Seniors
Population Statistics
Our population has increased by 16,000 since 1993. We are projected to grow to 119,300 by 2026.
Currently we account for 33% of the region’s population.
Demographic factors are changing. In 2006, 23% of our population was over the age of 55. By 2026, one in three people will be over the age of 55.
There have been many articles I have been asked to be involved with. Below are a few:
The Globe and Mail did an article on developers ride the seniors wave and below is part of thta article:
… “In retirement communities on Vancouver Island, politicians have started to develop criteria that businesses can use to retain an aging consumer base. Judy Brownoff is a councillor in the district of Saanich and the co-chair of Canada’s Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, which, with the World Health Organization, promotes active living for seniors.
“Are you going to have to spend a few dollars to adapt a bit? Yes,” advised Ms. Brownoff. “[Seniors] still buy. They’re still consumers in their older age.”
Each year, the University of Victoria’s Centre on Aging gives out senior-friendly business awards. Businesses are judged by the number of parking spots for seniors; how clear the signage is for washrooms, safety hazards and service; the number of handrails and coat hooks in washrooms; and how comfortable the seating is.
Last year, two of the awards went to local restaurants J.J. Morgan and Apple Tree. Both restaurants are spacious enough for walkers and wheelchairs, all seats have arms and the menu has large print, Ms. Brownoff said. The food is reasonably priced, and customers receive personalized attention from staff.
Saanich’s Built Environment can be improved
There are many issues we can work together with other levels of governments one that is so important is our “built environment” and making it convenient and safe to get to where you want by walking, and the other benefits from walkng is health improvements.
The following is an article that was published in 2008 … it was a start but more is needed and I’m hopeful that when we see the “draft” Shelbourne Valley Plan the walking environment will be one of the priorities.
Investing in sidewalk ramps a start but more is needed
Up to 40 sidewalk ramps along the Shelbourne corridor between Shelbourne Plaza and University Heights shopping centres are slated for replacement starting as early as this fall.
“Technically, Shelbourne is where the highest percentage of seniors live in Saanich,” said Coun. Judy Brownoff, chair of the bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee.
The existing ramps linking crosswalks to sidewalks, installed up to 40 years ago, can be a safety hazard, Brownoff said. Some corner ramps direct pedestrians and scooter- or wheelchair-users into moving traffic. Most have raised lips at the base meant to redirect water, but are difficult to maneuver on a wheelchair or with a walker.
… “It’s a start but we (applied) for more,” Brownoff said. “Here’s the key: with an aging population, not just Saanich but municipalities across the province are facing challenges.” The province needs to contribute more into areas, such as Shelbourne, which are prime for allowing seniors to age in place, she added.
“Concerns have been expressed not only to us (Saanich’s engineering department), but to some council members,” added Steve Holroyd of the municipality’s engineering planning and design department. “We thought it was a worthwhile project to enable all people.”
Saanich engineers will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to install corner ramps that wrap around a corner, or double ramps to collect pedestrians from two directions. Work has already started to get the replacement project underway.
“By now we’ve got a few designs done and were ready to go,” Holroyd said. “We’ll get some (ramps) started in the fall.”
The Shelbourne corridor has also been pegged as an area deserving of sidewalk widening from the existing 1.5 metres to two metres wide, under the Shelbourne local area plan. The municipality won’t take action on that plan until further studies are done on how to best move foot traffic through the area.