Town staff have been given the go-ahead to investigate ways for Huntsville to become an age-friendly community.
The idea came out of the now-defunct Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee.
“We had a good conversation about what we have for the people in our community who are older or retirees,” said Councillor Dan Armour. “We thought it would be a good opportunity to review what we offer and get more people to come and retire to our community.”
The Town’s Executive Director of Community Services, Kari Lambe, added that it’s possible to become a certified age-friendly community.
The Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat identifies the eight key features of an age-friendly community as:
- Outdoor spaces and public buildings are pleasant, clean, secure and physically accessible
- Public transportation is accessible and affordable
- Housing that is affordable, appropriately located, well built, well designed and secure
- There are opportunities for seniors to participate in leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities with people of all ages and cultures
- Older people are treated with respect and are included in civic life
- There are opportunities for employment and volunteerism that cater to older persons’ interests and abilities
- Age-friendly communication and information is available
- Community support and health is tailored to older persons’ needs
An age-friendly community is also one that:
- Recognizes the wide range of capacities and resources among older people
- Anticipates and responds flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences
- Respects decisions and lifestyle choice of older adults
- Supports the older adults who are most vulnerable
- Promotes the participation of older adults and encourage their contributions to all aspects of community life.
The Secretariat has offered age-friendly community planning grants in the past.
Staff were directed to research opportunities and report their findings back to General Committee.
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Affordable accessible housing is not available in Huntsville. There is a need for subdivisions with bungalows built on a cement pad, with garages, affordable apartments and condos with indoor parking.
The Summit Center is a great asset for winter walking. More attention should be paid to proper sidewalks to make our community safe for walking for everyone.
I agree Sandra. The winter weather makes some of the criteria prohibitive. This is why I believe our Summit Centre is so important for winter physical activity – no ice, no snow, flat surface = safety. Huntsville is also desperately in need of senior-friendly affordable housing. I’m encouraged that the committee is showing renewed interest.
My husband and I bought a home in Hidden Valley when we sold our business and retired. Now in our 70s looking ahead, there doesn’t seem to be affordable, accessible apartments, if we are unable to maintain our home. It is also necessary to have a vehicle and be able to drive. The length of winter and the amount of snow we get, gets to be more of a problem as we age. Home heating is expensive, because of our cold winters. Because of summer tourism, we have better choices in shopping, recreation, and services of all kinds than most small towns. There is a vibrant arts community, and many recreational choices. Arrowhead and Algonquin are so close.