William Dale
Published online May 20, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
MUNICIPALITY OF PONITAC — For seniors in the Municipality of Pontiac, a permanent Meals on Wheels program has officially launched—with a focus on gourmet, home-cooked quality—following a successful winter pilot project that served free meals to nearly 30 residents.
The service is a collaboration between Des Collines Seniors’ Services and local caterer OuiChef, owned by Peter Wannis. While the winter pilot was free, the program has shifted to a subsidized rate of $8 per meal, or $24 for a weekly three-dish package.
The “fresh” philosophy
Wannis, who moved to the Pontiac from Toronto in 2014 before establishing his business in Luskville, isn’t interested in the standard frozen-fare associated with senior meal programs.
“Providing fresh, not frozen meals is the best way to maintain quality,” Wannis told the Journal. “The taste and texture of the meals is much better and it gives the client the opportunity to freeze the meals themselves if they don’t finish them before the best before date.”
Wannis’ rotation includes over 120 recipes, featuring foods like red wine braised beef, chicken penne alfredo, and traditional tourtière. He shops weekly for fresh produce and meats.
Building on success
While the kitchen handles the cooking, the team at Des Collines Seniors’ Services manages the logistics and ensures the program reaches those who need it.
“We’ve been very encouraged by the response from the community since the launch of the project in April,” a representative from Des Collines Seniors’ Services said. “Many residents appreciate having access to affordable and reliable meal delivery that helps them remain independent at home.”
To qualify, participants must generally be seniors living within the Municipality of Pontiac who need meal support due to mobility, isolation, or health-related challenges.
“We currently have 13 participants enrolled in the program,” the team noted. “Although we don’t have a strict maximum capacity right now, expansion depends on delivery logistics and overall operational capacity. We continue to evaluate growth carefully to maintain a reliable and high-quality service.”
Seniors wanting to register can do so by emailing projets@servicesauxaines.org or calling 1-855-662-4637 ext. 248.
Photo – The OuiChef team stands outside its Luskville kitchen, where fresh meals are prepared for the Pontiac Meals on Wheels program. From left are Sarah Berard, Justin Bun, owner and chef Peter Wannis, Ranilo Petrin and Candace Stinson. (OuiChef)
