In 2006, Province of BC selected Saanich as a partner city to collaborate in Global Age-Friendly Cities Project

With support from the Ministry of Health, the University of Victoria Centre on Aging,

Community Task Group membersAnd the Healthy Saanich Advisory Committee

• Recognizes the great diversity among older persons

• Promotes their inclusion and contribution to community

• Respects their decisions and lifestyle choices

• Anticipates and responds flexibly to aging related needs and

preferences

World Health Organization defines an “age-friendly” community as one which:

• Largest municipality on Vancouver Island; 7th largest in British

Columbia, Canada

• Includes a diverse population

• Urban and rural mix

• Four recreation centres; 1 golf course

• 169 parks, 1 skate park, 1 water park

• 100 km of trails and 37 beach accesses

• Sportsfields, playgrounds, sport courts, tennis courts, lacrosse boxes,

lawnbowling greens, seniors centres

Numbers and Proportion of Older PersonsPopulation in Saanich 2011

(Total population = 109,752)

Ages % of Pop.Total persons in Age Group

Male Female

60-74 16% 17,575 8,330 9,245

75 & older 9% 10,225 4,350 5,875

Data Source: Statistics Canada 2011 Census Profile

• Senior Friendly Service Decal Program 2008

• “Quiet” times in recreation facilities

• Development of Trail Guidelines, 2007

• Bench adaptations implemented• Completion of Centennial Trails Project

Phase I (no funding for Phase 2)

• ‘Measure Up’ project (grant) in 2010 to complete an accessibility inventory of recreation facilities and some parks & trails

Past Successes (2008-2013)

Current & Future InitiativesResidential sidewalks near regional and neighborhood centres and villages have been identified for new sidewalk construction.

New practice to construct two metre wide sidewalks, and 3-4 metre sidewalks near regional and neighborhood centres and villages.

New standards adapted for driveway drops

Current & Future InitiativesShelbourne Valley Action Plan - New Development Permit Guidelines to consider seniors’ needs for major centres, neighbourhoods and villages.

Ongoing accessibility improvements for parks & trails – 97% of seniors live with 500m of a park

Past Successes (2008-2013)Implemented “Access to Transit”recommendations

Changes made to Engineering Service Requirements

Since 2008:• 80 new transit shelters were installed & 92

bus stops made wheelchair accessible• 22 km of new sidewalk constructed• 28 km of cycling routes implemented

(road, off road, and shared)

Past Successes (2008-2013)Adopted new design guidelines for major centres that consider accessibility

New sidewalk construction priorities given to proximity to senior housing units, regional and neighbourhood centres

Current & Future InitiativesAudible crosswalk signals installed

Count down timers installed and adjusted for slower mobility

Encourage mixed use and intergenerational opportunities; a new sidewalk was built providing access to Cordova Bay 55+ Community Place

Current & Future InitiativesRedesign street network to add connections for pedestrians/cyclists, break up superblocks, improve crossings of major streets and improve public transit access- 90% of seniors housing is within 400m of a bus stop

Improvements to building access & ensure safe and convenient travel for a range of abilities

Past Successes (2008-2013)2008: Council adopted Sustainable Saanich Official Community Plan, reflecting the accelerating proportion of older adult age groups

Zoning bylaw amended - voluntary guidelines for townhouses & single family dwellings

http://www.saanich.ca/living/community/ocp

Past Successes (2008-2013)Zoning Bylaw changes to permit secondary suites in single family dwellings (2010). Policy amended to include Adult Day Care (2012) in commercially zoned areas.

Saanich Adaptable Housing Guidelines implemented.

Over 725 multi-family units and applications approved for construction

Current & Future InitiativesImproved accessibility at multi-family Housing• elevators• disabled parking • HandyDart pick/up drop off area• scooter charging stations

Development guidelines provide adequate indoor/outdoor space – Mt.View Campus includes adjacent new park

Current & Future InitiativesEncourage mixed-use housing options in all neighbourhoods to enable ‘aging in preferred place’

A 45 unit supportive housing complex approved, for senior’s (55+) who have been homeless or are at risk of homelessness. 3223 Quadra Project is in partnership with CoolAid Society.

Past Successes (2008-2013)Minds In Motion Program partnership with Alzheimer's Society

Cordova Bay Community Place – a 55+ centre built in a K-5 school

Finding Home Dialogues – Resulting Conversation cafes

Trust Us Intergenerational Program

http://vimeo.com/74954981

Current & Future InitiativesHigh representation of older adults on Advisory Committee and Task Forces

Presentations & tours with Multicultural Groups, Intercultural Association

Current & Future InitiativesFoods Skills for Seniors

Community Kitchens for Seniors

Gorge Community Garden(incorporating Trust Us Intergenerational Guidelines )

Successes ongoing (2008-2014)Ongoing Leisure Involvement for Everyone – L.I.F.E. program provides access to recreation for low income individuals and families

Partner with Senior Living Magazine to host annual Seniors Expo

Successes ongoing (2008-2014)Free opportunities for seniors:• social drop in,• ballroom dance,• ‘Seniors’ Days’ in centres,• walking programs, • Music In The Park• 90+ Pass For Life

Current & Future InitiativesPartner with/support not-for-profit organizations to deliver neighbourhood recreational and social services

Seniors Community Garden Group

Steps to Connect program

Greater Victoria Public Library pass

Past Successes (2008-2013)

Presentations and tours with assisted living residences

Improved audio & visual systems in Council Chambers

Current & Future Initiatives

Social & Recreational Guide for Older Adults

Bi-annual meetings with Saanich Partners

Use of Social Media – eNewsletter, Facebook

Ongoing Webpage updates

Past Successes (2008-2013)Facilitate active participation of older adults on Advisory Committees, Design Panels, Task Forces, and on Healthy Saanich Advisory Committee

High representation of older adults as volunteers in Emergency Preparedness Program

2011 implemented mail-in ballot

Current & Future InitiativesMobile polling stations travelling to assisted living and seniors’ residences for 2014

Seniors focus groups held for community planning and policy development initiatives

Volunteer opportunities in Block Watch, Emergency Preparedness Program, Fire Safety and Parks & Recreation

Past Successes (2008-2013)Saanich Fire Department - Seniors Slip/Fall Prevention - Fire Prevention

Saanich Police Department - Seniors Fraud Awareness Workshops, - Mature Driving Workshops- Preventing Elder Abuse

Current & Future InitiativesExpand Rehab and Therapy services in recreation centres

Expanded partnership programs with Island Health Authority:• Boost Your Brain Power• Falls Prevention• Steps To Connect

1. Resources must be allocated for success2. Regular evaluation process designed3. Internal collaboration between departments required4. Needs to tie into Saanich communication, municipal strategic

plans and master plans.

Lessons Learned

May 2014

An Age-Friendly future is exciting!!

For more information: Julie Wallace & Sandra Pearson

District of Saanich Community Services

(250) 475-5424

Julie.Wallace@saanich.ca Sandra.Pearson@saanich.ca