About Oasis
Oasis in an innovative model that offers programming for older adults living within a NORC (naturally occurring retirement community).
Oasis is unique as it seeks to empower older adults to identify their needs and determine the services and activities which best meet those needs (Donnelly et al, 2019).
Oasis includes programming - developed by members - designed to foster movement, healthy nutrition and socialization to support older adults to age within their communities.
The 3 Oasis Pillars
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Social Engagement, the three pillars, are foundational for healthy aging. Both the General Healthy Ageing (WHO Initiative) and the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing Plan of Action provide strong evidence and support for the benefits of these pillars.
"Oasis is a wonderful program for a seniors' building. It just brings us together."
Oasis is growing!
As of 2026, Oasis has expanded to 23 communities across Canada!
A sustainability plan has been developed to ensure the stability of these communities. The research team is also working to build a pan-Canadian network of older adults, community providers, researchers, and decision-makers interested in working with NORCs to support the healthy aging of Canadians.
A list of our current sites across Canada:
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British Columbia
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Vancouver – 4 Sites
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Alberta
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Medicine Hat – 1 Site
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Ontario
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Belleville – 1 Site
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Hamilton – 1 Site
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Kingston – 4 Sites
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London – 1 Site
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Ottawa, ON – 3 Sites
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St. Thomas, ON – 1 Site
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Thunder Bay, ON– 2 Sites
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Toronto, ON – 1 Site
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York Region, ON – 1 Site
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Nova Scotia
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Dartmouth, NS - 2 Sites
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Halifax, NS – 1 Site
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And we will continue to grow!
Want to keep in touch with our latest news and research?
Subscribe to the Oasis Newsletter!
Oasis National
c/o Queen's University
Abramsky Hall, 21 Arch Street, 3rd Floor
Kingston, ON
K7L 3N6
NORCs Across Canada
Take a look at how naturally occurring retirement communities have changed over time. Our interactive maps will give a "snap shot" of provincial demographics across the country.
Dissemination Areas from Statistics Canada were utilized for NORC map development.
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