Last year, the City commissioned a Age-friendly Seniors Safety Project Report which was completed in July of 2010. Seniors were asked for their opinions on a whole range of matters such as transportation and safety, social inclusion, affordable housing and health. Read the report recommendations here..
Relaxing in the Park
Since that time, we have started to make some of the requested changes.
The Seniors Resources and Support Society will likely be updating the recommendations later this fall.
Safety
In February Public Works created a list of sidewalk improvements including let-down ramps, that would enhance mobility, since transportation and mobility were big issues in the report. Those works have since been completed.
We have asked for a list of similar future projects that would have the same objective of enhanced mobility, so that Public Works remains focused on those goals.
We submitted a grant application that would have seen replacement or installation of sidewalks and other improvements, many aimed specifically at seniors (such as along Day Road).
Alas, our application was denied, but the targets remain for future public works projects.
Transportation
The Active Transportation Plan has begun and seniors groups will be consulted; they have been identified as one of the key stakeholders. We also we placed a bus shelter on Day Road adjacent to the Kiwanis Village and we intend to have a sidewalk along the street installed at some point in the future.
At a Seniors' Dance
Social and Political inclusion
The Cairnsmore Neighbourhood Group is an example of what I would like to see organized in other neighbourhoods in Duncan. They have picnics and movie nights, where the whole neighbourhood is invited.
The Seniors Resource & Support Society- Cowichan hosts Monthly Teas and monthly Speaker Program as well as a newsletter.
This election year, we will once again have the Travelling Polling Station going to Seniors’ Housing to be sure that everyone gets a chance to vote, even if the weather that day is stormy. In the past, some seniors have chosen not to vote due to bad weather.