Dear Editor and Northern Bruce Peninsula Municipal Council,
I am responding to the Publisher’s column of November 23rd – December 14th (Issue #19/21) as the plans for a renovated arena from 2012 and an article about the condition of the roof at the Friendship Club were described.
It is important to let the councillors, administrative staff and the taxpayers of the Northern Bruce Peninsula know how important it is for the 55+ older adults to have a designated building/space for their use. The municipality and the Ontario Government are responsible for the health, safety and well-being of their older adult population who are taxpayers and contributors to the economy of Lion’s Head and Bruce County.
Providing a safe space to meet for socializing and connecting with others has a value that cannot be put in monetary value. The value of the Friendship Club to the community far outweighs the cost to renovate it and make it accessible for all. There were many programs such as VON Smart classes, bridge and bid euchre playing, hearing clinics, line-dancing and special events taking place at the Friendship Club before the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Many senior/older adult centres were created upon the closure of the one-room school houses in the 60’s as the councils at that time felt it was important to have a space for their older adults to meet. Many of the original one-room school houses are used for older adult activities in rural areas where agencies, government services and meeting spaces are not locally present.
An age-friendly community provides for their residents from birth to passing. During these stages of ageing the councillors may ask themselves these questions:
• How is the Northern Bruce Peninsula Council ensuring the health, safety and well-being of their more senior aged residents?
• What is in the Northern Bruce Peninsula strategic plan that ensures the health, safety and well-being of their more senior aged residents?
• How is the council of Northern Bruce Peninsula addressing ageism within their responsibilities and decision making?
Many larger centres, cities and towns have provided space for the 55+ age group to meet. Before any decisions are made about the future of the Friendship Club building, I would hope that the council will ask for consultation with the 55+ residents.
The Friendship Club building has been home for many years and has provided a safe, healthy, comfortable and clean environment for the 55+ to meet, connect and socialize with others to avoid loneliness and isolation in a rural community. The COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions have curtailed the activities at the Friendship Club for 19 months and may continue to restrict activities. The members of the club are missing the card playing, the pot lucks, the game nights and special occasion dinners. There is time to develop and implement a plan through a consultation process to keep the Friendship Club building viable as an asset to the community.
Respectfully,
Sharron Colter
Lion’s Head
