Esquimalt streets made for walking, seniors say

Esquimalt is an extremely walkable community but more could still be done to improve sidewalks, intersections and transit, say seniors contacted through an AgeFriendly Assessment of the township.

Thirty-three per cent of trips taken within Esquimalt are on foot compared with an average of seven per cent in the rest of the capital region’s core, says an assessment undertaken by van Hemert & Company.

It’s a statistic Mayor Barb Desjardins said Esquimalt should trumpet.

“That is a phenomenal statistic that we should be singing everywhere from the rooftops. It should be our slogan. It’s just an incredible amount.”

The assessment was funded with a $20,000 Age-Friendly Community Planning and Project grant from a program sponsored by the province and Union of British Columbia Municipalities. The program’s focus is “helping seniors be mobile, physically active and socially connected.”

“It means a greener community, a healthier community,” Desjardins said of the Esquimalt results. “All of those things play into it … so it’s a bigger story than just saying 33 per cent of the people walk to do whatever they want to do in Esquimalt.”

When presenting his report to councillors, James van Hemert said a silver tsunami is on its way as boomers and the echo generation turn 65.

By 2038, the population over 65 years is going to increase to 30 per cent from 16 per cent.

It follows that between the next 10 and 20 years, there will be a substantial increase in the percentage of the population over 80 years.

“That’s a population that’s more vulnerable and it’s even more important to consider their needs,” he said.

The vast majority (77 per cent) of residents 55 years and older surveyed said there were safe and comfortable sidewalks.

But there were still concerns including missing sidewalks along routes considered important, sidewalks on only one side of the street, obstacles like telephone poles or shrubbery, unevenness or poor repair and sidewalks too narrow to accommodate scooters.

Some respondents said crossing times allowed at intersections are inadequate.

Forty-six per cent of respondents over 55 years agreed it is easy to get around Esquimalt with a mobility device, 12 per cent disagreed and 42 per cent didn’t know. More men (55 per cent) than women (33 per cent) agreed.

Areas cited for improvement included a need for safer cycling facilities for the older population and more width for some trails. It was also noted that scooters on Craigflower are forced to use the road because of utility poles in the sidewalk.

Public transit was discussed by those attending workshops and meetings associated with the assessment.

It was noted more bus frequency is needed and the cost of bus passes is too high. Also suggested was a need for a direct bus route to Royal Jubilee Hospital and that access is limited for those with mobility devices.

Depending on the neighbourhood, a high percentage of survey respondents agreed they could get around Esquimalt comfortably without the use of a private car.