Health
A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to City of Surrey to support a provincial seniors’ summit.
“Informed seniors policy begins with considering seniors’ concerns, challenges, and needs as we create programs that will affect their daily lives,” said Surrey-Fleetwood MLA Peter Fassbender. “I am certain many Surrey seniors will see tangible results following this two-day summit.”
“Our senior citizens hold a wealth of wisdom and are a valued part of our community,” said Surrey-Tynehead MLA Amrik Virk. “This two-day seniors’ summit will provide further opportunity for consultation as we continue to develop our seniors’ policy.”
“This $20,000 age-friendly grant demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting a healthy and active lifestyle for seniors,” said Surrey-Panorama MLA Marvin Hunt. “Seniors are a vital part of our community, and we will continue to work towards improving their quality of life.”
“As Surrey continues to grow, it’s important that we continue to advocate for the needs of our seniors,” said Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg. “This two-day summit will help see that those needs are met.”
By hosting this provincially focused two-day summit, Surrey aims to strengthen its capacity to develop an effective, innovative and realistic seniors’ action plan for local residents and use new ideas for programming, strategic partnerships and funding.
Surrey is collaborating with the BC Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, the United Way of the Lower Mainland and the Raising the Profile Project for planning the summit.
“Surrey is committed to providing programs, services, and infrastructure to support our seniors,” said City of Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner. “This grant is most welcome because the summit will bring in new ideas and voices that will help ensure that Surrey remains on track to be the most age-friendly city in the province.”
The age-friendly communities grant program is a partnership between the Province and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). Local governments were invited to apply for grants up to $20,000. For the 2017 grants, communities were encouraged to consider projects that focus on accessibility, aging well, physical activity and non-medical home supports. Surrey is one of 18 municipalities to receive a 2017 age-friendly grant.
Applications were reviewed by a committee from UBCM and the Ministry of Health. Since 2007, age-friendly communities grants have funded 286 projects throughout British Columbia, totalling $3.75 million.
Learn More:
More information about Age-friendly BC can be found by visiting: www.gov.bc.ca/agefriendly
