Government is committing $500,000 for 2015 Age-friendly Community Planning and Project grants to help local governments establish or continue projects and community planning that supports healthy, active seniors.

“This successful grant program is a partnership between the provincial government and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) and allows local governments to access grants of up to $20, 000 to support the needs of our older residents,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “To date, over 125 local governments in all areas of B.C. have received at least one grant and over 200 projects have been funded.”

For the 2015 round of Age-friendly grants, communities are encouraged to consider projects and community planning that focus on accessibility. Applications for 2015 grants are due to UBCM by Friday, October 31, 2014, and applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Friday, Dec. 5, 2014.

“Keeping seniors engaged and able to be active in their communities offers amazing health benefits,” said Michelle Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living and Seniors. “I look forward to the innovative projects and planning that takes place from the next round of Age-friendly grants and the positive impact for seniors throughout B.C.”

Some examples of age-friendly projects and community planning includes: senior-focused recreation and social programs; community and age-friendly accessibility assessments and official community plan updates; senior-friendly information sources; community gardens and healthy eating and wellness programs; and community awareness and supports for those living with dementia and their families. 

“The provincial funding program has been well received by local governments,” said Rhona Martin, president of the UBCM. “I encourage communities that have not applied for an Age-friendly grant to do so.”

With today’s funding announcement for 2015 grants, government’s total investment in the Age-friendly grant program is $4.75 million. Funding for Age-friendly grants is one of government’s platform commitments for seniors and reflects the goals of B.C.’s Families First Agenda, which supports seniors by encouraging healthy, active aging.

Learn more:

To apply for Age-friendly Community Planning and Project grants, please visit: http://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/lgps/current-lgps-programs/seniors-housing-support-initiative.html

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)

Paul Taylor
Director of Communications
Union of British Columbia Municipalities
250 250-893-8476 (media line)