Bruce County council has endorsed a new strategy that will help make the community more accessible to seniors.
The Bruce County Age-Friendly Strategy will implement changes to age-friendly planning work that will range from 2027-2031.
The creation of the strategy was first proposed in 2024.
The basis of the framework was based on community engagement that had taken place since, including earlier this year.
Engagement reinforced the importance of supporting older adults to remain in their homes and communities, improving transportation and housing options, strengthening social connection, reducing accessibility barriers, and making information and services easier to navigate.
Director of Long Term Care and Senior Services Emily Kussman said, “I think a lot of these pieces do require resources, and I think this is a good foundational that will allow us bring forward options for future consideration to address some of these areas of need.”
The Strategy established five strategic outcomes:
1. Supporting Aging in Place: Strengthening access to housing options, community services and supports that enable independence.
2. Connected and Inclusive Communities: Expanding opportunities for participation, social connection and belonging.
3. Accessible Communities: Improving transportation, accessible spaces, information and service navigation.
4. Healthy Aging and Well-being: Supporting prevention, wellness and stronger connections between health and community services.
5. Leadership, Collaboration and Continuous Improvement: Advancing coordinated action, local leadership and ongoing evaluation.
Participants also emphasized the need to build on existing programs and partnerships and ensure that planning results in meaningful action.
Kussman told council that one issue that came up during the public engagement was the fact that a lot of seniors and caregivers were unaware of existing services and resources.
“What we want to really do in terms of providing that information and accessibility to that information is creating spaces and streams where residents can access that information and know ‘I can call this number’ and ‘I can look here’.”
Bruce County will coordinate partners, align age-friendly priorities with existing County initiatives, support advocacy and funding opportunities, and report on progress. The Age-friendly Community Committee will advise on
priorities, strengthen collaboration and maintain ongoing community involvement.
The report outlines that local municipalities and community partners will contribute through their respective responsibilities, programs, and services.