Submitted by Sharron Colter, Chair NBP CSAAC
The Northern Bruce Peninsula has a population with over 50% seniors, 55+ in a population of 4,404. (Statistics Canada 2021). Let’s recognize and celebrate the Age-Friendly Initiatives in our NBP Community for seniors which also benefit all ages. Several initiatives have been recognized.
The NBP Community Support Advisory Action Committee (NBP CSAAC) began in 2019 just before COVID-19 restrictions prevented meetings face-to-face. Therefore the pilot, Bruce Grey Senior Centre Without Walls (BGSCWW)was created to provide programs to keep one safe, active and connected during these restrictions.
The NBP CSAAC and the Grey Bruce Council on Aging (GBCOA) would like to recognize the following Age-Friendly initiatives on the NBP that have contributed to a general sense of safety, wellbeing and connectedness for seniors. Intergenerational connectedness was also evident in these initiatives.
1. Outdoor Spaces and Building Accessibility
a) The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 202 Lion’s Head Ontario for installing a ramp outside and constructing the wheelchair accessible washroom.
b) The Climate Action Plan Committee
c) Environmental Stewardship Initiatives:
i) Heat Pumps
ii) Electric Vehicles
iii) Keep the Bruce Clean and Green, KTBC&G
iv) Bruce Peninsula Environmental Group, BPEG
v) Bruce Trail Conservancy
vi) Georgian Bay Forever
vii) RTOERO Environmental Stewardship Webinars -Saving our Forests… Saving Us
viii) Pilot Night Sky Lights – safe walking in the dark
ix) Accessibility Parking Spaces & Washrooms
x) Safe Community Committee- Slow Down, Speed control
2. Transportation
a) Pending Bruce County Master Transportation Plan
b) Home and Community subsidized service dependent on availability
3. Housing
a) The Hayes Apartment Subdivision
b) The Golden Dawn Redevelopment Planning Committee
c) The NBP Affordable Housing Committee
4. Social Participation
a) The Friendship Club in Lion’s Head
b) The Stokes Bay Old Schoolhouse Seniors Club
c) The Meeting Place in Tobermory
d) The Lion’s Head Legion Br. 202 and the Tobermory Legion Br. 290
e) The Rotary Hall in Lion’s Head for special events
f) The Pike Bay Community Centre undergoing renovations and updates
g) The churches that provide programs, meeting spaces and events
h) Community Surveys and Meetings re: Arena Planning, Heat Pumps, Housing, Short Term Rentals, Climate Action and Parks and Recreation
5. Respect and Social Inclusion
-Special weekend events, farmers’ market, community dinners, etc.
6. Civic Participation and Employment:
a) The NBP Municipal Council for encouraging community involvement
b) Various employers who provide employment for all ages
7. Communication and Information
-The Bruce Peninsula Press for keeping us informed via the newspaper including letters to the editor, articles from the many organizations and groups, advertisements and the weekly and special events section.
8. Community Support and Health Services:
a) The Peninsula Family Health Team Clinics in Lion’s Head and Tobermory for coordinating the vaccinations and boosters for seniors
b) The Lion’s Head Hospital, staff and auxiliary
Working together makes us better and stronger.
