Age-Friendly Planning Study

As our population ages, we want to provide our residents with the resources and facilities they need to “age in place.” Our Age-Friendly Planning Study looks at ways to develop Official Plan policies that will help make our community age-friendly. It focuses specifically on:

  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Outdoor spaces

Housing

To help you be independent as you age, we want to create a variety of housing options. This includes providing housing that is affordable, located close to amenities and designed for all mobility levels. In order to provide age-friendly housing, we want to encourage:

  • Accessibility (for people that may have disabilities or other restrictions)
  • Housing located close to services and transit
  • More rental options
  • Smaller, affordable unit types (e.g. townhomes, condos, second units)
  • Housing that offers a smooth transition between different levels of support and care

Transportation

As you age, you may rely more on public transportation. Accessible transportation will help you continue to participate in the community and access health, recreation and other services. In order to offer accessible transportation, we support:

  • Better uses for existing transportation services
  • Conventional and on-demand transit systems
  • Ways to connect key destinations and transfer points
  • Consistent, accessible pedestrian and cycling connections

Outdoor spaces

Outdoor spaces, such as parks, sidewalks and buildings have an impact on the mobility, independence and quality of life for aging residents. To ensure that we offer adequate outdoor spaces for older adults, we encourage:

  • More accessible public washrooms
  • More benches and seating areas in public spaces
  • Sidewalks and public areas that are maintained during the winter, including snow and ice removal
  • More friendly streetscapes, with trees, good lighting and garbage bins

Additional resources

For more information about Age-Friendly Planning, you can request a document to review.

  • Age-Friendly Planning Study Presentation