55+ Programs | Town of Pelham

The Meridian Community Centre is a designated Seniors Active Living Centre, with many programs, social activities and learning opportunities for residents 55+.

The Town of Pelham is looking for feedback on your experiences with programs, activities and amenities at the Meridian Community Centre!
Please fill out this survey to let us know your thoughts.

Would you like to receive the most up to date information on upcoming programs, events and opportunities for 55+ in Pelham?
Click here to add your name and email address to Pelham's Senior Database.

Have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding 55+ programs or activities in Pelham? Click here!

NEW Seniors at Play Program

Biweekly | Free Drop-In Program | Every Other Thursday

Seniors at Play is a NEW free, biweekly drop-in program designed to support active aging for adults aged 55+ in Pelham and surrounding areas.

Running Thursday mornings at the Meridian Community Centre (MCC) until March 2026, this inclusive initiative invites older adults to gather, move, play, and connect in a welcoming and low-pressure environment.

Whether you're looking to stay active, meet new people, or just enjoy a cup of coffee and a few rounds of cards, this program supports the social and physical well-being of older adults, helping you age in place with confidence.

With funding support from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility through the Seniors Community Grant.

Bocce Ball Program

A highlight of the Seniors at Play program is the guided bocce ball instruction and play offered at each session. Whether you're curious to learn the basics or already an avid player, this welcoming environment gives both new and experienced participants a chance to enjoy this fun, low-impact sport.

Led by an instructor, the bocce activity fosters friendly competition, light physical movement, and the chance to build skills over time. It’s also a great way to help grow Pelham’s bocce community and introduce others to a sport that’s accessible and easy to enjoy at any skill level.

Alongside bocce, each session includes social time, refreshments, and a variety of recreational games like cards, puzzles, Jenga, and more, offering something for everyone and creating meaningful opportunities for connection and engagement.

Bocce Ball/Social Drop-in Program Dates:

All Bocce Ball/Social Drop-in Programs below will run from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm in the Accursi Room (second level).

Thursday, September 4th, 2025
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Thursday, March 5th, 2026

Drop in "Try a Class"

As part of the Seniors at Play program, participants will have access to complimentary “Try It” fitness passes, a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of drop-in programs hosted at the MCC. These passes are designed to help you discover new activities in a relaxed, non-judgmental, and commitment-free environment.

Whether you’ve never tried a fitness class before or are simply looking to switch things up, “Try It” passes give you the freedom to sample something new at no cost. From gentle yoga to strength training, the MCC offers a wide variety of programs tailored to the interests and needs of older adults.

We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and explore all the great wellness and recreation options available right in your community.

Workshops

2025 Workshops and Seminars:

Questions? Call Katie Kilbreath, Seniors & Community Services Programmer at 905-732-7871 or email kkilbreath@pelham.ca

Thursday, November 13th, 2025 | Doors open at 9:30 am.
Workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).

Services available for Seniors in and surrounding Pelham with Cherie Della-Gata and Sarah Jupp from Happy in my Home.

Happy in My Home is dedicated to helping older adults in the Welland and Pelham areas live safely, comfortably, and independently. In this informative workshop, you’ll learn about the wide range of services available to support you or a loved one at home. You’ll also discover meaningful ways to get involved through volunteering. Whether you’re seeking assistance or looking to give back, this session will connect you with the tools, resources, and people who can make a difference.

Click here to register

Sunday, December 7th, 2025 | Old Pelham Town Hall
3 Sessions | Doors open 15 minutes prior to each session.

Holiday Centrepiece-Making Workshop

Join Marian VanderZalm for a festive centrepiece-making workshop and create your own beautiful holiday arrangement! All materials will be provided, including fresh, real greenery to bring that wonderful seasonal scent into your home.
Please note: spots are limited and one registration is for one person - if wanting to attend with a group, please have all members register individually.

Session 1: 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Click here to register for Session 1 (9:00 am)

Session 2: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Click here to register for Session 2 (11:00 am)

Session 3: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Click here to register for Session 3 (1:00 pm)

Additional sessions sponsored by the Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee.

Thursday, January 15th, 2026 | Doors open at 9:30 am.
Workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).

Self-defense workshop for seniors with Sempai Sheri Martens from Daw Martial Arts.

