Amherstburg seeks grant for master aging plan

Amherstburg wants to get better with age.

To meet the needs of the community’s fastest-growing population segment, the town is seeking grant money to develop a master aging plan.

Administration wants a clear picture of what seniors are looking for in terms of programming and services.

“We’ve got to look at what opportunities are available to them,” said town CAO John Miceli. “I don’t think the town proper is offering as many things as we should be. A master aging plan is just one component. We’re trying to get a comprehensive plan for what we need. Most seniors are very active, they want to participate, they want to do things. “

According to Statistics Canada data from 2016, 33.8 per cent of the town’s population of about 22,000 is 55 and over. That’s about 7,400 people. “That’s a pretty significant amount of people,” Miceli said.

The town has asked for a $40,000 grant from the Ministry of Senior Affairs. Upon approval, they hope to start developing a plan by February.

Coun. Diane Pouget brought the motion forward to seek government funding for a comprehensive plan.

As the town worked on developing a community strategic plan, “the seniors spoke loud and clear about what they needed and wanted,” she said.

She noted while there’s community pickle ball and tennis available “not every senior is active enough to play those sports. When you have that many seniors in your community, you have to make sure their physical and social needs are met, especially if you’re trying to woo them to coming into our town to live.”

She said many expressed concern about a lack of medical services, especially during summer months when local physicians take vacation time.

Both Miceli and Kathy DiBartolomeo, the executive director of Amherstburg community services, have heard seniors’ desire for a community pool.

“They want to swim. They want walking clubs,” DiBartolomeo said. “They’re young and healthy. They want to be physically active and they’re also looking for more opportunities to volunteer and give back.”

A number of communities across Ontario have aging plans in place.

Miceli hopes Amherstburg will join those ranks by the end of next summer.