A comprehensive assessment on the status of seniors in Esquimalt has been completed with $20,000 in funding from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Seniors' Housing & Support Initiative.
Council approved the Esquimalt Age-friendly Assessment at its meeting on August 15, 2016. Staff will now be directed to consider the list of recommended age-friendly goals, objectives and policies during the review and update of its Official Community Plan (OCP), which is expected to be completed in 2017. The assessment noted that the proportion of those aged over 65 will increase dramatically over the coming years in Esquimalt.
“We are committed to enhancing the health and liveability of our community for all residents, including our seniors,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “This assessment provides a wealth of original data, collected using a variety of engagement methods that will provide age-friendly recommendations for our OCP.”
More than 300 community members participated in the assessment which included a community workshop and survey as well as four focus group sessions and several interviews.
According to the World Health Organization, an age-friendly community is a place where older adults are supported to live active, socially engaged and independent lives.
Some recommendations from the Esquimalt Age-friendly Assessment report include:
- Attracting and supporting more local business and services;
- Creating multi-use functions for existing facilities;
- Constructing benches in strategic locations along trails and roads for slow moving people;
- Reviving the Gold Star Access Program for businesses;
- Adding additional public washrooms and sidewalks; and
- Encouraging adaptable housing.
Several community partners joined with the Township on this initiative including the Greater Victoria Housing Society, Greater Victoria Public Library (Esquimalt Branch), Esquimalt Neighbourhood House, Esquimalt Lions, Renaissance Retirement Residence, Esquimalt 172 Seniors Group, and the West Bay Residents Association.
The final report of the Esquimalt Age-friendly Assessment is available here.
For more information, please contact:
Bill Brown, Director of Development Services
Tel: 250-414-7146