Below is a list of upcoming events and opportunities hosted by ORCA Stakeholders and Commercial Partners that aim to educate, inform, and inspire ORCA Operator Members and the retirement community sector at large.
The following events are not endorsed by ORCA and are intended as resources only.
TIER Big Ideas Lecture: Why We Need More Home Care Science – Understanding the Evolving Nature of Home Care and Its Crucial Role in Supporting Population Health
April 30, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., Virtual Only
The Institute for Education Research (TIER) invites you to join their virtual lecture “Why We Need More Home Care Science – Understanding the Evolving Nature of Home Care and Its Crucial Role in Supporting Population Health,” led by Dr. Sandra McKay, Vice President of Research & Innovation at VHA Home HealthCare. She will explore the essential role of home care research in shaping the future of healthcare, using rich data insights to highlight how home care is delivered today and why ongoing research is crucial for improving client outcomes and provider experiences.
For more information about Dr. Sandra McKay and this lecture, click here. To register, fill out a form here.
McMaster Continuing Education’s Retirement Community Management Program: Spring Enrolment Now Available
Spring courses run May 5 to July 13, 2025
McMaster Continuing Education’s Retirement Community Management program is developed in collaboration with the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) to help equip students with the necessary skills to advance in this rewarding and rapidly-growing sector. The program focuses on the various departments of retirement communities, such as healthy aging, facilities management, marketing, finance, and people management.
Spring enrolment is available with online courses including Residential Site Operations and Retirement Community Management. Students can earn a certificate of professional learning in Retirement Community Management by completing the three-course program. It is also available as a concentration of the Business Administration diploma program.
Please visit the Retirement Community Management program page for more information. If you have any questions or are interested in tne program, please reach out to Christie McGaghran, Program Manager at McMaster University Continuing Education directly.
Canada’s Volunteer Awards: Nomination Period Now Open
Nominations open until May 8, 2025
Nominate an outstanding individual, not-for-profit organization, social enterprise, or socially responsible business that has significantly improved their community through volunteering.
The Canada’s Volunteer Awards include one national award, the Thérèse Casgrain Lifelong Achievement award, and 20 regional awards across four categories: Community Leader, Emerging Leader, Business Leader, and Social Innovator.
To nominate an individual or to learn more about the awards, please click here. If you have any questions, please email Info-cva-pbc-gd@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca or call 1-877-825-0434.
Centennial College’s IPAC Courses
April 2025
Interested in improving your knowledge in infection prevention and control (IPAC) or starting a career in IPAC? Be sure to check out the longest running IPAC course in Canada – Centennial College’s PI-100 course. Register now for the upcoming virtual open houses in March to find out more or register for the next course session that begins in early April 2025. View the flyer for more details here.
CDI College: Helping ORCA Members Hire Skilled PSW & MOA Graduates
Hire a Graduate Today
CDI College is committed to addressing healthcare staffing shortages in Ontario’s retirement communities and is offering ORCA members exclusive access to their graduates. The college provides sector-focused training for Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Medical Office Administrators (MOAs), who are trained to provide quality care and support. To learn more about this offer, view the poster. If you are interested in hiring a CDI College graduate or have questions, please contact Bernardo Robledo directly.
Across Generations Pen Pal Program
Connecting Seniors and Students
Across Generations, an organization led by undergraduates at Western University, is connecting seniors living in retirement communities and students through their Pen Pal Program.
The program is designed to provide emotional support and create lasting friendships through the exchange of monthly letters. Across Generations is currently collaborating with several retirement residences and is looking for more to join their initiative.
If you are interested in having your home and residents join the Pen Pal Program or have any questions, please contact acrossgens@gmail.com.