in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
October 13, 2022
BY JOHN BUTLER FOR SOUTHGREY.CA — Earlier this year the County of Grey and the Municipality of Grey Highlands endorsed a County-sponsored report entitled Final Age-Friendly Community Action Plan: February 2022. The Plan is available online. The Plan is driven by this vision statement:
"Grey County and its communities will create inclusive opportunities for people of all ages to actively participate in all stages of life, and to thrive physically and economically, with dignity and independence."
It is also driven by ten goals:
It’s heartening that the two levels of government closest to our daily lives have endorsed this plan. But my 40 years’ experience as a health planner taught me this – our landscape is littered with good plans that never got implemented. The full range of reasons why we have a chronic problem with implementation is beyond the scope of this article, yet two reasons are worth noting.
While the plan is about how communities can respond to the needs of all age groups, I have a particular interest in it as a document that could make my community, Grey Highlands, as friendly as possible for seniors. No surprise – I‘m 76 years old.
So with a municipal election looming, I thought it would be useful to canvass all candidates for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor in Grey Highlands, to get their answers to two questions that bear on these failures to implement:
If a candidate didn’t respond to my initial request, I sent them a reminder. The rest of this article shows their responses, presented without editorial comment from me.
Twenty-two candidates were surveyed, and all of them replied:
I was heartened by the richness of a number of replies. Even those candidates who do not get elected have provided insightful comments that remain as a legacy and tribute to their candidacy. We owe them our thanks.
While I promised not to editorialize on individual responses, I make these observations about the responses as a whole:
My deep thanks and admiration go to all the candidates who provided the answers below. Note that the order in which candidates in each category are listed was randomly generated.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I would be in support of better mobility for seniors. I will not be taking a lead or making it a priority in the beginning. My priorities are to the working class people of Grey Highlands and red tape regulations reduction to make dealing with the municipality easier for average people. My campaign is for the average working class person. So that will be my main focus but I would be a yes vote on council for seniors’ mobility.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Mr. Alp did not answer this question.
Ms. Valiquette answered the questions on her blog. Below is the text of that blog section. To see the blog post, with its links to other sites and documents, please visit the online blog.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Grey Highlands Municipal Council endorsed the Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan on the summer of 2022. The overall goal of this plan is to: "create inclusive opportunities for people of all ages to actively participate in all stages of life, and to thrive physically and economically, with dignity and independence." It establishes ten priorities.
Below I look at implementing each of these priorities at Grey Highlands.
1. Expand mobility options to provide access to key services and destinations for people of all abilities and in all stages of life.
Moving people around Grey Highlands and other rural communities is complex. As your mayor, I will continue to support the Grey Transit Route. This has been a successful project that I would love to see expand. But, transportation is more than just motorized vehicles. I am a vocal advocate for active transportation for all ages; however, many of our communities do not contain some of the basic infrastructure needed to keep people of all ages active and safe. There are two reports coming to Council that will help determine next steps:
2. Promote the creation of affordable, attainable, and accessible housing, along with a range of housing types and tenures.
I am proud of the policies this Council has put in place to support affordable, attainable, and accessible. And, hopefully these policies will lead to diverse housing types throughout Grey Highlands, but especially within the serviced areas. See my blog Smart Growth where I discuss the policies Grey Highlands has implemented.
Accessibility: We have a variety of people living in our communities: low income, students, young families, newcomers, empty nesters, and seniors, and our communities should be accessible to all of them. Not only should we be encouraging homes, businesses, and commercial spaces to be built with accessibility in mind, but I would also like to see Grey Highlands share the local success stories.
3. Provide a variety of communication options including opportunities for in-person interactions, beyond the pandemic.
I believe that Grey Highlands can reach more people if they use several types of communication methods, but we also must be cognizant of the staff time required for running hybrid meetings because it takes two staff members (often outside of the 9 to 5 business day). Perhaps, a compromise can be reached by alternating between in-person and online meetings.
