The County of Simcoe is taking another step in the Age-Friendly Community initiative, hosting a series of public consultations throughout September to gain further input from residents and stakeholders about the age-friendliness of their communities.
Focus groups were held with caregivers, service providers, social club members, newcomers, business owners, aboriginals and others last year, and 3,048 completed Age-Friendly surveys have been received from residents across the 16 municipalities.
Telephone interviews were conducted in an effort to gather information from harder to reach, isolated and low income older adults.
"It is extremely important that we have the right services, resources, infrastructure and programs in place to meet the needs and demands of our aging population," said Warden Gerry Marshall.
"Through our engagement process, the voice of our older adults is being heard. Please join us in September and continue to help reshape our communities for an even brighter future for all our residents.”
Meanwhile, the city of Barrie is inviting public input for its Age-Friendly Community Plan being developed with assistance from an Ontario Government grant.
The strategy defines an Age-Friendly Community as one "where policies, services and facilities support older people to live in a secure environment, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in their communities."
Work on the city's plan is well underway, with a completed needs assessment and community forum being held last June.
A discussion paper is being circulated for comments and the project is expected to be completed in the fall.
To read the discussion paper and comment on the plan, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BAFCPDP.
The County's forums will include information about how communities worldwide are being made friendlier for aging residents, with priorities for continuing improvement identified within the eight World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly dimensions: housing, outdoor spaces, transportation, communication, respect, social participation, employment, and community and health services.
Results from the consultation sessions and the full community engagement process will be utilized to determine the guiding principles of the County’s Age-Friendly Community Planning Framework. The final report will be reviewed by the Age-Friendly Community Project Steering Committee and submitted for endorsement by County Council in spring 2017.
Scheduled sessions:
Alliston - Nottawasaga Inn, 39 Victoria St. E.
- September 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Collingwood - Sunset Manor, 49 Raglan St.
- September 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Orillia - Orillia Legion - Vimy Lounge, 215 Mississauga St. E.
- September 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Penetanguishene - Georgian Village, 101 Thompson St.
- September 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
