Union of B.C. Municipalities awards funding to the RMOW to undertake assessment and action plan development
The RMOW will begin an age-friendly assessment this month that will inform an action plan to support aging in place for Whistler’s seniors.
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:
1) outdoor spaces and buildings;
2) transportation (including traffic safety);
3) housing;
4) respect, social inclusion, or cultural safety;
5) social well‐being and participation;
6) communications and information;
7) community engagement and employment; and
8) community support and health and wellness services.
As part of the process, the RMOW will create a multi-stakeholder working group to ensure a coordinated and efficient approach to improving age‐friendliness in Whistler, and establish a common understanding of roles and responsibilities in age‐friendly initiatives. Recruitment for the working group will begin in April. Interested seniors and stakeholders can contact planning@whistler.ca for more information.
Beyond the working group, seniors and other interested community members will be engaged in the assessment and action planning process. Community engagement will occur through a series of opportunities, including a survey and focused conversations.
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.
“We are grateful to UBCM for their support in moving Whistler towards being a more inclusive, age-friendly community,” said Councillor Jen Ford. “What excites me most, is the community discussions and the co-creation of an action plan that is truly place-based for Whistler’s seniors.”
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.