4. Provide an appropriate level of health care support for populations as their needs change.
Related Community Dimension(s): I will continue to support health care in Grey Highlands, including supporting South East Grey Community Health Centre, the expansion of Grey Gables, doctor attraction and retention initiatives. Additionally, I support the expansion of Beaver Crest [elementary school] to fulfill the needs of our growing community. A program from the Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan that could be implemented with ease is to distribute and promote the Building Dementia Friendly Communities e-course - a course designed to foster dementia-friendly awareness.
5. Leverage existing assets to offer opportunities for a variety of employment and volunteer placements, activities, and events that enhance social participation by all ages.
This spring the municipality hired a Communications Manager. I am hoping this means an increase in communicating non-municipal events and activities. The Events Calendar is under used, currently.
6. Expand access to internet connectivity and capacity for people to make use of internet connectivity.
I will continue to support any program or policy to expand Internet connectivity and capacity within Grey Highlands.
7. Include residents of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds in County initiatives and events.
The plan suggests Human Resources conduct "a review of job postings, application process, and public committee policies to ensure they are accessible and commit to age-friendly and equity principals." I also think we can make Council Chamber a more welcoming space for anyone. Yes, Council Chambers is a place of business, but it can be intimidating to many. And, no wonder! It is a different language, you are on "camera", it is being taped, you have to speak into a microphone, and so on.
We can make Council more friendly and accessible by using inclusive language. Refer to my blog on language. Additionally, if meetings were chaired more efficiently there would be more time for you to speak at Open Forum.
As your mayor and representative at the County table, I will support and encourage Inter-generational Programming
8. Enhance cultural awareness and address root causes of systemic racism and discrimination in Grey County.
As the mayor, I will support changing Grey Highlands Procedural By Law in include a Land Acknowledgement. I feel this is long overdue. I will strive to always use inclusive language. But, remembering I'm learning, too!)
9. Utilize existing community resources and supports by fostering partnerships and relationships with existing community organizations and groups.
In the plan's Acknowledgements, it thanks South East Grey as one of the stakeholder representatives who played an integral role in the development of the plan. South East Grey is an obvious partner for Grey Highlands, but so are the libraries, the community halls, member organizations like The Chamber of Commerce, Kinsmen, Rotary and Rotorac, as well as the private sector.
The Grey Highlands Community Improvement Plan (CIP) includes support for retrofitting of businesses to provide accessibility features. I believe the CIP funding needs to continue and will support it.
Over the last four years, I have seen the Community Development Action Committee (CDAC) mature from a group of individuals reporting to one another about their activities to a group of people who share with and build upon one another. I think CDAC can be the seed for new events and opportunities. One example that blossomed (see what I did there) from CDAC is the Community Garden Program with two very different gardens.
Once the County hires an Age Friendly Planner (AFP), Grey Highlands staff can leverage this resource.
10. Develop Complete Communities that maintain a small-town rural feel, while still providing amenities and services where everyone’s daily needs can be met.
I think this "priority" might be the issue I have been thinking the most about over the last few days if not weeks. We know that growth is coming, how do we manage it so that we retain what makes us, us.
The reality of the current infrastructure (meaning largely water and sewage) is that because Markdale is the only area with all the amenities it makes sense to support services within Markdale. And therefore, this is where the gentle infilling should occur. I see a vibrant community with an assortment of housing types, thriving local business, and safe streets where all ages are encourage to walk--even in the winter! This doesn't mean leadership forgets about the rest of Grey Highlands. In the areas outside of Markdale, we must protect agricultural land and support the needs of farmers.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I completely agree, without 'buy-in' from local seniors there will be no "embedded purposeful change in our community". As your mayor, I will support and encourage a strong Senior's Committee. In my opinion, this committee has been on one of the most successful committees of Council this term. (Hey, it brought the Plan to Council!) In addition, I support committee meetings being hosted in the manner determined by the committee. DID YOU KNOW? Grey Highlands is looking for members for next term, now!
