Events Newsletter

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Spring Luncheon 2026 -

Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities: Reimagining Aging in Place Through Community

Friday, April 17, 2026 | 11 am to 2 pm

Infinity Convention Centre | 2901 Gibford Dr. | Ottawa

Presenting Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor

We are pleased to invite you to the

Council on Aging of Ottawa’s

Annual Spring Luncheon

Friday, April 17

at the Infinity Conference Centre (2901 Gibford Dr.).

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Catherine Donnelly, will present

“Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities:

Reimagining Aging in Place Through Community.”

The majority of older adults want to stay in their homes and communities as they age but face challenges in doing so. Catherine Donnelly, a leading expert on Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), will highlight the NORC Oasis program and share key learnings while exploring the benefits NORCs can have for older adults, service providers, and the health-care system. NORCs are prevalent in Ottawa, with over 170 identified, four of which already host the Oasis program to support aging in place.

11:00 am Reception, Networking, Cash Bar and Silent Auction

12:00 pm 3-Course Luncheon

1:00 pm Keynote Presentation

Join us for this inspiring event, find out what everyone's talking about, and connect with Ottawa’s older adults, health-care leaders, service providers, and community champions.

Early Bird tickets are available until March 31.

Celebrate, connect, and help shape the future of aging in Ottawa with us at the Spring Luncheon!

Thriving Solo

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 1 to 3 pm

Rideau Hub (Former Rideau High School)

Room 235 | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Ottawa

Some 40% of Canadians over 65 are single. This workshop will consider the benefits, challenges, joys, and concerns of navigating life as a single older adult. We will also explore the importance of developing purpose and meaning in your life and creating opportunities to thrive!

Aging in Place with Services and Supports

Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 1 to 3 pm

Rideau Hub (Former Rideau High School)

Room 235 | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Ottawa

Participants will explore what’s involved practically, emotionally, and financially, in continuing to live independently with services and supports. This will include an overview of common needs, available options, and financial considerations.

Tuning Inward: Listening to Your Body's Hunger and Hydration Signals

Dr. Gupta Learning Series

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 1 to 2:30 pm | Online

This workshop helps participants reconnect with their bodies’ natural cues for hunger, fullness, and hydration. Learn how stress, habits, and aging can influence these signals—and how to recognize them more clearly. Through practical strategies and gentle self-awareness techniques, you’ll discover how to nourish yourself more effectively, maintain steady energy, and support overall well-being. Ideal for anyone looking to build a healthier, more intuitive relationship with food and hydration.

What is Southwinds Café

The south wind evokes warmth, movement, growth, and openness of the heart.  In that same spirit, the Southwinds Café invites older adults to gather for thought-provoking sessions where ideas flow and everyone feels at home.



• Hear from inspiring guests
• Explore a variety of topics
• Share your thoughts in a welcoming setting
• Connect with fellow older adults

Keep Your Knees Moving

Friday, February 27, 2026 | 1 to 3 pm

Rideau Hub (Former Rideau High School)

Room 235 | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Ottawa

Join us for an engaging and informative session exploring natural, medical, and practical ways to care for your knees! Learn from local experts about how the knee works, exercises to strengthen and recover from surgery, innovative treatments like red light and laser therapy, and the power of an anti-inflammatory diet. You’ll also hear inspiring testimonials from clients who have found real relief and discover how homecare professionals can support your recovery journey.

Honouring Life's Stories: The Gift of Sharing Memories

Friday, March 27, 2026 | 10 to 11:30 am

Rideau Hub (Former Rideau High School)

Room 235 | 815 St. Laurent Blvd. | Ottawa

This will be a relaxed and engaging presentation that highlights how reminiscing and sharing life stories can support emotional well-being, connection, and a sense of purpose. Participants will be invited to reflect, share, and celebrate the memories that matter most.

Engage at Every Age - Get Involved!

The Council on Aging in partnership with Andrew Fleck Children Services & Families Canada

The Engage at Every Age (EAEA) initiative invites older adults to connect, share skills, and build relationships with young children through play, conversation, and shared activities. You might read stories, help with art projects, garden together, or simply enjoy moments of laughter and learning side by side. If you’re ready to experience the joy, purpose, and mutual respect that come from these meaningful connections, get in touch with us to get started.

