Author Archives: Eddy Elmer

SAC to Present Social Isolation and Loneliness Report, May 16 at SFU

Posted on April 15, 2018 by Eddy Elmer

Eddy Elmer, a member of the SAC and a PhD student in gerontology, will be presenting findings of the Committee’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Project at the 27th Annual John K. Friesen Conference, to be held May 16-17 at Simon Fraser University, Harbour … Continue reading →

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Seniors Multicultural Festival, April 26

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Eddy Elmer

Join the South Granville Seniors’ Centre for its annual Multicultural Festival on Thursday, April 26, from 10:30am-2pm. Enjoy live song and dance from 25 multicultural seniors’ groups; a low-cost, international food fair; and an intercultural dialogue connecting First Nations and … Continue reading →

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Building Managers Needed for Study On Socially Isolated Seniors

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Eddy Elmer
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Fighting Loneliness with a Community of Seniors

Posted on November 14, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

Local journalist Linda Givetash spoke with SAC member Eddy Elmer and chair Colleen McGuinness about social isolation and loneliness in Vancouver and the Committee’s upcoming report on these issues: Fighting loneliness with a community of seniors, The Tyee, November 14, 2017

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New App for Finding Public Washrooms in Vancouver

Posted on November 12, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

The availability of public washrooms is a topic of great interest to the Committee, so we are delighted that Crohn’s and Colitis Canada have created a handy new app that allows people to find a public washroom wherever they are in in the city! Give … Continue reading →

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Enhanced Snow Response Plan

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

We are pleased that both the City and the Park Board have unveiled an enhanced snow removal response plan, informed by lessons from last year’s unexpected snow storm. Changes include expanded snow removal coverage (e.g., on pedestrian pathways), enhanced response … Continue reading →

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Public Hearing: Rezoning of 1920 SW Marine Drive (Casa Mia)

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

At the October 17, 2017 Regular Council meeting, Council referred this rezoning application to the November 14 public hearing. The hearing will be held in Council chambers on the third floor of City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue. The hearing will start at … Continue reading →

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Requesting Accessible Public Washrooms at New SkyTrain Stations

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

Last year, the Committee passed a motion calling for the consideration of accessible public toilets—a key element of an age-friendly city—in all planning projects. City Council subsequently approved an amended version of this motion. One important location for accessible public … Continue reading →

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Update on Social Isolation & Loneliness Project

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

The Committee is currently revising and finalizing its list of recommendations to help reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults in Vancouver. We will provide more details in a few weeks.

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BC Seniors’ Advocate Report on Residential Care

Posted on September 15, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

SAC member Gudrun Langolf appeared on CBC’s BC Almanac today to discuss findings from the Seniors’ Advocate survey on residential care in BC.

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Letter of Support for Casa Mia Redevelopment

Posted on August 26, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

Below is the text of our letter of support for the revised rezoning application for 1920 SW Marine Drive (Casa Mia): At its June 16 meeting, the Seniors’ Advisory Committee heard from the Applicant regarding changes to the above-noted rezoning application. We … Continue reading →

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Community Dialogue on Health Research, June 27

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Eddy Elmer
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Strawberry Festival, June 24

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

Come visit our table at the annual Strawberry Festival!

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Statement from Mayor Roberson on rejection of 105 Keefer rezoning application

Posted on June 13, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

In response to strong community opposition, Council has just voted to reject the rezoning application for 105 Keefer Street in Chinatown. The Mayor has issued the following statement: http://mayorofvancouver.ca/news/mayor-robertsons-statement-105-keefer-rezoning-application-decision

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SAC Opinion on 105 Keefer Rezoning Application

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

The following comments have been sent to Council in a letter. Our Chair will also be speaking to the matter at today’s Public Hearing at 6pm. The Seniors’ Advisory Committee is a civic agency appointed by Vancouver City Council to … Continue reading →

Posted in Housing, Social Connectedness | 4 Comments

Public Hearing on Rezoning Application for 105 Keefer St. and 544 Columbia St., May 23

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

A public hearing on the rezoning application for 105 Keefer and 544 Columbia Streets in Chinatown will be held on May 23, 6pm, Vancouver City Hall. This application may have implications for seniors’ housing affordability in the area and the … Continue reading →

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SAC Position on West 10th Avenue Corridor (Health Precinct) Design

Posted on May 15, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

On May 17, we will be addressing Council and explaining our position on the proposed changes for the West 10th Avenue Corridor (The Health Precinct). Below is the text of a letter we approved and sent to Council in advance of the meeting, where the … Continue reading →

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Revised Rezoning Application for 1920 SW Marine Drive – Casa Mia

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

The City of Vancouver has received a revised application to rezone 1920 Southwest Marine Drive from RS-1 (One-Family Dwelling) District to CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) District to allow development of a 90-bed Class B Seniors’ Community Care Facility. The new proposal includes … Continue reading →

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How to Combat the Vicious Cycle of Loneliness

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

This month, The Atlantic features a great interview with loneliness researcher John Cacioppo. In the interview, he reminds us of the need to distinguish social isolation from loneliness, and how programs designed to alleviate isolation do not necessarily alleviate loneliness. A good read, with particular … Continue reading →

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Seniors’ Multicultural Festival

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Eddy Elmer

South Granville Seniors’ Centre is hosting its annual Multicultural Festival on May 4th. Come out and enjoy a fun afternoon of great food and entertainment.

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