I would also support paid advertisements on social media to "boost" who sees them. Social media ads are largely inexpensive, and can be used in addition to amplify the current print media communications, for example, What's Happening. This would benefit everyone, not just seniors.
Though not technically mobilizing seniors, the next term of Council will create a new Strategic Plan to govern the next four years. As your mayor, I will support and encourage a plan that includes Age-Friendly principals. Check out the Grey Highlands Voter's Guide for more details.
DISCLAIMER The staff at The Municipality of Grey Highlands are experts in their respective fields. If something here is different than staff's advice, always follow staff's direction. And, then please email me at danivaliquette@gmail.com with what I got wrong.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I certainly supported the Grey County age friendly community and would continue to support it. In Grey Highlands, I will support age friendly services as over 22 percent of our population is over 65. My parents are getting up there as my dad just turned 89 and my mom is 86 still living on the farm. I'm sneaking up there myself as I'm at the tail end of the baby boomers.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
What I can say right now is that I'm still focused at bringing the new 62 beds to Grey Gables, either by expanding the facility or building a new long-term care home and the possibility of converting the current Grey Gables to assisted living. With the new Hospital and the Community Health Centre, my vision would be to expand this community health hub.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I will most certainly advocate for the Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan. I think it's important as there is a growing aging population in this area and we need to deal with it head on. My parents are in their 70's now and I have a close relationship with them. I hope to help implement this plan and work alongside the seniors in GC to make this achievable. For example, on my drive recently to Hamilton, I noticed in Arthur that there is outdoor equipment that can be used by all ages no matter the season or weather. I think this is a great start to increasing mobility and exercise which is fundamental at any age. The need for more benches in communities would be a welcome and I think a program utilizing our youth working together with seniors would be of great advantage to all. High school students need volunteer hours to graduate and seniors are sometimes confined to their houses with no visitors. I think this would be great to match them up and help each other and learn from each other.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I spent 7 to 8 years working in 2 different Senior's Facilities when I lived in Victoria BC. I spent a lot of time with my aging grandparents when I was in Primary and High School helping to take care of them. I taught ESL for 16 years to mostly children and now I have a 5-year-old of my own whom spends 90% of his time living with me. I have the care and respect for elderly. I will work together with Seniors in our communities to think, plan and act on how to deal with these logistical challenges. I am not one for deciding what is best for our community without proper discussion with whom we are making policies about. Your voices will be heard!
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
As a member of this community it is important to support all residents of Grey Highlands, and by extension Grey County. The 10 goals laid out in the action plan are a reminder that every decision we make must employ a variety of different lens, inclusion being a very important one. As such I will continue to advocate for the implementation of the recommendations found in this action plan.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
It would be my honour to engage seniors, utilizing their collective knowledge and experience to move Grey County and Grey Highlands towards purposeful positive change. Continued support of our seniors group initiatives, and further support at the county level will be my first moves. As Deputy Mayor I will listen and learn from our seniors, take notice of the priorities and move forward. I believe we need children and young people to work with seniors to gain knowledge and respect for our elders, in order to build a healthy community for all.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
In my private business where we trained and ran Self Employment and Business Development programs in communities like Grey Highlands we would always look for community partners that would help us reach our funders, clients and participants. One of the KEY roles that we had to fill was the role of Mentor/Business Coach and Life Advisor. We would put an ad in the local paper to fill this role and as usual get applications from the various candidates who were young, mobile and had an impressive array of letters behind their credentials. That was not what we were looking for - what we wanted was someone with a little “snow on the roof” as we thought that they had much more to offer in terms of experience, emotional intelligence and real life skills that our participants would need to move forward. We could never understand why other organizations that we competed against didn’t see that candidate employee pool had so much more to offer. Society has imposed a social mandate of retiring at 65 years of age – I never agreed with that philosophy but prefer to align my thinking with such revolutionaries as Quincy Jones (Music) and Clint Eastwood (Hollywood Films). Their motto: “Grow until you go”!