Join Sempai Sheri Martens and Sensei Lee Daw from Daw Martial Arts for an empowering interactive seminar designed specifically for seniors who want to feel confident, capable and prepared in today’s world. You’ll learn prevention & awareness skills, everyday safety tips, practical self-defense techniques, using your voice and hands-on practice.

Click here to register

Thursday, February 12th, 2026 | Doors open at 9:30 am.
Workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).

Soundwaves and mindfulness with Isabelle Gargagliano from JoySoleVitality.

Join Isabelle Gargagliano of JoySoleVitality for an uplifting session that blends gentle yoga, calming meditation, and mindful awareness - all accompanied by the therapeutic power of sound. Together, you’ll explore simple yet powerful practices to relax the body, quiet the mind, and nurture a greater sense of balance and well-being in your daily life. No prior experience is needed - just an open mind and a willingness to breathe, move, and be present.

Click here to register

Thursday, March 12th, 2026 | Doors open at 9:30 am.
Workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).

Understanding grief and loss with Melissa Penner and Daniele Vassallo from Hospice Niagara.

Discover the many faces of grief in this insightful and interactive workshop presented by Hospice Niagara. While grief is often linked to the death of a loved one, this session will explore how loss can also take the form of changes in identity, independence, relationships, and life purpose - experiences that accumulate as we age and shape our well-being. Through creative arts and reflective activities, participants will learn practical ways to foster healing and meaning.

Click here to register

Thursday, April 9th, 2026 | Doors open at 9:30 am.
Workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).

Online scam prevention with Detective Constable Chris Carter from the Niagara Regional Police.

Link to register coming soon!

Thursday, May 14th, 2026 | Doors open at 9:30 am.
Workshop runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon).

Downsizing and decluttering with Juanita McLean from Seniors on the Move.

Link to register coming soon!

Previous Seminars

October 2025 - Seniors Workshop and Seminar Series

History of immigration to the Niagara region with Lisa Mooney from the Welland Museum.
Thursday, October 30th, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

This presentation explores how the construction of the Welland Canal and the rise of key industries attracted newcomers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. From the arrival of skilled laborers and canal workers to the settlement of immigrant communities who built thriving lives in Niagara, we’ll uncover the stories of resilience, opportunity, and transformation that continue to define the region today.

Osteoporosis/bone health and active moving with Anne Cooke from Miracles in Motion Fitness
Thursday, October 9th, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Anne will provide an educational movement workshop designed for individuals with osteoporosis and those interested in ways to stay active. This interactive session will explore how to protect your spine and joints as you sit, stand, walk and exercise. Plus, receive movement tips for everyday activities from housework to gardening. Come ready to move or observe, with chairs provided for comfort if needed.

September 2025 - Seniors Workshop and Seminar Series

Arts and Social Connection (Watercolour Painting)
Thursday, September 11th, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join Art & You Inc. for a relaxing watercolour workshop where you will learn simple and expressive techniques to bring feathered friends to life on paper. The focus for this workshop is perfect for beginners and experienced painters as we will capture the beauty of birds in layered washes and delicate details.

August 2025 - Seniors Workshop and Seminar Series

Fall Prevention & Healthy Aging
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join Dr. Kevin Kelenic, a local chiropractor, to learn simple at-home exercises to improve balance, tips for choosing stable footwear, home safety strategies, and wellness advice to support mobility and independence. Learn more about staying active, preventing injury, and feeling confident in everyday movement!

July 2025 - Seniors Workshop and Seminar Series

Self-Care & Arthritis Massage
Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join Wellness Niagara for an interactive seminar focused on how massage therapy can support those living with arthritis. Learn how targeted massage techniques can help reduce pain, improve circulation and increase strength and flexibility in the hands and feet. This session includes a short presentation and a hands-on demonstration of a simple hand massage routine you can use at home.

June 2025 - Seniors Workshop and Seminar Series

The Art of Seeing - Cell Phone Photography
Monday, June 23rd, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Join local photographer Peter Ferguson for a fun, hands-on photography workshop designed for older adults who already know how to take a photo with their phone. This session will help enhance your skills and spark your creativity - whether you're capturing special family moments or the beauty of nature. With stunning local examples and practical tips, you'll learn to see everyday life through a more artistic lens. Bring your phone, your curiosity and embrace the art of seeing!

Seniors Information and Active Living Fair

The Town of Pelham's 2025 Seniors Information and Active Living Fair will be taking place on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 from 9:00am - 2:00pm at the Meridian Community Centre.

