WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The Seniors and Older Adults Task Force (SOATF) gave a presentation last night to the Council of the Township of Whitewater Region. SOATF is about gathering information and advocating for those they represent. Through liaisons and collaboration, they are developing recommendations and bringing the advice to Council.
The presentation was given by member Neil Nicholson and he was joined by members Bonny Johnson, Connie McLaughlin, Gary Judy, Sheila O’Brien and Will Patterson. SOATF was formed in September 2019 and has had six meetings to date. According to a report published in 2017 by the United Way, as of 2016, 21 per cent of the Renfrew County population was 65 or older. The provincial average was 17 per cent. By 2026, this number is predicted to rise to over 27 per cent.
Concerns brought forward were about housing, transportation, health services and isolation concerns. Mr. Nicholson stated there is an increase in vulnerability due to income, age and physical ability. He went on to explain the difference using the terms “age-in-place” and “stuck-in-place” to highlight the difficulty of rural living for some seniors and older adults.
SOATF has met with four individuals regarding their different concerns. In regards to zoning and planning constraints for age-friendly homes, they met with Ivan Burton, Planner and Economic Development Officer for Whitewater Region. Carmen Goold, Regional Ministry representative, was met with to discuss policies and programs like age-friendly communities and seniors active living centres. County housing wait lists grants to help residents remain in their homes was discussed with Carol Neill of County Housing Corp. Lastly, they met with Robin Paquette, Planner for Arnprior, about the Provincial reference for Age-Friendly Community Plan and Seniors council.
The priorities of the task force are a zoning by-law review to consider different levels of need and a mix of housing types to meet seniors needs as they evolve. It would also help in developing a rural-focused, age-friendly community plan. SOATF is beginning their project’s action plan and the cost is to be considered in the next budget cycle. The plan itself will help to develop a project plan proposal for the budget in 2021, it will identify partner groups and commence collaboration. They will also gather information through interviews, surveys, focus groups and community forums.
