Council received an “Age Friendly Community Report” in June, presented by Faye White, outlining steps to take to make Bowen a better home for all. The Bowen Island Municipality received a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities to embark upon an assessment of how the island community fared in being aware and taking care of the needs of seniors, who represent approximately 13.6 % of the Bowen Island population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an “age-friendly” community as one in which public officials, service providers, community leaders, businesses and community members:  recognize the great diversity among older persons, promote their inclusion and contribution in all areas of community life, respect their decisions and lifestyle choices, and anticipate and respond flexibly to aging-related needs and preferences. The report considered eight key features of an age-friendly community. They included: adequacy of outdoor spaces and public buildings, access to public transportation, affordable housing, opportunities for social participation in leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities, treatment and inclusion in civic life, employment and volunteer opportunities, communication, and community support and health. The report examined current conditions, outlined barriers and set goals in these areas.

Council agreed to follow a number of recommendations of the report including moving towards establishing a Seniors Advisory Committee. The committee will be given the task of monitoring the implementation of the Bowen Island Age Friendly Plan and take on the role of liaising with and advocating on behalf of local seniors. Council also agreed that the report should be referred to the OCP Review Steering Committee, and copies circulated to a number of local committees, commissions and groups. A copy of the report is available online.