Brief History

1991	Steering meetings occur between City of Mississauga Parks & Recreation Department, Mississauga Central Lions Club, Square One and a dedicated team of older adult community leaders, as a result of a two-year consultant study identifying the need for a centrally-located seniors’ recreation centre.
1992	Square One Older Adult Centre opened – October 2^nd; operating principles included: the incorporation of volunteers; democratic leadership style by a small management committee; a centre planned to promote multicultural integration; a caring community-like entering someone’s home.
1993	1050 members; 20 programs, 5 days/week; 30 events a year
1994	First full-time staff hired; 2^nd in 1996
1998	SOOAC becomes incorporated as a non-profit organization; receives Letters Patent from the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations
2001	Now in operation 7 days a week; weekday cafeteria operating with affordable menu; 50 weekly programs; 107 annual events/trips
2004	Major renovation of the auditorium completed thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Tridel Dorsay and Centre members.
2005	Membership policy changed to lower the minimum age to 50.
2007	1400 members and over 130 volunteers who donated 28,000 hours of their time to the Centre
2008 – 2009	Another round of renovations; the Centre now has a redesigned administration office and Executive Director’s Office with upgraded storage, a new Program Room and Cozy Corner Café.
2009	Created a charity focused on seniors’ health and wellness – Square One Seniors Wellness Services; all sessions offered for free.
2011	The Centre’s annual budget exceeds $500,000; SOOAC’s first Executive Director, Sue Hesjedahl, departs.
2012	1700+ members; year-long celebration of our 20^th year of enhancing lives!
2013	SOOAC enters into a new Strategic Planning process – adopts new Vision, Mission, organizational Values and Priorities, paving the way for future growth and innovation; a strong volunteer team of 211 supports our two sites.
2014	1814 members; grant funding increased to $209,709; successful Buy-a-Brick campaign raises needed renovation funds; launched new website and My Seniors Center relational software system. Closed Mississauga West site after 3+ years of operation.
2015	SOOAC members vote unanimously to amalgamate with Square One Seniors Wellness Services strengthening our ability to better serve older adults.