The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands has been working on the creation of the Age-Friendly Action Plan. Produced directly from the information gathered through community feedback and the Inventory of Age-Friendly Community Dimensions, it will complete the third step in the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning process and be our guide for the fourth step of implement and evaluate.
This document sets out a strategy for developing a community that meets the needs of its aging population. It takes into consideration 8 World Health Organization Age-Friendly Dimensions addressing items such as buildings and outdoor spaces, transportation, housing, social participation, communication and information, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment as well as community supports and health services.
The draft Action Plan is now ready for review and we need your assistance. Copies are available at local libraries and the Township administration office. Please take some time to examine the draft plan.
Points to ponder:
- Are the goals of the plan current? relevant? achievable?
- Are there any action plans missing?
- Is the Township's role clear?
How Can You Provide Input?
Send Us an Email or Give us a Call. Please email us at or call 613-659-2415 x 228
Discuss the Plan with Township Staff. Do you have a group or organization who is interested in discussing the draft Age Friendly Action Plan? Send us an email or call us at 613-659-2415 x 207 to set up a time, and we would be happy to come and meet with you.
Background
The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands retained MMM Group Limited, a WSP company, to assist the Township with the preparation of an Inventory of Age-Friendly Community Dimensions. This Inventory consisted of the first two steps in the Ontario Age-Friendly Community Planning process and layed the foundation for developing an Age-Friendly Action Plan. Through the process, the Inventory will promote and facilitate active and independent aging in the Township. This project is funded by the Government of Ontario.
Age-friendly inventories generally focus on the following eight dimensions of daily living (below), identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement in each one.
Opportunities for community and Council engagement, including:
- A community-wide survey in 2016;
- A Seniors' Expo on June 10, 2017, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Lansdowne Community Hall;
- Public review of the draft inventory in the Fall 2016; and
- A presentation to Council for adoption in the Fall 2016.
- A survey to obtain feedback from the community on the draft Inventory of Age-Friendly Community Dimensions report.
- The final inventory report from Phase 1 and 2 of the Age Friendly Community Planning Process is available.
What is an age-friendly municipality? |
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The concept of an age-friendly municipality was identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), in response to data indicating that the proportion of the global population aged 60 or older is expected to double from 11% in 2006 to 22% by 2050. As people age and their needs change, communities must also change in order to remain desirable places to live. The WHO defines an age-friendly municipality as one that encourages active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age (WHO, 2007). What that means is that all older people, regardless of ability, need or capacity, should not only be included in all aspects of community life but be recognized for the valuable contribution they make.
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Who will benefit from this Inventory? |
| The Inventory is intended to provide the Township with the foundation to develop an Age-Friendly Action Plan in the future. An Age-Friendly Action Plan includes improvement strategies and an implementation plan to guide the municipality and concerned community agencies and businesses as they undertake age-friendly improvements and initiatives. |
What will the Inventory look like? |
| The plan will include an introduction to the eight dimensions of age-friendly cities, a review of the Township's changing demographics and existing municipal policies, and an assessment of the Township's age-friendly strengths and opportunities for improvement. |