Cranbrook is among 14 communities in the B.C. Interior to receive an age-friendly grant to support seniors.

“Seniors spent their lives building our communities – it’s important that they are included in them as they age,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix. “When we make communities age-friendly, we make them more accessible for everyone.”

Approximately $587,000 in age-friendly grants are being provided to B.C. communities in 2018.

“We know that seniors who stay socially connected and active in the community live longer, healthier lives,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors Anne Kang. “I encourage our communities to keep up the great work they’re doing to develop sustainable projects that support seniors in being connected to the people and activities they love.”

Grants will be distributed to Cranbrook along with Cache Creek, Castlegar, Columbia-Shuswap, , Kaslo, Lillooet, Lytton, Montrose, Nelson, Osoyoos, Penticton, Rossland, Salmo and Trail.

Receiving $18,193, Cranbrook’s Age-friendly Advisory Committee will serve as the age-friendly champion for the community by developing a vision, gathering momentum for change and encouraging action. Surveys, public consultations and collaborations with other regional age-friendly committees will assist in the development of an action plan that prioritizes the needs of older adults in the community.

The age-friendly communities grant program is a partnership between the province and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. In September 2017, local governments were invited to apply for grants and encouraged to consider projects that focused on accessibility, aging well, physical activity and non-medical home supports. Successful applicants are eligible to apply for a range of services from BC Healthy Communities Society to support their project.

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