Senior Support In Northern Communities

Apr 19, 2018 | 3:28 PM

VICTORIA – To allow seniors to be better connected with people and activities, eight northern B.C. communities are receiving age-friendly grants. Communities include Prince George, Quesnel, Fort St. John, Fraser Lake, Kitimat, Smithers, Stewart and Wells. 

“Seniors spent their lives building our communities – it’s important that they are included in them as they age,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “When we make communities age-friendly, we make them more accessible for everyone.” 

Prince George plans to develop age-friendly recreation programs in Prince George. Quesnel plans to help seniors age in place. Smithers plans to partner with the public library to offer more large print and audio books. Fort St. John plans to do an assessment on how to make the city more age-friendly. Fraser Lake plans to increase the use of its community vehicle to help seniors socialize and be more physically active. Kitimat plans to create an action plan to enhance seniors’ services. Stewart plans to renovate its seniors’ centre. Wells plans to implement a project to increase the walkability of Wells. 

“We know that seniors who stay socially connected and active in the community live longer, healthier lives,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Anne Kang.