Seniors Benefit from Age-Friendly Grants Across B.C.
Seniors in 26 communities across British Columbia have benefited from grants that foster active, independent living through age-friendly assessment plans, action plans and projects.
This year, the Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) program awarded a total of $524,000 in grants to support these initiatives. Among the recipients were nine Indigenous communities, each using the funding to enhance inclusivity and support for their older residents.
“These grants will help seniors in urban, rural, and Indigenous communities bolster healthy habits and social opportunities,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Together with the BC Healthy Communities Society, we’re encouraging age-friendly projects developed at the local level and investing in ideas and plans that ensure seniors have the connections and supports they need, now and in the future”.
The AFC program provides two types of grants to help local and Indigenous governments build age-friendly communities:
- Stream 1: Focused on conducting age-friendly assessments and developing action plans.
- Stream 2: Support the implementation of age-friendly projects or policies outlined in community action plans.
In total, 14 communities received grants for planning efforts, while 12 communities received funding for project implementation.
“I wish to express my sincere congratulations to the local and Indigenous governments who are the recipients of this year’s age-friendly grants,” said Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care. “In shaping these plans and projects, seniors play a key role in designing programs that will improve their quality of life and give them healthier options in recreation, transportation, and food preparation. By investing in projects from the ground up, we’re contributing to resilient and vibrant communities that honour seniors’ needs and vision.”
The AFC program is a collaborative effort between the provincial government and the BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy and resilient communities throughout the province.