A Seniors Active Living Fair is a public education initiative that focuses on activities that reduce social isolation, seniors' mental health, promote active and healthy living, offer social engagement opportunities and highlight partnerships, independence and learning for seniors.
These accessible fairs are intended to raise awareness about programs and services available to seniors across Ontario.

Interested vendors who wish to showcase their products and services, or lead a presentation, please click here to apply:

2025 Seniors Active Living Fair Application

The Seniors Information and Active Living Fair is hosted by the Town of Pelham in partner with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario with funding provided by the Government of Ontario.

Seniors Information and Active Living Fair Schedule

There will be local businesses and community partners on site. In addition, there are several workshop/seminars running through the morning which include:

You're Retired... Now What? Turning Passion into Purpose

This presentation will be delivered by Laura (Recreation Director) and a 90-year-old resident (former nurse) from Lookout Ridge, discussing the benefits of keeping busy, moving your body and being part of your community.

Grief and Loss in Older Adults: Recognizing and Responding to a Lifetime of Change
Presentation by Hospice Niagara

Grief in later life is a nuanced and often overlooked experience. While the death of loved ones is a profound source of grief, older adults also navigate a wide range of non-death losses that can significantly impact their emotional well-being. Participants will be invited to reflect on the importance of validating grief in all its forms and supporting older adults with dignity, compassion, and cultural humility.

Canadian Red Cross Transportation and Friendly Calls

Presentation on Red Cross programs that are available in Niagara Region, including the transportation program and "Friendly Calls" program which matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.

Falls Prevention - Safe and Sound in Your Home and Health
Presentation by Boggio Fonthill Pharmacy
Touching on medication management and mobility devices and discussing the outcome of how Seniors suffering from a fall have reduced mobility and increased isolation.

Behavioural Supports Ontario - Community Outreach Team

BSO Community Outreach Workers will present on BSO supports and services

The Seniors Information and Active Living Fair is hosted by the Town of Pelham in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario with funding provided by the Government of Ontario.

Art Your Service - Virtual Programs

We can make it easy to stay active and social from the comfort of your own home!

The Town of Pelham is helping to keep you active and social with daily virtual programs through Art Your Service! Virtual Programs include Pilates, painting, dance, yoga, Zumba, lectures, book talks, sewing projects, cooking, music lessons and more!

This programs is free to Pelham Residents! Register today to receive weekly program calendars and program recordings by email, which allow you to participate when best fits your schedule! To register, please contact Katie Kilbreath at 905-732-7871 or kkilbreath@pelham.ca, or register online here.

Community Bridge

Free | Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm | Meridian Community Centre | Kinsmen Room

Drop-in Community Bridge

This classic card game is perfect for players of all ages, and it's a great way to test your skills and strategy. Drop in to play bridge with others in the community. Understanding of the game is required for participation.

Fraud Prevention Seminars

From December of 2023 until March of 2024 the Town of Pelham offered a monthly fraud prevention seminar series. Topics including Cyber Safety & Security, identity scams, banking scams and tips of fraud prevention.

Fraud booklets are available at the Meridian Community Centre. A digital version with translations available can be viewed here.

The funding to support the Seniors Fraud Prevention Seminar Series is provided through the Seniors Community Grant Program. The Seniors Community Grant Program is a provincial grant that helps support community organizations' ability to provide opportunities for greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement for older adults.

Additional resources for fraud prevention include:

Competition Bureau Canada

Canadian Anti-fraud Centre

Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee

Pelham Seniors Advisory Committee

Providing advice to the Town of Pelham Council and staff on matters that impact the quality of life, and provide solutions through the lens, of Pelham’s Senior residents.

Active Opportunities

The Town of Pelham offers many active opportunities for Adults 55+. Available programs include: Recreational Pickleball, 55+ Aerobics with Conditioning, Yogalates, Chair Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Zumba Fitness ® Classes, FIT with Brock, Ballroom Dance, & More! Click here to visit the Adult Programming page for more information.

Listing of upcoming programs and events

Spin classes are available for those over age 16+, with some classes designated to those 55+.
Click here to learn more about spin classes at the Meridian Community Centre!

Seasonal Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball memberships are available for those 55+!
Click here to visit the Outdoor Court page to learn more!

Additional Programs

Please view additional programs on the Adult Programs webpage

Listing of upcoming programs and events