A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to the District of Mackenzie to support a seniors’ housing and health services assessment.

“We want B.C. seniors to lead healthy and active lives for as long as possible,” said Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie. “The housing and health services assessment backed by the age-friendly grant will help ensure that our seniors are able to live comfortably and are supported well in their own neighbourhoods as they age.”

The assessment will focus on increasing the accessibility of housing and services for seniors in the region. The health services component will explore the availability of senior support services such as home care and assisted living options, as well as work with BC Housing to implement programs that can help seniors age in place.

“Council strives to create a community that is inclusive of all its members,” said District of Mackenzie mayor Pat Crook. “We are grateful for the support we have received for this initiative as the results will assist in future planning for our aging population.”

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. The District of Mackenzie 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