Seniors Centre to get administrative help

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Council agreed on Monday to hire a part-time administrative assistant to help run the Seniors Centre "to ensure that the centre operates efficiently and effectively."

In a report to council, Hunter Gardner, arena and recreation manager, said the new position will start as a one-year pilot program. The administrative assistant "will focus on assisting with the coordination of programs, managing volunteers, ensuring the centre’s environment is welcoming and safe, and strengthening partnerships with local organizations."

Gardner said the position will pay $21,000 a year for 12 hours a week. Because the Uxbridge Seniors Citizens Club is the largest user of the venue, the club has agreed to pay 50 per cent of the salary.

Outlining the full extent of the administrative assistant's duties, Gardner said the new staffer will oversee program scheduling, volunteer coordination and monitor the effectiveness of programs offered to "ensure that the programs offered align with the interests and needs of the senior community."

The new staffer will work Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the Seniors’ Club paying half the cost of wages, the remainder will be funded through the township’s Age Friendly operating budget.

Gardner's report added that the township's Community Services Department has re-applied for a Seniors Community Grant which, if successful, will be used to revitalize and modernize the Seniors Centre. Part of this funding would include staffing, which could offset the cost of the admin assistant position for a period of up to 44 weeks.