Senior Friendly Community Plan Council Presentation Senior Friendly Community Plan March 29, 2016

WHAT? February 2013 City Council made a commitment to create a comprehensive action plan to address the current and future needs of older residents of Cornwall. Administration Working Group began the process and preliminary research. Applied for funding in November 2014 to move the process to the next level. Secured funding from the Government of Ontario in June 2015. To identify recommendations that will ensure that Cornwall remain a safe, affordable, accessible and enjoyable city for everyone.

WHY? We are in the midst of a major demographic shift towards an older population as the number of people aged 65 and over in Ontario is projected to more than double by 2036. Cornwall’s shift is even more dramatic – by the year 2025 Ontario expects to have approximately 20% of the population over the age of 65 while in Cornwall anticipates that number to be closer to 30%. While this shift presents challenges, it also presents opportunities, this generation of older adults are and will continue to be productive and active.

WHO?

HOW? The plan contains 3 parts for each of the 8 dimensions: Research: A description of the facilities, programs and services that currently exists within the community with links to get additional information or details. Consultations, Presentations and Survey Results: using the WHO checklist on what makes a community senior friendly – we went out to meet and talk to over 700 participants to collect their thoughts and opinions. The dimension items (62) were rated on a 1-5 scale so that it could be used as a way of measuring progress. Recommendations: to enhance what exists and to suggest new ways to improve the quality of life for seniors.

Participation % in Consultations by Age

Residency based on Age

Results: This Plan identifies a total of 68 recommendations divided into each of the focus areas. Many actions can be implemented with little or no cost. Others may require additional assessment to determine if and how best they can be implemented. We have had successes along the way. When a recommendation was an ‘easy fix’ we did not wait for the plan but rather helped when and where possible.

Next Steps: An aging population brings opportunities! Residents, organizations, governments, the business community and the non-profit sector all play a role to create senior friendly environment. Distribute the plan and make it available on the city website and encourage ongoing input. Consider developing a detailed implementation plan that: Identifies specific actions and timeframes Identifies funding requirements if needed and other necessary resources Engages stakeholders Provides regular updates to the community