Below is a list of upcoming events and opportunities hosted by ORCA Stakeholders and Commercial Partners that aim to educate, inform, and inspire ORCA Operator Members and the retirement community sector at large.
The following events are not endorsed by ORCA and are intended as resources only.
Conservation Halton’s Nature Stewards Program
Free program for Halton retirement homes – only 5 spots available!
Conservation Halton is looking for five retirement homes in the Halton Region to join their Nature Stewards program at no cost to the operator. All program expenses are covered by Conservation Halton, with funding provided by the government.
The program provides opportunities for physical activity and engaging group learning experiences at the residences and Conservation Halton parks. Through interactive presentations, garden installations, and field trips, the program aims to help older adults living in urban/suburban and rural areas connect with nature and with one another in ways that boost individual and community well-being. Nature Stewards runs from August 2025 to March 2026.
To learn more, please view Conservation Halton’s program flyer. Interested homes can contact Jill Duvnjak, Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, at jduvnjak@hrca.on.ca or 289-208-3442 as soon as possible.
Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone Grant
Application deadline: August 14, 2025
The Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant funds projects that improve accessibility and support active lifestyles for people with disabilities and older adults. It supports these individuals to live more active, healthy, safe and socially connected lives within their communities.
The EASE Grant is open to incorporated not-for-profit organizations. To learn more about the grant, please click here.
For related questions, please contact your regional development advisor.
Rural Ontario Development Program
Application deadline: September 24, 2025
The Rural Ontario Development (ROD) Program provides cost-share funding for projects that help rural communities address barriers and build capacity for economic development, attract, retain and expand businesses, and much more.
Not-for-profit organizations and small businesses with 1 to 20 employees in rural areas of Ontario are eligible to apply.
To learn more about the ROD program or receive help with your application, including attending a webinar session or booking a free, one-on-one coaching session with a regional advisor, please click here.
For related questions, please email RODprogram@ontario.ca.
2025 Global Ageing Network and LeadingAge Annual Meeting
November 1 to 5, 2025 | Boston, Massachusetts
The Global Ageing Network and LeadingAge invite you to their joint conference, welcoming 7,000 ageing services leaders and professionals from over 20 countries to Boston, Massachusetts, from November 1 to 5, 2025.
The conference will feature inspiring keynote speakers, 150+ interactive workshops, a dedicated Global Ageing Summit on November 1, numerous networking opportunities, and so much more.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with global peers, explore best practices, and be part of the future of ageing services worldwide. View the schedule of events for more details.
For assistance or more information, please contact Shannon Davis, Program Director, Global Ageing Network, directly at SDavis@GlobalAgeing.org.
Support for Seniors – The Japanese Experience
April 11 to 18, 2026 | Tokyo, Japan
ORCA, in partnership with Dialog Health, is thrilled to invite you to participate in our international study tour: Support for Seniors – The Japanese Experience, taking place in Tokyo, Japan, from April 11 to 18, 2026!
This unique opportunity is designed for members to discover innovative and integrated senior care solutions by exploring Japan’s cutting-edge care system, balancing tradition and modernity.
Check out the detailed program to review the tour itinerary and activities. If you are interested in attending, please fill out the online registration form.
For any questions, please contact the program project manager, Marie Gaultier, at marie.gaultier@dialog-health.com.
CDI College: Helping ORCA Members Hire Skilled PSW & MOA Graduates
Hire a Graduate Today
CDI College is committed to addressing healthcare staffing shortages in Ontario’s retirement communities and is offering ORCA members exclusive access to their graduates. The college provides sector-focused training for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Medical Office Administrators (MOAs), who are trained to provide quality care and support. To learn more about this offer, view the poster. If you are interested in hiring a CDI College graduate or have questions, please contact Bernardo Robledo directly.
Across Generations Pen Pal Program
Connecting Seniors and Students
Across Generations, an organization led by undergraduates at Western University, is connecting seniors living in retirement communities and students through their Pen Pal Program.
The program is designed to provide emotional support and create lasting friendships through the exchange of monthly letters. Across Generations is currently collaborating with several retirement residences and is looking for more to join their initiative.
If you are interested in having your home and residents join the Pen Pal Program or have any questions, please contact acrossgens@gmail.com.