Town of Penetanguishene creates plan for an Age-Friendly Community

March 14, 2022 – The Town of Penetanguishene is thrilled to announce the completion of the Age-Friendly Study which has taken place over the course of the last year, resulting in the finalization of an Age-Friendly Community Plan. This new plan is aimed at removing physical and social barriers to aging and implementing policies, services and systems to enable healthy aging for everyone.

“As with communities across Canada and indeed globally, the Town of Penetanguishene is aging. The senior population in Penetanguishene is expected to continue to grow reaching approximately 37% by 2031” says Jodi Ball, Director, J Consulting Group. “The Town of Penetanguishene’s Age-Friendly Community Plan comes at a critical time and is an important component in supporting the health and well-being of all residents.”

The Penetanguishene Age-Friendly Community Plan was developed using the World Health Organization’s 8 dimensions of an age-friendly community which include: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Respect & Social Inclusion, Civic Engagement and Employment, Communications & Information and Community & Health Services.

A vital component of the study was a robust consultation strategy which engaged over 300 residents and stakeholders including Town Council and Staff, community organizations, local clubs, and service providers. This strategy incorporated various public meetings, surveys, coffee chats and in person interviews to properly gage the needs of our community.

“Taking steps to create a more age-friendly community, where all residents can be active and engaged members of the community at every stage of life has been a large aspect of our Community Strategic Plan. The Town is excited about the path forward, finalization of the Age-Friendly Community Plan, and how the actions resulting from this initiative will benefit residents of all ages and abilities” says Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services.

The Age-Friendly Community Plan is available on our website with hardcopies available at Town Hall for viewing. Visit the plan online at www.penetanguishene.ca, and the Age-Friendly video on the Town’s YouTube Channel.

This Community Plan was funded by the Province of Ontario through the Inclusive Communities Grants Program.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Sherry Desjardins
Director of Recreation and Community Services
sdesjardins@penetanguishene.ca
705-549-7453