A $20,000 age-friendly grant has been provided to three North Shore municipalities to support the creation of a dementia-friendly action plan.

“I look forward to the action plan that will to improve the lives of seniors with dementia,” said West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan. “This is an important step towards creating safer communities and addressing the impacts dementia may have on families and individuals.”

“Sixty to seventy thousand British Columbians are living with dementia today,” said West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy. “As B.C.’s population continues to age, initiatives like the age-friendly grants will impact an increasing number of lives, making the work of providing resources to families and seniors all the more important.”

“Creating a dementia friendly community begins with educating ourselves on the disease and its effects,” said North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto. “The age-friendly grant will be used to create an action plan that will help British Columbians with dementia live healthy and independent lives.”

“Reducing the stigma around mental health complications, including dementia, is an important factor in creating a cohesive community,” said North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite. “Through this grant and the subsequent action plan being assembled, we are providing North Shore communities with the means to stay informed and deal with the potential challenges of dementia.”

The City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver will work together to create a Dementia Friendly North Shore Action Plan with residents and community partners.

The goal is to improve dementia awareness and expand the current dementia-friendly North Shore committee to develop and implement the action plan.

“With this funding, we are looking forward to developing an action plan to reduce barriers and stigma for those living with dementia so that they can live well and engage fully in community life,” said City of North Vancouver mayor Darrell Mussatto. “This is another way the City of North Vancouver supports a caring community that is welcoming and inclusive of all ages and abilities.”

“Initiatives like our Dementia Friendly North Shore Action Plan are critical to the good health of our community, particularly as our population ages,” said Richard Walton, mayor, North Vancouver District. “This grant will help us ensure we are creating a dementia-friendly community right across the North Shore.”

“West Vancouver is committed to creating a dementia friendly North Shore where people with dementia are empowered to lead the life they choose with confidence and the support of an aware community,” said Michael Smith, mayor of District of West Vancouver.  

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 North Shore 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