The 2025 Summit on Aging was a powerful and inspiring gathering that brought together community members, service providers, and sector leaders from across Peel Region to focus on this year’s central theme: “Safety First – Prioritizing Safety, Recognizing Risks, and Taking Action.”
Held at the beautiful Caledon East Community Complex-Banquet Hall, the event created a welcoming space to explore aging through the lens of safety, accessibility, and holistic well-being. The day was filled with thought-provoking conversations, lived experiences, and practical tools for healthier, safer aging.
Attendees were welcomed with heartfelt remarks from Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, and Acting Caledon Mayor Mario Russo, both of whom acknowledged the importance of regional collaboration in building age-friendly and inclusive communities.
Our keynote speaker, Juliet Jackson, captivated the audience with her engaging, real-life stories and deep insight on the holistic approach to well-being. Her message resonated with many and set a powerful tone for the day.
The lineup of guest speakers brought valuable knowledge and experience to the stage:
Tom Blumetti, Caledon’s Public Fire & Life Safety Educator, shared essential tips on home and fire safety.
Ravinder Baniat, Primary Care Pharmacist, addressed medication safety, especially for older adults managing multiple prescriptions.
Gail Smith (Dufferin Victim Services) and Christine Allum (Ontario Securities Commission) educated attendees on elder abuse, frauds, and scams—with real-life examples and prevention strategies.
Naz Hussain shared a powerful and moving personal story on living with vision loss, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in all aspects of safety.
The event was made possible by the dedication of the Summit Task Force, volunteers, and roundtable members, whose behind-the-scenes efforts helped make the day seamless and impactful.
With a full house of engaged Peel community members, the 3rd annual Summit proved that third time’s a charm—leaving attendees informed, empowered, and more connected than ever.