The Town of Amherstburg is seeking residents’ input as it strives to build a more inclusive, accessible and age-friendly community.
A survey has been posted to Talk The Burg that will build off the draft Age-Friendly Community Action Plan and the draft Age-Friendly Community Needs Assessment Report. The survey deadline is March 20 so please review the Action Plan and provide your feedback so the Town can help make improvements in priority areas.
The Needs Assessment Report and Action Plan assess the Town’s potential as an age-friendly community using the “eight interconnected domains” identified by the World Health Organization: 1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings 2. Transportation 3. Housing 4. Communication and Information 5. Social Participation 6. Civic Participation and Employment 7. Community Support and Health Services 8. Respect and Social Inclusion.
“Population trends indicate that our community is aging, we recognize the importance of this shift and are working diligently to identify needs, priorities and strategies to make our community more inclusive and accessible for everybody,” says the introduction to the Needs Assessment Study by the ICP Advisory Steering Committee. “The main goal of our future work, and this project, is to ensure that all of our residents feel included and respected and have an opportunity to participate in planning and decision-making regarding the services and supports needed to continue and improve the quality of life in our region.”
Amherstburg’s population from age 65 and over is 18.1%, which is greater than the provincial calculation of 16.7%, says the Needs Assessment Study. In general, Amherstburg has a higher proportion of seniors than the provincial average. The median age in Amherstburg is 44.5, compared to Ontario at 41.3, says the study.
The Inclusive Community Plan process was kickstarted when the Town received a $60,000 grant from the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility after applying for funding to help “assess the needs of older adults and persons with disabilities and prepare an action plan that improves their well-being and promotes independence and active living.”
The committee working on the plan includes representatives from Council, the Seniors Advisory Accessibility Committee, the Essex County Nurse Practitioners Led Clinic and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
Completed surveys can be put into the secure drop box at the back of Town Hall or mailed to:
Town Hall
271 Sandwich Street
Amherstburg, Ontario
N9V 2A5
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