The Pat Porter Active Living Centre is asking Steinbach city council to change its grants policy so it can be eligible for funding. President Doug Enns appeared before city council Tuesday to say the current grants policy is not fair because it restricts city funding to only select community organizations. He adds the resources and facilities supported by the City of Steinbach are the envy of many communities.

"But one gap in these services is support for seniors. According to the 2016 census, 26 per cent of Steinbach's population is 55 years and over and 16 per cent is 65 and over. This is a large cap that needs to be addressed."

Enns notes the Pat Porter Active Living Centre provides valuable services to the city and deserves to receive a grant.

"Serving Seniors Incorporated and specifically our centre provide programs and services to help older adults maintain their health and independence as long as possible. The more social, recreation, health information and lifelong education opportunities there are in the community, the less of a burden there will be on limited healthcare resources. These are the programs and services we provide."

Enns says the centre is asking the city to change its grant policy and to then provide them with an annual grant in lieu of taxes which would amount to about $11,000 per year.

"In order for the city of Steinbach to adhere to its mission statement of preserving the quality of life, equitable funding for community groups, including seniors needs to happen."

City council says it will review the matter.