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Saanich: A Age-Friendly City Promoting Inclusion and Accessibility

Saanich, the largest municipality on Vancouver Island, is collaborating on the Global Age-Friendly Cities Project to create an inclusive community that promotes the well-being and needs of older adults. With diverse populations and a mix of urban and rural areas, Saanich is committed to improving accessibility, creating age-friendly spaces, and providing a range of services and programs for seniors. Through various initiatives and partnerships, Saanich aims to enhance the quality of life for its older residents.

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Saanich: A Age-Friendly City Promoting Inclusion and Accessibility

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  1. 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 members And the Healthy Saanich Advisory Committee

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

  3. 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

  4. Past Successes (2008-2013) • 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

  5. Current & Future Initiatives Residential 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

  6. Current & Future Initiatives Shelbourne Valley Action Plan - New Development Permit Guidelines which consider seniors’ needs for Major and Neighbourhood Centres and Villages Ongoing accessibility improvements for parks & trails – 97% of seniors live with 500m of a park

  7. Past Successes (2008-2013) • Implement “Access to Transit” recommendations and changes Engineering Servicing 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, on road, and shared)

  8. Past Successes (2008-2013) Adopted new design guidelines for major centres that consider accessibility and access New sidewalk construction priorities now include proximity to senior housing units and regional and neighbourhood centres - 90% of seniors housing is within 400m of a bus stop

  9. Current & Future Initiatives Audible crosswalk signals installed Count down timers adjusted for slower mobility installed Encourage mixed use and intergenerational opportunities; a new sidewalk was built providing access to Cordova Bay 55+ Community Place

  10. Current & Future Initiatives Redesign street network to add connections for pedestrians/cyclists, break up superblocks, improve crossings of major streets, improve public transit access Improvements to mobility network to improve building access & ensure safe and convenient travel for a range of abilities

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. Current & Future Initiatives Improved 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

  14. Current & Future Initiatives Encourage 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.

  15. 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

  16. Current & Future Initiatives High representation of older adults on Advisory Committee and Task Forces Presentations & tours with Multicultural Groups, Intercultural Association

  17. Current & Future Initiatives Foods Skills for Seniors Community Kitchens for Seniors Gorge Community Garden(incorporating Trust Us Intergenerational Guidelines )

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. Current & Future Initiatives Partner 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

  21. Past Successes (2008-2013) Presentations and tours with assisted living residences Improved audio & visual systems in Council Chambers

  22. Current & Future Initiatives Social & Recreational Guide for Older Adults Bi-annual meetings with Saanich Partners Use of Social Media – eNewsletter, Facebook Ongoing Webpage updates

  23. 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

  24. Current & Future Initiatives Mobile 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

  25. Past Successes (2008-2013) Saanich Fire Department Seniors Slip/Fall Prevention Saanich Police Department Seniors Fraud Awareness Workshops, Mature Driving Workshops, Preventing Elder Abuse

  26. Current & Future Initiatives • Expand Rehab and Therapy services in recreation centres • Expanded partnership programs • with Island Health Authority: • Boost Your Brain Power • Falls Prevention • Steps To Connect

  27. Lessons Learned • Resources allocated for success • Regular evaluation process designed • Internal collaboration between departments required • Needs to tie into Saanich communication, municipal strategic plans and master plans. May 2014

  28. An Age-Friendly future is exciting!! For more information: Julie Wallace & Sandra Pearson District of Saanich Community Services (250) 475-5424 Julie.Wallace@saanich.caSandra.Pearson@saanich.ca

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