Honouring a Decade of Wisdom: Celebrating 10 Years of the #ElderWisdom Green Bench

For 10 years, the #ElderWisdom Green Bench has stood as a powerful symbol in the movement to combat ageism—inviting people of all ages to sit down, slow down, and engage in meaningful conversation.

What began as a simple green bench has grown into a national initiative celebrating the voices of older adults. It’s a place where wisdom is shared, stories are honoured, and intergenerational connections are sparked. From public parks and libraries to schools, city halls, and art galleries, the Green Bench has travelled across communities—bridging generations and challenging the stereotypes too often placed on aging.

As we mark this milestone year, we invite you to be part of the conversation. Take a seat. Listen. Share. And help us build a more age-inclusive Canada.



10th Anniversary Green Bench Tour Schedule

Pop by, take a seat, and join the conversation.
We’re visiting these locations to celebrate the wisdom of our elders. During each stop, seniors from Schlegel Villages will be ready to welcome you to the Green Bench for a meaningful chat about life, legacy, and community. Everyone is welcome.

Note: Click the arrow on the left of the location to see more details

WHITBY – Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Celebration Square at the Whitby Farmers Market and Whitby Library
405 Dundas Street West, Whitby (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Taunton Mills, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

KITCHENER – Saturday, June 7, 2025, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Tri-Pride Festival at Victoria Park
746 Avondale Avenue, Kitchener (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Winston Park, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

HAMILTON – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Myrtle Park
13 Delaware Avenue, Hamilton (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from Hamilton Continuing Care, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

LONDON – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Springbank Park close to Storybook Gardens
1958 Storybook Lane, London (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Glendale Crossing, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

MISSISSAUGA – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Erindale Secondary School
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from Erin Mills Lodge, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.
Note: This particular program is not open to the general public and meant for the students. If you wish to participate in this program, please contact ted.hudson@schlegelvillages.com to make arrangements.

BRAMPTON – Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Garden Square
12 Main Street North, Brampton (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Sandalwood Park, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

HAMILTON – Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Hamilton Waterfront, Pier 8
47 Discovery Drive, Hamilton (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Wentworth Heights, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

BARRIE – Thursday, June 19, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Location: Andrew Hunter Elementary School Spring Fair
59 Lampman Lane, Barrie (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from Coleman Care Centre, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

BURLINGTON – Friday, June 20, 2025, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Spencer Smith Park
1400 Lakeshore Road, Burlington (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Tansley Woods, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

WINDSOR – Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Location: Reaume Park
4714 Riverside Drive, Windsor (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Aspen Lake and The Village at St. Clair, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

GUELPH – Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: Guelph Public Library, Downtown
100 Norfolk Street, Guelph (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Riverside Glen and Arbour Trails, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

TORONTO – Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park at the corner of Shaw & Dundas
155 Crawford Street, Toronto (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Humber Heights, Fairview Nursing Home, and Maynard Nursing Home, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

TECUMSEH – Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Location: Essex County Library, Tecumseh Branch
13675 St. Gregory’s Road (map)
The Green Bench will be hosted by residents from The Village of Aspen Lake, eager to share stories from their lives and invite meaningful conversation.

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND – Week of July 14, 2025

Location:
Wisdom and stories will be shared by Schlegel Villages residents as they return to the places that shaped them—hometowns filled with memories or dream destinations they’ve always longed to visit.

ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM – Week of July 28, 2025

Location:
Wisdom and stories will be shared by Schlegel Villages residents as they return to the places that shaped them—hometowns filled with memories or dream destinations they’ve always longed to visit.

ELMIRA, ONTARIO – Thursday, August 14, 2025

Location:
Wisdom and stories will be shared by Schlegel Villages residents as they return to the places that shaped them—hometowns filled with memories or dream destinations they’ve always longed to visit.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Week of August 25, 2025

Location:
Wisdom and stories will be shared by Schlegel Villages residents as they return to the places that shaped them—hometowns filled with memories or dream destinations they’ve always longed to visit.

Additional details and dates will be added as information becomes available