, dance, and many more free activities.
Seniors Active Living Centres
There are many Seniors Active Living Centres (SALCs) across Toronto that are run by not-for-profit organizations, that offer a variety of programs, groups, and courses for seniors. Many now offer virtual programming, and some serve specific language and cultural groups.
To learn about a SALC near you, search
https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-seniors-active-living-centre-near-you .
Recreation Program Discount
Seniors (60+) are entitled to a fifty per cent discount on the cost of recreation programs. Many recreation centres and programs have been modified due to COVID-19.
Toronto Public Library Programs
The Toronto Public Library offers a number of different programs for seniors including speaker’s series, courses to improve digital literacy and much more. For more information call the Toronto Public Library Answer line at 416-393-7131
The Toronto Public Library also provides home delivery to seniors who are home bound for three months or longer. For more information, please call 416-395-5557
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/home-library-service/
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers help make Toronto a great place to live, work and play. Apply for current volunteer opportunities with the City of Toronto. Visit Volunteer Toronto for a wide variety of opportunities with not-for-profits, charities and other organizations.
Rent-Geared-to-Income
Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) or subsidized housing is a housing subsidy or benefit offered by the City of Toronto to make rent affordable for households. Learn more by visiting the
There are subsidized units in mixed buildings and in seniors-only buildings. To apply for subsidized housing (Rent-Geared-to-Income housing), use the online Housing Connections guide or you can contact the Housing Help Centre for a list of non-profit agencies that help people find and keep housing and avoid eviction.
Please note, the number of people needing subsidized housing is greater than the number of available. As a result, it can take years for an applicant to get housed.
Renovate Your Home
The Toronto Renovates Program offers funding for low-income seniors who require health or safety repairs or accessibility modifications to their homes.
Get more information by emailing torontorenovates@toronto.ca or by calling 416-392-8342.
Get Snow Removal & Lawn Care
The City of Toronto offers free snow removal from City sidewalks for residents age 65 and above and those who are unable to remove snow without endangering their health. For more information, please call 416-392-7768.
The City also funds community agencies to shovel snow on your property and cut your grass. For more information about these community agencies, please call 311.
Apply for Property Tax, Water & Utility Relief
The City offers several programs that allow eligible low-income seniors to cancel or defer property tax increases and apply for relief, such as a water rebate, to help you keep and stay in your own home.
Emergency Energy Fund
Low-income Toronto residents may qualify for help with energy-related emergencies to reconnect, or prevent disconnection of, their heat or hydro services.
To apply for the Emergency Energy Fund, call 416-338-8888. An assessment will be done over the phone, and you will need to provide details on your financial situation and about the energy emergency you are facing.
Additional information on the Energy-Related Emergency Help for low-income homeowners is available on the City’s website.
Housing Allowance
A housing allowance is a non-repayable subsidy to help eligible households pay the rent. It is subject to annual eligibility reviews.
Rent Bank
Financial support for renters includes the Rent Bank, which provides interest-free repayable loans to eligible low-income households facing imminent eviction for rental arrears or requiring first and/or last months’ rent deposit to move into more affordable and stable housing.
You can also call 211 or the Toronto Seniors Helpline 416-217-2077 for help in discussing Housing options for seniors.
Transportation Services for Seniors
There are many not for profit and private agencies that offer rides to and from medical appointments or other locations for seniors. Call 211 or the Toronto Seniors Helpline 416-217-2077 to learn more.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
The TTC offers the following travel discounts and options to seniors:
Seniors who are 65 years or older are eligible for a different TTC fare but they must carry valid identification. Wheel-Trans provides a safe and reliable accessible transportation option for persons with disabilities to travel with freedom and dignity.
Employment Support
Toronto Employment Services administers the Provincial Ontario Works program and provides employment supports for older job seekers 45+.
Financial Support
The Service & Benefit Finder can give you a personalized list of financial benefits for low-income residents, including for employment and housing.
Serve on a City Board, Committee or Tribunal
Bring your skills and experience to the table and help the City of Toronto deliver some of its key services by applying for a public appointment.
Seniors Advisory Groups
Give your input on City services for seniors by joining an advisory group.
Toronto Seniors’ Forum: Is the main advocacy and advisory body for seniors in Toronto.
Toronto Seniors Strategy Accountability Table
Toronto Police Services: Seniors Community Consultative Committee
Fire Safety
Learn how to make your home and holidays safe with our fire safety tips and prevention information, including how to create a fire escape plan and chose a smoke alarm for your home.