Across BC this year, 37 communities are receiving grant funding to support age-friendly planning and projects. The grant awards, announced this month by the Ministry of Health, will assist communities in supporting older adults so they can live active, socially engaged and independent lives.
“We’re proud to say that this round of age-friendly grants is the second-largest we’ve ever had,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “That means even more communities have the opportunity to create age-friendly spaces, opportunities and programs for their local older adults to be engaged.”
In 2019, a total of $729,500 in age-friendly grants is being provided to First Nations and B.C. communities.
“We’re proud to say that this round of age-friendly grants is the second-largest we’ve ever had,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “That means even more communities have the opportunity to create age-friendly spaces, opportunities and programs for their local older adults to be engaged.”
“Older adults are at the heart of their communities, and it’s important that they are able to age well at home so they can continue to contribute positively to their neighbourhoods,” said Anne Kang, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors. “The impact of the age-friendly grants is great, and because of the success of the program, we have seen it grow year after year.”
This year’s total of 37 communities supported is up three from last year, and more than double the number that received grants in 2017. Significantly, for the first time this year’s age-friendly granting stream included Indigenous communities.
“For the first time ever, age-friendly grants are being provided to First Nations communities to support their efforts in creating healthy, responsive communities for Elders,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This is an excellent step toward building a culturally safe and appropriate plan to help Elders age well at home, and ensuring the health and wellness of older adults living in First Nations communities.”
The age-friendly communities grant program is a partnership between the Province and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. In September 2018, local governments and First Nations communities were invited to apply for grants and encouraged to consider projects that focused on accessibility, aging well, physical activity and non-medical home supports. Successful applicants are eligible to apply for a range of services from BC Healthy Communities Society to support their project.
Looking for more information on how age-friendly plans and projects can make a difference in communities? Explore our collection of age-friendly community stories: Surrey, Wells, Cranbrook, Lytton, Rossland, Ucluelet, Smithers, Powell River.
More information on the successful projects in the news releases below, by Health Authority:
- First Nations Health Authority
- Northern Health Authority
- Interior Health Authority
- Fraser Health Authority
- Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
- Island Health Authority