MEDIA RELEASE
Middlesex Centre, March 17, 2022 – The Municipality of Middlesex Centre is excited to introduce its first Age-Friendly Community Action Plan, which Council approved at their meeting on March 16, 2022. The new plan looks to remove physical and social barriers and implement policies and services to support healthy aging.
“There are over 6,600 residents aged 55 years and over in Middlesex Centre, representing one-third of our total population, and this number is expected to grow,” says Michael Di Lullo, CAO for Middlesex Centre. “It is critical that we plan for the opportunities and challenges this changing demographic will present, allowing older adults to remain active and engaged.”
Prepared by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants, the plan recommends short and long-term actions that align with the World Health Organization’s eight dimensions of an age-friendly community, including outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social inclusion, civic engagement and employment, communications, and community and health services.
Hundreds of residents, community organizations, local clubs and service providers contributed to the recommendations through a community survey, public meetings and focus groups. A 16-member project task force made up of community volunteers, groups that provide services to seniors and municipal staff guided the project and refined the final list of recommendations included in the plan.
“Middlesex Centre values the wellbeing of its residents and wants to ensure that everyone can participate fully in community life. This first municipal Age-Friendly Community Action Plan is a step towards achieving that goal,” says Mayor Aina DeViet. “By placing an emphasis on inclusive physical and social environments and personal wellbeing, it is our hope that Middlesex Centre will continue to be a community of choice for people of all ages and abilities.”
The Age-Friendly Community Action Plan is available online at middlesexcentre.ca/age-friendly-plan, and can be viewed in hard copy at the Municipal Office in Coldstream, the Komoka Wellness Centre and local branches of the Middlesex Library.
Funding for the creation of the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan was provided by the Province of Ontario through the Inclusive Communities Grants Program.
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Media Contact:
Heather Kepran
Communications Specialist, Municipality of Middlesex Centre