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I would see age friendly Grey Highlanders as a valuable resource tool for implementing new ideas and getting things done. I believe (like all other age groups) that they would respond to the “call to action” if challenged in a positive way. In 1963 the late U.S president JFK challenged Americans in his inaugural address “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” – I think all people need that and I think in 2023 seniors need that too as we come out of the COVID experience. I think that communication and technology will help seniors engage and become more productive each day for the rest of their lives. I lost my 92-year old Mother only a year ago this month and I can say that technology would help her stay engaged right until her final days. Each morning her I-Pad would help her travel the globe from her favourite sitting chair. A program that we have both young and old educate each other in their natural strengths can only help Grey Highlands as we move forward.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Absolutely to both. The need is high and for the most part the focus has been on the young.
I would like to meet so we could get into this a little deeper.
I have some thoughts and some questions as well. I can be reached on my cell @705-333-2538.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Absolutely to both.
In a follow-up phone conversation with John Butler, Mr. Van der Vechte said:
Affordable housing for all seniors is his priority.
He supports the expansion of Grey Gables Home for the Aged.
He believes we need to be proactive, so we’re not “caught with our pants down” on issues like seniors’ housing.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I've read over the pdf you included and everything contained looks to me to be achievable and the right course of action for Grey Highlands' seniors community as well as the municipality more broadly. So in answer to your questions, yes, I will support the Action Plan as much as possible.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I look forward to working with you and other community leaders on these important projects.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Our senior residents are high on my priority list. With the projected development or Grey Highlands my concerns with senior mobilization, wheelchair accessibility and youth outreach centres would be a priority.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Ms. Wagner did not specifically answer the second question.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Yes! Having reviewed the plan, I'm encouraged by the extent to which so many of the recommendations are likely to improve quality of life for any and all residents. The recommendations of course are quite far reaching, so my guess is that my advocacy and hopefully implementation priorities will be focused more on whichever committee portfolios I may end up standing for.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Again, yes! Down here in Kimberley I'd say we have had a “majority seniors' village” since we moved here, and I think that's unlikely to change. So my experience is that it's very often seniors who take the lead in mobilizing, advocating and governing for positive change in our community. More engagement and mobilization is essentially never a bad thing, so I'd hope that if I'm successful I can lead a broadly inclusive strategy of community engagement and mobilization, in which seniors are sure to play a key role.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I will advocate for any plan that I think helps members of the community.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
My wife is a senior and I am close so keeping people involved in the community greatly increases the richness of their lives.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
As the Chair and a long-time member of the Grey Highlands Seniors' Advisory Committee, I supported the adoption of the Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan by the Grey Highlands Council. When re-elected to that Council I will champion the implementation of the Plan, recognizing that its recommendations must be adopted over time, with the highest priority actions implemented first.
I should also point out that age-friendliness is a concept that may begin with seniors, but should apply to all age groups in Grey Highlands. As a member of Municipal Council, I would also champion age-friendly planning for children and youth in our communities, and all other age groups thereafter.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Seniors have had years to learn, experience and pass on their smarts. They don't all of a sudden lose all of that because of their advancing age. So yes, I would strengthen the capacity of seniors themselves to remain an enduring voice for change. Elected officials have so many issues on their plate that they can easily lose track of issues they originally considered high priority. An informed and motivated advocacy group like seniors can act as a constant reminder to elected officials to do what they said they would do. I will do whatever I can as Councillor to ensure that seniors in Grey Highlands are informed, motivated and effective advocates on their own behalf.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
It's great to see that Council has already endorsed this plan. To answer your question: yes, I would support the implementation of this plan and any and all endeavours to support our senior population in Grey Highlands. I can go on forever about how much value I place on seniors in society, so if I'm elected, you can rest assured I'll work hard to actively advocate for the plan's implementation here in Grey Highlands - as well as in Grey County.
