Provincial recognition for making life better for people of all ages and abilities is well-deserved, says the executive director of the Grand River Council on Aging.
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Provincial recognition for making life better for people of all ages and abilities is well-deserved, says the executive director of the Grand River Council on Aging.
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“I think it’s wonderful,” Lucy Marco said of the awards recently presented to the County of Brant and the City of Brantford. “Both municipalities have a great understanding of what age-friendly means and many people likely know they have developed a lot of social programs to help give people a sense of belonging.
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“But what many people may not realize is the work both municipalities are doing in the area of housing and transportation.”
Marco, a long time community advocate, said both the county and the city have developed age-friendly plans, which are helping them respond to the needs of the community today and for the future. She made the comments in response to the city and the county receiving Ontario Ontario Age-Friendly Community Awards at the Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference in January.
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The awards are also an affirmation of the work done by the two municipalities and the many volunteers from both communities who provided input from their lived experience to help develop age-friendly plans, Marco said.
“I’m incredibly proud to accept this award on behalf of the city,” Mayor Kevin Davis said in a statement. “Ensuring people of all ages and abilities had opportunities to thrive is a key priority for Brantford.
“I applaud our city staff and community partners for their ongoing efforts to support our aging population through social media participation, civic pride and better overall mental health and physical well-being.”
An increase in kilometres of paved paths and sidewalks, an increase in the number of transit stops with shelters, more affordable housing are just some of the initiatives undertaken to make the city age-friendly. The work follows the launch of the city’s Health Aging Strategy in 2018.
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City council recently approved plans to build on the past successes through a new Health Aging Strategy 2025-27. The new strategy will include, among other initiatives, installation of more pedestrian crossing signals, curb cuts and tactile warning indicators, raised bumps that warning of raised curb or pedestrian crossing.
Other upcoming initiatives include improvements to light levels and energy efficiency of street lighting and improved bus service through the Brantford Transit Moving Forward Plan.
As well, the city offers free Seniors’ Month activities throughout June.
Brantford has been previously recognized as an age-friendly community by the World Health Organization and has also earned recognition from the Ministry of Seniors’ Affairs for its ongoing efforts.
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Brant County meanwhile was recognized for building spaces that are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of older adults, helping them live safely, stay active, and remain engaged in their community.
County officials say the recognition supports Brant’s efforts in obtaining national and international recognition through the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization.
To learn more about the city’s age-friendly initiatives visit www.brantford.ca/en/living-here/healthy-living .
For the county’s age-friendly initiatives visit www.brant.ca/en/community-and-support/senior-services.aspx .
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