VANCOUVER
– Twenty-one more communities have received approval to develop plans and
programs that address local challenges related to seniors’ housing,
transportation and support services and enable seniors to age in place. These
plans and programs are supported by a $500,000 grant from government, said Ida
Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors’ and
Women’s Issues.
“Our province’s communities need to
be places where seniors are welcome, and have the housing and support services
to live healthy, active lifestyles,” said Chong. “By involving more communities
in the Seniors’ Housing and Support Initiative, we are supporting an innovative
response that recognizes the challenges of our aging population and positions
B.C. communities to become age-friendly.”
Project approvals for communities
coincide with the 2008 Active Aging Symposium in Vancouver, which promotes healthy, active
lifestyles for seniors and older people. The new funding was announced by the
Province in October 2007 at the launch of the Global Age-Friendly Cities Guide.
It builds on a $2-million grant provided by government in 2004. To date, 52
pilot projects in more than 40 communities have received funding under the
Seniors’ Housing and Support Initiative.
Richmond,
Creston, Prince George
and Port Moody are among the communities announced to receive new funding for
seniors-friendly initiatives, which include development of age-friendly community
plans, seniors’ transportation plans and recreational projects for seniors.
“The grants offered through the
Seniors’ Housing and Support Initiative are a great asset to local governments
across the province,” said Susan Gimse, president of the Union
of BC Municipalities. “We all see in our own communities how the population is
aging, and grants that support active aging and age-friendly communities are an
important component in sustainable community planning.”
Through the funding, Bowen Island
will be working with the local Abbeyfield Society to develop an on-call
transportation service for seniors to access appointments and social
opportunities on and off the island. In Williams Lake,
the “Seniors Sampler” will bring local seniors the opportunity to try out new
activities, such as tai chi, Nordic walking and yoga, in a safe, supportive
environment. As well, transportation and programs like the Seniors Sampler are
also being considered in Chilliwack,
where planning for age-friendly neighbourhoods is now underway.
The Seniors’ Housing and Support
Initiative is administered by the Union of BC
Municipalities. It was created though a $2.5-million grant from the Ministry of
Community Services and the Ministry of Health to assist local governments in
preparing for B.C.’s aging population.
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