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City of Nanaimo recognized as Age-Friendly community

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 19, 2019 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo and Age Friendly Nanaimo are pleased to announce that Nanaimo has been designated an Age-Friendly Community by the British Columbia Ministry of Health. Based on the foundation of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly program, Age-Friendly BC is a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the BC Healthy Communities Society. This status is granted to those communities that have shown a willingness and commitment to making their cities Age-Friendly, particularly for those 55 years or older.

The Age-Friendly designation was awarded thanks in part to the completion of the Nanaimo Age-Friendly City Plan, developed by the Nanaimo Seniors Task Force (now Age Friendly Nanaimo) in close partnership with Nanaimo Family Life Association and with support from the City, other government and service organizations and through the support of the New Horizons for Seniors Program. Age Friendly Nanaimo is now actively working on implementing the recommended strategies within the plan. The benefits of an Age-Friendly city are many, including:

  • support for seniors to age actively, enjoy good health and remain independent and involved in their communities;
  • people of all ages and abilities benefit from safer, barrier free buildings and streets, better access to local businesses and facilities, and more green spaces;
  • businesses benefit from increased support by, and spending power of older customers, and are better able to support older workers; and
  • the community benefits from the increased participation of older adults in community life.

For more information, read Nanaimo's Age-Friendly City Plan at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/NanaimoAgeFriendlyCityPlan.

Link to Strategic Plan: The Age-Friendly Community Plan supports the strategic theme of Livability.

Key Points

  • The Age-friendly BC recognition program is a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the BC Healthy Communities Society and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • The Nanaimo Age-Friendly City Plan, while focusing on removing barriers to a fulfilling life for seniors, will also improve accessibility, social connection and well-being for Nanaimo residents of all ages.

Quotes

"I want to thank and congratulate our partners from the Nanaimo Seniors Task Force for their hard work in helping the City get this significant designation. The City looks forward to the continued partnership with the dedicated volunteers from Age Friendly Nanaimo as we shape Nanaimo to be a place where seniors and elders can enjoy living out their lives!"

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"We are very committed to the next phase and are actively recruiting more people to continue this work under a new banner. The Nanaimo Seniors Task Force will be Age Friendly Nanaimo. We feel this name change is timely,more inclusive and better represents the work we do that benefits all ages of the community"

Dale Harvey
Chair
Age Friendly Nanaimo

Quick Facts

  • Following Council's endorsement of the Plan on July 22, 2019, the City of Nanaimo submitted an application to the Province of BC for Age-Friendly BC Community designation.

Images

Age Friendly BC Seal
Age Friendly BC Seal
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Contact:

Dave Stewart
Social Planner
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4491
Dale Harvey
Chair
Age Friendly Nanaimo
250-616-7595
Lisa Bhopalsingh
Manager, Community Planning
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4423

Print News Release

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