The Resort Municipality of Whistler is seeking input from residents, second homeowners, caregivers and service providers to inform an Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan. The World Health Organization defines an age-friendly community as a one that “encourages active aging by optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age”.
Input is being collected via a community survey, virtual one-on-one interviews and focused conversations.
To participate in the online survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/AgeFriendlyWhistler. The survey closes Sunday, July 11. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Whistler Public Library, Whistler Municipal Hall and Meadow Park Sports Centre.
“I am incredibly pleased to see this important initiative move forward. We all benefit from a community that is inclusive and accessible for all,” said Councillor Cathy Jewett. “While this project is focused on Whistler’s 55+ community members, participation from the entire community is encouraged as barriers and opportunities are never exclusive to one group of people.”
Those who are interested in contributing via one-on-one interviews or focused conversations, please email planning@whistler.ca or call 604-935-8161.
About the Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan
The project will assess the current situation in Whistler and then develop a plan identifying priorities and potential actions to advance identified needs and opportunities. This will be achieved through the project’s two main deliverables: the Whistler Age‐friendly Assessment Report and the Whistler Age‐friendly Action Plan. These documents will make recommendations for the Whistler community within each of B.C.’s eight age‐friendly community components:
- outdoor spaces and buildings;
- transportation (including traffic safety);
- housing;
- respect, social inclusion, or cultural safety;
- social well‐being and participation;
- communications and information;
- community engagement and employment; and
- community support and health and wellness services.
The project was awarded $24,418 in funding from the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) 2020 Age-friendly Communities Program, which will cover 100% of the project’s consulting costs. The Age-friendly Communities Program assists communities in B.C. to support aging populations by developing and implementing policies and plans, undertaking projects that enable seniors to age in place, and facilitating the creation of age-friendly communities.
The Age-friendly Action Plan is expected to be finalized for Council’s consideration by the end of 2021.
For more information on the Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan Project, visit whistler.ca/AgeFriendly.
