Read 27 Highlights from the Toronto Seniors Strategy
Toronto recently approved Version 2.0 of the Toronto Seniors Strategy and directed City Divisions and Agencies to execute on 27 recommendations. When reading through these you will appreciate the thought and consideration that went in to the development of this list, you will also notice no commitments to timelines, budgets or other plans to implement. It’s very high-level at at this point and needs to be monitored as it develops.
There a wide range of important topics covered in this list below.
Recommendation 1:
The City of Toronto will initiate a process to develop a seniors housing and services entity at the City dedicated to taking a service system management approach to the needs of all seniors and integrating City services for seniors.
Recommendation 2:
The City of Toronto will explore how to expand access to free dental health services for low-income seniors through Toronto Public Health.
Recommendation 3:
The City of Toronto in partnership with Toronto Community Housing will seek provincial funding for additional Seniors Active Living Centres in Toronto.
Recommendation 4:
Toronto Public Library will support social connectedness by expanding digital literacy programs for seniors in libraries.
Recommendation 5:
The City of Toronto will expand Community Paramedicine programing in order to better support seniors who are high-volume 911 callers with non-emergency community care and supports.
Recommendation 6:
The City of Toronto will work with the Province of Ontario and community partners to develop a Toronto Caregivers Strategy with an emphasis on the needs of senior caregivers.
Recommendation 7:
The City of Toronto will consider senior-friendly outdoor fitness equipment in the design and refurbishment of parks.
Recommendation 8:
The City of Toronto will work with Toronto Community Housing and FoodShare to establish healthy food access initiatives that are accessible to seniors living in social housing through Toronto Public Health and the Toronto Food Policy Council.
Recommendation 9:
The City of Toronto will develop Housing Opportunities Toronto: Housing Action Plan (2020-2030) accounting for the evolving demographics and needs of older Torontonians over the next decade.
Recommendation 10:
The City of Toronto will address the specific and growing needs of older Torontonians by continuing to create new affordable housing and fund housing repairs and accessibility modifications for seniors by delivering federal-provincial-City funding and City incentives.
Recommendation 11:
The City of Toronto will seek funding from the Seniors Community Grant Program under the Ministry of Seniors Affairs to pilot a HomeShare program in Toronto to connect overhoused seniors with underhoused graduate students and others.
Recommendation 12:
The City of Toronto will develop a new homeless shelter that provides specialized services for seniors and older adults.
Recommendation 13:
The City of Toronto will implement the provincial Home for Good program funding to create and maintain housing with supports that meet the needs of formerly homeless persons including seniors.
Recommendation 14:
The City of Toronto will amend the Official Plan to recognize the City’s commitment to age-friendly principles.
Recommendation 15:
The City of Toronto will negotiate the use of Section 37 benefits to develop new neighbourhood facilities to meet the needs of seniors as appropriate.
Recommendation 16:
The City of Toronto will provide seniors with new and customized information and tools that will empower them to ensure that they and their neighbours are living in a fire safe environment.
Recommendation 17:
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will develop and launch a new public awareness campaign to advance a culture of respect and civility for the benefit of seniors and other riders.
Recommendation 18:
The City of Toronto will, as part of its commitment to Vision Zero, identify and install additional Seniors Safety Zones in conjunction with the Road Safety Plan.
Recommendation 19:
The City of Toronto will construct new sidewalks on roads where they are missing to improve walkability, mobility and accessibility of City streets.
Recommendation 20:
The Toronto Transit Commission will develop a travel training program to support increased senior access to public transit.
Recommendation 21:
The City of Toronto will work with community partners under Toronto For All to develop a workplace anti-ageism campaign.
Recommendation 22:
The City of Toronto will work with The 519, Senior Pride Network and other community partners to develop a public awareness and education campaign addressing homophobia and transphobia affecting seniors.
Recommendation 23:
The City of Toronto will expand employment support services to further address the needs of older workers, focusing on those in receipt of Ontario Works.
Recommendation 24:
The City of Toronto will enhance public awareness of property tax deferral and cancellation programs.
Recommendation 25:
The City of Toronto will work with the Seniors Strategy Accountability Table and other community partners to update and circulate the new Services for Seniors in Toronto directory.
Recommendation 26:
The City of Toronto will work with all Ward Councillors to hold Seniors Active Living Fairs in order to facilitate outreach and communication of the burgeoning range of diverse products and services available for seniors.
Recommendation 27:
Toronto Police Service, in collaboration with key partners, will create a seniors-inclusive training curriculum aimed at increasing officer awareness around ageing related issues and increasing officer capacity to connect seniors to appropriate community services.
We need some direction on timelines and project outlines for all of these initiatives. The Seniors Strategy needs a project manager! If you know who it is, comment below!
Read more at your leisure,