Published by: The Manitoulin Expositor
Author: Tom Sasvari
January 28, 2026
TORONTO—As part of the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference held earlier this month in Toronto, the province of Ontario recognized the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI) with an age-friendly community award. The award is presented to highlight the ongoing commitment to better serving and celebrating older adults.
“Sixty-nine municipalities were presented with age-friendly community awards at a ceremony held at the conference,” said Al MacNevin, NEMI mayor. “We received a similar award in 2018.”
Mayor MacNevin noted, “the age friendly award is in recognition of the programs we have in place and what we have built in town that supports local seniors. Whether it is hiking trails, exercise classes in the recreation centre, art and culture programs. We have a lot in place.”
“Lisa Hallaert, our events coordinator, puts a lot of programs and activities for seniors and things like physical fitness and recreational programs for residents of all age.”
“The town has a lot of programs in place for people of all age,” said Mayor MacNevin. “A lot of communities on Manitoulin Island have programs for seniors and younger people in their communities. The idea is to make people feel comfortable in the community, regardless of their age.”
Mayor MacNevin noted NEMI is in partnership with the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board (MSDSB) for 12 housing units geared to seniors (Fielding Place).
Mayor MacNevin and Councillor Michael Erskine were presented with the award certificate during the Ontario age-friendly community recognition ceremony at ROMA, which celebrates the work of municipalities that make spaces and services more accessible for people of all ages and stages of life, and all abilities. It also acknowledges communities that create opportunities for older adults to live active, safe and enjoyable lives while supporting their health and maintaining their connection to their community.
