Local residents having difficulty paying household expenses, including water and wastewater bills, can now apply for relief through the County’s Municipal Financial Relief Grant.

Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2023. Low-income residents can apply for one of the two available grant streams: qualifying tenants who pay for water and wastewater services can apply for a credit of up to $350 on their water bill; and qualifying home owners can apply for a credit of up to $750 on their property tax account.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in September; credits will be applied to the September bills. Households earning less than $32,340 (single income) or $64,480 (family income) will be able to apply. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply go The County Foundation website at www.thecountyfoundation.ca. You can apply online or download a form.

Information and help sessions will be held on Wednesday, June 14 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street); and on Wednesday, June 21 from 2 pm – 5 pm at the Wellington and District Community Centre (111 Belleville Street, Wellington).

To help people get to these sessions, free door-to-door transportation from any location in the County can be arranged through County Transit. To schedule your ride, call 1.855.283.9640 or email [email protected] at least one day in advance.

To receive assistance completing an application, bring your water and/or wastewater bill, or, for homeowners, property tax bill and Notice of Assessment.

Additional support is provided through the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association, Prince Edward Learning Centre, and PEC Library. These organizations can help with navigating online applications, or downloading and attaching a form. Please Call 613-476-7493 for more information.

Active Living Programs in June for seniors 60+  are available 5 days a week.

Community Care offers over 50 online events each month for seniors 60+. Online Zoom fitness and arts classes along with socials are held Monday to Friday. In June,  Zoom webinar topics include “Personal Alarm Solutions & Medication Dispenser,” with Marilyn Carson from Lifeline; “Online Learning has Never Been so Easy,” with Tiffany Crowe from Contact North; “Chiropractic and Aging,” with Dr. Brogan Courtney, Chiropractor; and “Virtual Bingo,” with Community Care Coordinator Britt.

For more information or to participate, please call Community Care at 613-476-7493. Check the activity calendar on the website at www.communitycareforseniors.org, or email [email protected]. Get active, make friends, be well.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes