Seniors push for real solutions

According to a City of Prince George administration report presented earlier this year, municipalities are responsible for local services such as roads, utilities and public safety. Responsibilities such as hospitals, health care, schools and social assistance fall primarily under provincial jurisdiction. While residents often turn to local governments when facing broader social challenges, municipalities have limited authority and funding to address those issues directly.

For seniors who attended the rally, however, understanding jurisdiction does not diminish the need for action.

Spruce Capital Seniors Recreation Centre administrator Shirley Morin said the biggest concern raised by seniors remains housing, particularly for older adults who are still independent but struggling with rising costs.

“Housing and not assisted living. Not care home. We’re talking homes for seniors who are still vital, still vibrant, still living, but need a cheaper place to live.”

Morin said many seniors are living on fixed incomes and have watched housing costs consume an increasing share of their monthly budgets.

“I have a senior who’s paying $1,600 a month rent her. She’s living on $2,000, so $400 is going to cover her cell phone, her gas, her hydro, all the extras. We need homes for these seniors that are cheaper and more affordable for them to live.”

She said affordable housing designated specifically for seniors remains one of the most urgent needs in the community.

The issue was echoed repeatedly throughout the rally, with seniors expressing concern that many housing developments announced for older adults ultimately fail to provide options for those who are not ready for assisted living or long-term care.

Morin believes keeping seniors in affordable housing could have benefits that extend beyond housing alone.

“We wouldn’t see so many people in the hospital if they could still live in an apartment or a townhouse that they can afford. The cost of living is doing them in.”

Beyond housing, seniors also discussed transportation, taxes and their desire to have a greater voice in local decision-making.

Prince George is home to five seniors recreation facilities, and organizers believe those centres can provide an important connection between elected officials and older residents. Many seniors attending the rally said they want candidates to maintain regular communication after the election instead of only appearing during campaign season.

Morin said many participants were encouraged by the willingness of candidates to stop and engage in conversation.

“The seniors were extremely impressed with how everybody stopped, took the time they talked to us, they introduced themselves. They told us their platforms, the seniors were writing notes, taking notes.”

She said seniors appreciated being able to ask direct questions and receive direct answers.

But organizers say they will ultimately judge candidates by what happens after election day.

“We would like to see them continue to come and see us every three months like they promised. Whether that will happen or not, we’ll wait and see.”

Mayoral candidate Roy Stewart was among those who stopped to speak with seniors during the rally. Stewart emphasized that residents need to understand the limitations facing municipal governments.

“I want to make something very clear for our senior citizens. I’m one of them. The city doesn’t have the power to give you money. If a candidate promises you that they’re promising something, the city can’t do. What you have to be alive to is that there’s a jurisdiction here that has certain limits. But what we can do as the city, since we have land and we have avenues to funding, is to try and build more supportive housing for seniors.”

Stewart’s comments reflected a broader theme emerging from the discussions: municipalities may not control health care, income supports or many social programs, but they can advocate, create partnerships and pursue housing developments that benefit seniors.

For Morin, that advocacy is exactly what seniors want to see.

She says older residents are not looking to be ignored or dismissed and have a wealth of knowledge to offer decision-makers.

“They have a lot of knowledge. They have a lot of great ideas, incentives, and they want to help. They want to give their input and they would love to see the city flourish again.”

As the municipal election approaches, seniors say they will continue to make their voices heard. They understand that city hall cannot solve every problem facing older adults, but they expect local leaders to understand those challenges, push for solutions within their authority and champion their concerns with provincial and federal partners.

For many of the seniors who rallied outside the candidates forum, the goal is not simply more promises. It is meaningful action, continued dialogue and a commitment from every level of government to ensure older residents remain part of the conversation.

by Nick Dube

Seniors push for real solutions

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