Helping seniors stay active and engaged has earned Pitt Meadows Age-friendly B.C. Recognition.
Pitt Meadows will receive a letter of congratulations, Age-friendly B.C. Recognition poster and $1,000 to create a legacy project or celebration.
"When a community's focus is on making age-friendly improvements, it makes a big difference in helping seniors stay healthy and independent," said Health Minister Terry Lake. "Pitt Meadows is a perfect example of the work that is ongoing across the province to make communities safer, more accessible and inclusive for older residents."
The Age-friendly B.C. recognition program acknowledges local governments that have taken four steps to become age-friendly, including establishing an age-friendly advisory or steering committee; passing a local council or district board resolution to support age-friendly activities; conducting an age-friendly assessment; and, developing and publishing an age-friendly action plan.
Pitt Meadows will tap into seniors' knowledge by partnering local elementary schools with seniors' centres to create reading buddies programs and an intergenerational community garden. The community will also reach out to administration of local housing complexes and rental units to discuss the importance of developing a pet-friendly policy, allowing seniors to age in place with their pets.
"We know how important it is for seniors to stay at home and making sure they are as comfortable as possible is important, and for some that includes having a cat or a dog for company," said Doug Bing, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. "Plans to make seniors residences more pet-friendly will bring smiles to the faces of many seniors."
"Council strives to create a complete community, one that supports livability for all ages, including our seniors," said mayor of Pitt Meadows, John Becker.
"It's important to recognize planning efforts made by communities that take seniors into consideration," said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Darryl Plecas. "Whether it's making a building easier to access, or something as simple as growing a garden, taking steps to support seniors helps them stay connected to their communities and remain active."
The Age-friendly B.C. Recognition program is a partnership between the B.C. Healthy Communities Society and the Ministry of Health.