NOTE: Join us at the following events where the COA will be present. Don’t forget to stop and say hello!

For more event details or how to register, please check with the organization listed as the event host.

50 Plus Health and Wellness Fair

Manotick Legion

Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10 am to 3 pm

5550 Ann Street | Manotick

Manotick Legion’s first annual 50-Plus Health & Wellness Fair is a community event focused on fun, learning, and movement for older adults. Attendees can enjoy line dancing, Tai Chi, chair yoga, and seniors’ self-defence, while connecting with local experts and organizations such as Ottawa Public Health, the Dementia Society of Ontario, and Ontario Health atH ome. The day also features presentations, free screenings, door prizes, and raffles, all designed to support healthy and active aging.

Adapt Expo

BuildAble

Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10 am to 3 pm

Carleton University Fieldhouse | 85 University Dr. | Ottawa

The Adaptive Living Expo, Ottawa Inclusive & Para Sport Expo & Access Expo have joined forces to bring you the biggest expo in Eastern Ontario for all ages and abilities.

Bringing together many incredible, purpose-driven organizations on a single day, creating a unique opportunity to unite our communities, making it easier for busy individuals to connect with organizations and services. Be sure to visit the Council on Aging booth while you are here!

NOTE: The Community Events listed in the Newsletter are provided as an information service by the COA. We are sharing this information on behalf of other community organizations.

For more event details or how to register, please check with the organization listed as the event host.

Stand Up Comedy Afternoon

Park Place Retirement Residence

Thursday, February 27, 2026 | 2 to 3 p.m.

Park Place Retirement Residence | 120 Central Park Dr. | Ottawa

Join for a fun-filled afternoon of laughs featuring local comedians bringing clean, light-hearted comedy guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Monthly Meeting

Ottawa Humane Society

The first Wednesday of every month | 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Ottawa Humane Society Animal Shelter | 245 West Hunt Club Rd | Ottawa

Are you an animal lover? Do you enjoy making crafts, sewing, knitting, baking, or connecting with others? Every month, people involved with the Auxiliary of the Ottawa Humane Society meet to plan activities that support the organization’s work. You are warmly invited to attend and discover ways to share your talents and interests.

Group Q&A

Ottawa PC User's Group

Every Wednesday | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Online

Everyone is welcome to present computer problems they are experiencing and we all try to help out with ideas. We also welcome any attendee offering suggestions on interesting things they have come across, tips on using computers, etc.

Monthly Meeting - NAS in the Home Environment

Wednesday, March 11 | 7:30 to 9 p.m. | Online

In this presentation, Bill Van Dijk will provide an overview of setting up a NAS unit in the home environment and describe some of the different capabilities that make such systems attractive for regular computer users.

Coffee, Company, and Conversation

St Mark's Anglican Church

Every Thursday | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | 1606 Fisher Avenue | Ottawa

This get-together enables senior community residents and friends of all faiths and persuasions to meet, share, and enjoy each others’ company.  The weekly coffee mornings vary in featuring fun activities, music, and/or speakers. as well as coffee, teas and homemade baking.

English Country Dancing

Ottawa English Contry Dance Club

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday starting September 10th to the end of May

3 to 5 p.m. | Mlacak Community Centre | 2500 Campeau Dr. | Kanata

Spend Wednesday afternoon away from TV or computer doing something fun. Dancing is a way to exercise one’s brain and body, to lift spirits, to meet new friends. We dance wide variety of dances from 14th century to modern. Every dance is taught. “If you can walk, you can dance”.

Check out for following community events from friends of the COA

Fill in the Community Events Submission Form and hit "submit".

Please note: All submissions must have either a URL link or a poster attached.

Commitment: As a bilingual organization, COA makes every effort to provide complete and well-written information available in both official languages. The information coming from third parties may not be bilingual but is shared in both languages when available.

www.coaottawa.ca