Come to think of it, wouldn't it be a nice idea to include some regular editorial in Hello Country Magazine written by local seniors? I publish Hello Country for Grey Highlands and have also started a few other magazines recently, one of which is for Grey County. In fact, by the end of this year, I'll be publishing seven magazines in total: five covering Midwestern Ontario and two for West Toronto. I could include content in all of them that raises awareness for seniors' issues.
I recognized your name as one of the subjects from the [re]CALL Project Podcast with Robert Iantorno. I helped Rob produce that series. It did a wonderful job of highlighting our seniors and the valuable lessons they can teach us. Hearing the life stories from all of the subjects was very inspiring.
I'm also a member of a few Masonic Lodges, including Prince Arthur No. 333 in Flesherton, and many of our members would be classified as seniors. I always enjoy the opportunity to hear their stories about how things used to be and to get their thoughts on where we're going - whether as a community or society as a whole. Lodges are great ways for men to stay connected with other like minded men as they age. I see value in this for my future and I was happy to see that the plan you shared with me speaks to the importance of engaging seniors through social inclusion. I would definitely take the lead in the engagement and mobilization of local seniors.
Now that things are becoming a bit more normal, perhaps it would be encouraging to host regular gatherings where seniors and others in our community can get together over coffee/tea and a bit of food and have the opportunity to talk and get to know each other.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
So...YES to your second question.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
On August 3rd 2022 I voted in favour of adopting the community goals of the Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan and to direct Staff to review the Senior’s section of the Municipal Website for a potentially more age friendly presentation. If re-elected I would continue to support these positions.
Addendum: In my prior response I stated I voted on August 3rd. I should have said Council voted. I was in the Hospital that day but do support Council’s position and would continue to support it if re-elected.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
As a Councillor; I supported the pilot project with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit, have supported the Seniors Advisory Committee and the Grey County Accessibility Advisory Committee. If re-elected I would continue to do the same.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
The short answer to your questions is yes. The longer answer; I sit on The Seniors Advisory Committee which unanimously endorsed the plan and requested that Council do the same. The SAC was instrumental in bringing the services of Saugeen Mobility And Regional Transport to Grey Highlands. I sit on their board as Council rep and if re-elected will do all I can to renew the annual contract. I have brought forward 3 motions that will reduce the cost of housing in Grey Highlands. Personally I have 4 rental units in Flesherton that are geared to seniors and are very affordable. Having had the privilege of caring for my parents as they dealt with terminal illnesses, I saw first hand the benefit of being able to do that in their own home with the wonderful support of our health care system. This needs to continue and be enhanced so that others can age in place and if desired, die in place, as my parents did. I was part of the Internet Infrastructure Task Force that looked at how we as a municipality can assist with the expansion of internet service in our area. We continue to work with providers to remove red tape that cause delays. We have an incredible knowledge and talent storehouse in our Grey Highlands seniors who are willing, if asked, to share their experience and expertise. Over the years I have spoken with Murray Betts, Bob Elliott, Bill Hutchinson and others about their thoughts on Municipal concerns. Their advice is priceless and I can always see the pleasure they get from our conversations. I'm a senior now and feel that I still have much to contribute to society, I will probably feel the same way in another 20 years. I hope people come to me in years to come. So again, yes
If elected to Grey Highlands Municipal Council, I will consistently and actively advocate for the implementation, in Grey Highlands and Grey County, of the recommendations of the Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I will take a lead in helping to organize a process of engaging and mobilizing seniors in Grey Highlands in support of the development of an age-friendly Grey Highlands including municipal services and other services in Grey Highlands because I know that without a mobilized seniors’ community, decision-makers and plan implementers at all levels will not have the critical mass of seniors’ support that is necessary to embed purposeful positive change in our community.
