*Update May 2015*
CitySpaces is pleased to learn it has won the Award of Merit from the Canadian Institute of Planners’ for this Age-Friendly Strategy!
Age-friendly planning is an emerging area of practice that has increasing relevancy for communities across Canada. Municipalities such as the Township of Langley have embraced the notion of age-friendly communities, and have initiated processes to adapt their policies, plans, and programs to respond to the evolving needs of their residents.
The Township of Langley’s Age-friendly Strategy was developed according to the World Health Organization approach for cities. To develop the Strategy, the team looked at examples of age-friendly planning; reviewed existing policies and practices in the Township; and undertook considerable community engagement to ensure the Strategy was grounded in the priority issues of local residents and received buy-in and support from all possible partners.
In addition to a set of three targeted workshops, the community had the opportunity to provide input at a series of six pop-up public installations, dubbed the “roadshow” events. In an effort to reach people where they are at, and broaden community input, the roadshow events were held over a three-week period at a variety of locations around the Township, including senior centres, recreation centres, and local community events. The public could also complete an online questionnaire or add comments or photos to coMap, a community mapping tool that allows participants to make comments directly on an online map. These engagement tools resulted in the completion of 129 questionnaires and 80 coMap entries – increasing awareness and gathering far more input than a typical open house.
The resulting Age-friendly Strategy presents a set of actions that respond to the community’s current and future needs. The Strategy provides a framework to guide decisions and support initiatives that will lead to a more age-friendly community. Fully supported by Township Council, staff, and the community, the Strategy and the process undertaken by the Township provide a reference for communities across the country.
For additional age-friendly projects please check out:
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