CHATS hosted a special meeting with The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister for Labour and Seniors, and Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen in Newmarket to speak with clients in one of CHATS’ assisted living sites.  

Clients shared with the Minister, the importance of having access to CHATS’ assisted living services 24/7, making it possible for them to continue to live independently and safely in the building. They also shared ideas on ways in which tenants in so-called Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) buildings could be supported to address social isolation and loneliness, providing more inclusive and welcoming activities for the increasingly diverse backgrounds of the tenants, and addressing primary care needs and access. NORCs typically have at least 30% of the residents over the age of 65. 

CHATS has been exploring various NORC models and plans to partner with other organizations in the community to bring services and activities to older adults in York Region and South Simcoe.