Seniors Advisory Committee (2009-18)

Meeting October 18 at Champlain Heights Community Centre

Posted on October 6, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

The Seniors’ Advisory Committee invites you to another community outreach session, to be held Friday, October 18 at the Champlain Heights Community Centre, 3350 Maquinna Drive, from 10am-12:30pm.

The SAC will deal with administrative issues for 30 minutes, after which Barbara Kirby of the BC Association of Community Response Networks will give a presentation on elder abuse resources. Following her, Gillian Guilmant-Smith of the Vancouver Public Library will discuss the library’s strategic goals and how they affect older adults.

At 11am, we will invite guests to discuss any aging-related issues and concerns they have and what the City could possibly do to address them.

The meeting will be in the upstairs lounge and light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

Lorna Gibbs, chair of the Southeast Vancouver Seniors’ Arts and Cultural Centre Society, speaking on the need for a seniors’ centre in Southeast Vancouver

Update: We had a good turn-out at this meeting. 25 members of the community joined us to comment on a wide variety of issues affecting older adults, particularly in the Southeast Vancouver region (comments will be reflected in our Meeting Minutes, to be posted shortly). We hope to have more such meetings at other community centres.

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National Seniors’ Day: Flag-Raising at Vancouver City Hall

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

The Seniors’ Advisory Committee joined Deputy Mayor Heather Deal, Councillor Tony Tang, and members of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) in celebrating National Seniors’ Day.

Let’s all take the time today to recognize the valuable contributions made by older adults to the betterment of our communities, families, and workplaces.

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Vancouver Approves Age-Friendly Building By-law Changes

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

We are pleased to announce that Council has approved a series of amendments to the City of Vancouver’s Building By-law.

Changes include requirements for wider doorways, lever faucets, accessible showers, accessible “peepholes” for front doors, and infrastructure needed to adapt homes in the future.

Thanks to our Housing Subcommittee, which worked tirelessly with Vancouver’s former chief building inspector, Will Johnston (now with the City of Toronto), to include these changes in the new building by-law.

The Seniors’ Advisory Committee hopes that these changes will help older adults “age-in-place” and stay in their own homes as long as they like.

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BC Seniors’ Week, June 2-8, 2013

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

SAC members with Mayor Gregor Roberston, after the Proclamation was read

The City of Vancouver Seniors’ Advisory Committee is pleased to announce that June 2-8, 2013 is Seniors’ Week across British Columbia. Seniors’ Week celebrates older adults and their many contributions to the community.

On Tuesday, SAC members joined Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson as he read the Proclamation for Seniors’ Week in Council chambers (video):

WHEREAS BC Seniors’ Week is celebrated on June 2-8, 2013;

AND WHEREAS Seniors are our parents, our grandparents, our uncles and aunts, our siblings, our spouses and partners, our teachers, our volunteers, our mentors, our neighbours, our friends, and our co-workers;

AND WHEREAS Seniors in Vancouver continue to play an important role in the daily lives of all citizens;

Proclamation

AND WHEREAS The work and contributions of seniors are part of the legacy to Vancouver;

AND WHEREAS BC Seniors’ Week focuses on celebrating and recognizing the valuable contributions made by seniors to the betterment of our communities, families, and workplaces:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gregor Robertson, Mayor of the City of Vancouver, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the week of June 2nd-8th, 2013, as “Seniors’ Week” in the City of Vancouver.

After the Proclamation was read, Chris Morrissey, SAC Chair, said a few words about older adults in Vancouver. She underscored the fact that many older adults no longer identify with the word seniors and prefer older adults:

SAC chair, Chris Morrissey (left) and Communications & Outreach chair, Eddy Elmer, holding the Proclamation

“When people hear ‘seniors,’ all kinds of things come into mind—myths about how seniors are a drain on society, how many of our healthcare dollars they use, and how we spend a disproportionate amount of resources on them.

“Yet what we know is that it’s only in the last six months of [any] person’s life—not just a senior’s—that they rely heavily on the healthcare system and healthcare dollars.”

Ms. Morrissey asked us to think more carefully about our preconceived notions of aging and to remember that “many older adults are extremely active and continue to contribute to the fabric of society.” BC Seniors’ Week is the time to recognize their contribution to Vancouver.

