Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
Oliver town council is working to enhance age-friendly living in the community.
At a recent meeting, EcoPlan International presented council with an age-friendly assessment and action plan for consideration.
Consultant Kathleen Heggie said Oliver is an aging community with a higher median age (14 years older) than the provincial average.
She noted that by the end of the next decade, more than half of Oliver residents are anticipated to be over the age of 65.
Heggie said this will cause a shift in demand for more medical services and housing.
“It’s important to remember that what’s good for older adults and seniors is really good for the whole community when it comes to attracting newcomers.”
The consultant said the great fact about Oliver is the town already has a lot of age-friendly strengths.
She noted the features that enhance age-friendliness include outdoor spaces, accessible transportation, affordable housing, social inclusion, communication and health services. She said there is a demand for more doctors and health care professionals in Oliver.
Heggie discussed several action items that have been identified to enhance age-friendliness in Oliver. These include installing more public washrooms, improving sidewalk networks, installing more lighting to make people feel safer, improving wayfinding in the community, pursuing an indoor pool, increasing arts and culture programming, and supporting more transportation options.
Heggie said a lot of people say they rely on their neighbours for rides.
She also mentioned there are challenges for people with special needs.
But overall, Oliver is a very active community that offers a lot of opportunity for arts, culture and recreation, Heggie pointed out.
From the public feedback that was presented, the consultant mentioned other ideas including creating a senior-focused information hub, installing new community notice boards, holding a seniors forum, and erecting temporary use shelters for outdoor activities and exercise classes.
Councillor Dave Mattes said the report shows that Oliver is already doing well in providing age-friendly amenities.
Council received the report and directed staff to apply for age-friendly recognition.
