The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford are excited to expand evening programming, offering engaging opportunities for learning, discussion, and connection for older adults in the Glebe and surrounding communities. Through a new partnership with Friends of Lifelong Learning in Ottawa Carleton (FLLLOC), Abbotsford is pleased to host a monthly lecture series and in-depth courses led by respected academics and subject-matter experts.
Our monthly lecture series, The Learned Lecture Series, brings thought-provoking talks to the community on a wide range of topics, encouraging curiosity, conversation, and lifelong learning in a welcoming, accessible setting. These evening lectures are designed for those who enjoy learning for the joy of it—without exams, pressure, or prerequisites—just great ideas and lively discussion.
In addition to the lecture series, the Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford are offering a new six-week course beginning February 17, titled Getting Off Fossil Fuels – The Role of Renewable Energy, delivered by Dr. David Holes. This course will explore the transition away from fossil fuels, the role renewable energy can play in that shift, and the broader environmental, economic, and social implications. The course is ideal for anyone interested in climate issues, sustainability, or understanding the energy systems shaping our future.
These programs are made possible through a partnership with Friends of Lifelong Learning in Ottawa Carleton. In June of 2025, Carleton University made the decision to close its lifelong learning program—a program that had offered university-level lectures and courses to older adults in Ottawa-Carleton for 25 years. In response, a group of professors and learners came together to explore whether the program could be reinstated. Calling themselves Friends of Lifelong Learning in Ottawa Carleton (FLLLOC), the group surveyed learners and instructors to better understand what older adults wanted to learn and which instructors were available to teach.
FLLLOC also developed and submitted a business plan to Carleton University that lowered administrative costs and maximized learner engagement through the use of volunteer resources. The group has met with Carleton’s Provost and is hopeful that a decision about whether the university will be able to work with them to relaunch the program will be forthcoming early in the new year. In the interim, FLLLOC has been delighted to partner with Abbotsford through the Glebe Centre Community Programs in 2025/26 to deliver two six-week courses as well as a monthly learned lecture series.
The Glebe Centre Community Programs at Abbotsford are proud to support lifelong learning and to provide space for ideas, dialogue, and community connection to flourish—especially in the evening hours, when many people are looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged.
For more information or to register for upcoming lectures or the six-week course, please call 613-230-5730.
The Glebe Centre Community Programs and Services at Abbotsford are part of a registered charity; The Glebe Centre Inc., which includes a 254 bed long term care home. Find out more about our services and programming by dropping by 950 Bank Street (the old stone house) Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, telephoning 613-230-5730 or by checking out all The Glebe Centre facilities and seniors services on our website www.glebecentre.ca