P.S. I borrowed from the library, and have since purchased my own copy of Neglected No More by Andre Picard. The urgent need to improve the lives of Canada's elders in the wake of a pandemic. It is very eye opening and informative. I have quoted some of his comments at our SAC meetings.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I had a difficult time in reading and responding to this so-called "action plan". In principle, I support some of the ten goals, in particular numbers 1, 2, and 10. The rest don't really seem to be goals, so much as vague, feel-good, aspirational bureaucrat-speak about things that hardly anyone can be against. In my opinion, this is a weak report. It purports to be an "Action Plan", when it is no plan at all, but rather, a collection of seemingly every possible do-good notion the consultants could gather, with only some of them having much to do with the idea of age-friendly, none having any costing, and very few with measurable outcomes. They might be forgiven for some of this if there had not already been an "Age-Friendly Community Strategy" to build upon. Here is but one example of a recommended "action": 8.18 Mental Health and Addiction Services:
“Encourage community agencies to work together, collaborate, and focus on delivery of services for those struggling with mental health and addictions. Explore wrap-around care opportunities. Continue to monitor existing programs available for all ages and abilities and identify gaps. Enhance coordinated data collection efforts amongst all agencies that offer mental health and addiction services supports (i.e., CMHA, Grey County Paramedics, Police Services, etc.).”
This sounds to me like the everyday work and responsibility of social service agencies doing their jobs. It's not at all clear what any of it has to do with age-friendliness. Many — if not most — of the 119 proposed 'actions' in this bloated report read just like this. As for the more tangible recommendations, I imagine that Grey County could set aside every other thing it does to concentrate on trying to implement this plan, and still not accomplish half of it in the proposed '3-5 years for medium-term actions'. In other words, this 85-page monstrosity completely lacks focus. The danger in producing an unreadable report is that no one will read it — I really struggled to, and I usually like this sort of thing. I anticipate that County staff and agencies will also struggle to process this, so it will quietly be shelved, and that would be a tragic setback.
So I will advocate for age-friendly policy, but the County should ask for its money back and start over on this plan. At the very least, someone on staff should be assigned to boil it down to ten pages or less.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
As one of the caregivers for someone who suffers from Alzheimers and as someone on the cusp of elder status, I have thought a fair bit in recent years about aging in place for seniors in rural communities. My wife just bought André Picard's Neglected No More, and I'm next in line to read it. But in my campaign media, I've already outlined three priorities: affordable housing encouragement, implementation of the Climate Task Force recommendations, and improving democratic involvement by the citizens of Grey Highlands. I think for a novice councillor, that is probably enough for at least the first year or two, without spreading myself too thin. However, if elected, I will push for the councillor appointed to the Seniors' Advisory Committee to take the lead on this file (if they are not already inclined to do so), and I will support clearly articulated, affordable actions that advance age-friendly policy.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Yes, I will consistently and actively advocate for the implementation of the recommendations of the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan.
The recommendations in the AFC Plan support the vision of livable, thriving communities for all, and are also in-line with smart growth principles and environmental efforts. The action items push us to think inclusively and with fresh perspectives as we shape solutions for the community. Many of the action items listed in the plan — such as public space planning, age-friendly tool kit for businesses, traffic calming, green building standards, affordable housing, internet service — I have heard on the campaign trail. This plan is a comprehensive list of actions that allows us to re-imagine how we can live, work, play and learn throughout our lives. It is ambitious, and we can take one step at a time to implement.
Answer Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Yes, I am committed to take a lead in helping to organize a process of engaging and mobilizing seniors in support of this effort. I believe in community engagement, consultation and participation for successful visioning, decision-making and implementation of efforts.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Yes, implementing the recommendations in the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan will be such an exciting objective to be a part of. I see this as a great unifying effort throughout the historic communities of Grey Highlands. In spaces like Markdale, where I live, Bench Seating Programs are already underway and have a clear cohesion to the overall objectives of this plan. More rural communities, however, would benefit just as much from spaces to rest, and I'd love to connect with constituents in those areas to better understand how we can bring some of these recommendations to fruition.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
Yes, organizing civic engagement specifically with seniors would be a great responsibility. When I first began at the Library, I worked one-on-one with many seniors, providing them customized technology lessons and support. Continuing to empower seniors, and collaborate with existing organizations (The Seniors' Centre, the Library, etc.) with the aim of expanding all of our constituents' digital literacy would be a great use of my skills and complement my values!
