Vernon, Okanagan seniors to benefit from provincial grants

Aug 31, 2022 | 4:04 PM

A new funding stream to support seniors across B.C. will see some money go towards supports in Vernon and within the Okanagan.

The province is distributing a total of $500,000 to 25 communities, including four Indigenous communities, to conduct age-friendly assessments and plan and run projects that keep seniors residents active and socially engaged.

“It’s important for seniors to feel included and comfortable in their communities as they age,” said Mable Elmore, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care.

“These age-friendly assessments, action plans and projects will help our seniors age in place and be socially engaged and active members of their communities.”

The province is distributing $25,000 to 13 communities in B.C. to conduct age-friendly assessments and develop action plans.

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Among the recipients for those funds is the City of Vernon, which will use the money to establish a Vernon Community Age and Dementia-friendly Action Plan.

Other area recipients of those funds are the City of Kamloops for Age-Friendly Community Analysis and Planning; the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen for a Kaleden (Area 1) Aging-in-Place Assessment and Action Plan; and the Town of Princeton for an Age-Friendly Assessment and Action Plan.

The other funding stream, which will see grants of $15,000 support age-friendly projects, will benefit 12 communities, including the City of Penticton for Age-Inclusive Emergency Preparedness.

“Taking care of our seniors and making sure they have access to the supports and services they need to live fulfilling lives is a priority for our government,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“Creating age-friendly communities is an important part of this as it helps seniors remain independent. I look forward to seeing the great initiatives proposed by the grant recipients come to life.”

by Liam Verster

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