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
As a senior aspiring to a seat on Council, services for seniors is something that I have been following for a time. I was President of the Beaver Valley Ratepayers Association when we looked at a small piece of this issue about 5 years ago. People were asking about available local opportunities for seniors to participate in fitness classes and injury rehabilitation. Most of the locations were in Owen Sound and Collingwood, a half hour or more away from their home. At the time, we did some research on a facility north of Flesherton that had a pool and work out area and had closed. It was a matter of money. Not enough people used it and to keep things in repair and upgrading the pool circulation and ventilation systems would cost too much for a private owner. I am pleased to see that the SGCHC has taken a lead in opening a gym facility available to the community.
The Grey County Age-Friendly Community Action Plan is much more comprehensive and deals with a large range of topics at a high level. What I really like is seeing many of the Provincial AODA requirements brought into an action plan. What I also like is that it talks about educating a large number of stakeholders who run businesses that are accessible for customers. I am one of those customers and I am part of that growing demographic of baby boomers who are looking for supports and services. At the end of the report, the consultant talks about building credibility through quick wins...things that don't cost much and can make a big impact on the target audience. Funding sources are available and they are detailed in the report as well.
I support making things more accessible to a wider variety of participants whether they be older or younger, from different cultures, ability groups and encouraging more participation in the local community. I will actively advocate for participating in a process and implementing the recommendations. I assume that the Grey County Age-Friendly Action Plan is but one document and that the Municipality has plans that feed into or augment the County proposals. An issue that I see in implementing the report is getting the support personnel to assist with communication, data collection and gathering material for reports. Hiring people and getting the budget may be more difficult...but not impossible. I am optimistic.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
There are a number of organizations that exist which were listed on the Age-Friendly Stakeholder committee and other seniors organizations which have connections in the community. I believe that some are missing who should be there for to succeed. It might be good to connect with groups like CARP and the Retired Teachers of Ontario who do excellent work at the Provincial and Federal level. While I follow Grey Highlands Council meetings, it's important to get the details and costs for moving forward. As to taking a lead, it depends on assignments and workload once in the Councillor position. Am I interested...yes! This is an opportunity to be a little self serving as I grow older "gracefully".
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
I will definitely advocate for the Grey County Age friendly action plan.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
If voted in I would surely want to take a lead in organizing a process to mobilize seniors in Grey Highlands. Our seniors are one of my #1 priorities.
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Yes. I will add however that I am running on the belief that ALL citizens have a responsibility to continually improve our communities, in this case to become more age friendly. One example on how this might be achieved would be to amend the building permit. If someone wants to build a house or a workshop on their property, a description of how this new building makes the community more age-friendly would be good to know. If it doesn't improve the situation, one might ask, "do we really need this new building?" If you're not part of the solution, it's likely you're part of the problem.
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I would not organize a new process. I believe there is already a process but it's being under-utilized. What I suggest should happen is to inform seniors how to voice their concerns or bring forth their challenges. One obvious solution is to make sure that seniors have a meeting place of their own, specifically a seniors centre! A place where they can get together with other people, who would likely think along the same lines as themselves and no doubt have the same issues that need to be resolved.
Mr. Wickens preferred not to answer by e-mail but provided the following verbal response:
Question #1: support for implementing Age-Friendly Community Action Plan
Yes. Although there is a great deal of fluff in the Age-Friendly Plan and although it seems better suited for urban areas, I support it, in particular these elements:
Question #2: taking a lead in engaging and mobilizing seniors
I’m willing to do this. We must talk to seniors and find out what they want – we shouldn’t guess at what they want. Information should be provided to seniors in a user-friendly way. Town hall meetings are difficult for people with disabilities to attend, so we need other ways to engage them.
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