During Seniors’ Week, various events will be held throughout the city. The flagship event will be the Health and Wellness Fair at Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Centre on Tuesday, June 4, from 11am-3pm. At 12:30, Deputy Mayor George Affleck will read the Proclamation again. SAC members will be in attendance and will be happy to talk about our role in the community. The wellness fair is free and people of all ages are welcome to attend. There will be refreshments and door prizes – We hope you will join us!

Seniors’ Week Events

Sunday: Centenarian Shuffle Nordic Walking session. Stanley Park. 9am-1pm. Register online.
Monday: Scooter Rodeo at Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street. 11am-2pm. $5/ticket. Register: 604.718.8200
Tuesday: Health and Wellness Fair. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. 11am-3pm. Free. (Organizations wishing to host a booth should email diana.vanderveen@vancouver.ca)
Wednesday: Linking Seniors’ Services, an exhibition of organizations serving older adults in Vancouver. Keynote speech by Dr. Gloria Gutman on community development and health promotion. Presentations by community centres on various senior-led programs (e.g. Man Talk Project, Seniors’ Hub, Multicultural Seniors Program). Presentation by Vancouver Coastal Health on home is best philosophy. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. 10am-3:30pm. Free.
Thursday: Screening of Young@Heart (2007). West End Seniors’ Network, Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street. 2pm. Free. People are invited to bring old photos and talents to share with others.
Friday: Sock Hop, Killarney Community Centre, 6260 Killarney Street. 12:30pm-3:30pm. $5/ticket. Register: 604.718.8200
Friday: Tea Dance. Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews. $8/person. 1-3:30pm.

[Press release for circulation]

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Statement on Oakridge Centre Rezoning Application

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

SAC members Eddy Elmer, Eva Wadolna, and Colleen McGuinness attended today’s meeting of the Planning, Transportation, and Environment Standing Committee at City Hall.

Vice-chair McGuinness spoke to the Committee about the Oakridge Centre rezoning application. She relayed to the Committee our concern that there has not been sufficient time to carefully assess the impact of this redevelopment on the health and well-being of older adults in the area. Below is the text of the statement she delivered to the Committee:

Mayor Robertson, members of Council:

It seems like only yesterday since I stood before you.

My attendance yesterday was, in part, to support the efforts of the Task Force on Engagement and the release of the Quick Starts report.

I am here to speak today about the development at Oakridge in my capacity as the vice-chair of your Seniors Advisory Committee.

This report only came to our attention on Sunday, May 26th thanks for the hard work of the Oakridge Langara Area Residents’ Association. I passed it along to the members of the Seniors Advisory Committee and within 24 hours had a thoughtful , but brief, analysis by one of our members, Eva Wadolna.

I am not a planner, nor can I articulate the myriad concerns about building heights or the percentage of ground-oriented green spaces, but I can tell you that the City’s outreach with this report falls very short.

Continue reading →

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Feedback Requested on Proposed Building By-law Changes

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

The City of Vancouver is considering changes to the Vancouver Building By-law which would require that all newly-built homes (including houses, townhouses, duplexes, laneway houses, and apartments) be both accessible and adaptable.

These changes would allow older adults and persons with disabilities to find housing they can actually live in, and will also promote “aging-in-place.”

The City now wants to consult with the community about this proposed housing bylaw. It is important that everyone participate in this public consultation. Feedback from the community will be given to Council to help them make a final decision about the building code changes.

This is the first time in Canada that housing accessibility will be a requirement for newly-built homes. The Seniors Advisory Committee, together with the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, have worked with the Chief Building Official, Mr. Will Johnston, for two years to develop these bylaw changes. We think the changes will significantly improve accessibility for everyone, without adding to construction costs.

One essential accessibility feature, however, is not included in the proposed amendments. Although they include a requirement for adequate accessibility inside of new homes, there is no requirement for accessible entrances (i.e., a way to get from the outside of a home to the entrance).

This requirement has not been included in the proposed changes because it requires that the City go through a different planning process. Vancouver’s Director of Planning, Mr. Brian Jackson, has made a commitment to start this process. Based on this commitment, our committees support the current proposed amendments.

Please take the opportunity to provide feedback about these proposed amendments, including the requirement for accessible entrances. Please visit http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/public-consultations-about-building-regulations.aspx and click on Public Consultation Round 4. You can also email comments and concerns to the Chief Building Official, Mr. Will Johnston, at cbo@vancouver.ca

The official public consultation closes at 4:30pm on Tuesday, April 30th, but Mr. Johnston is willing to receive email comments after that date.

For more information, please contact Chris Morrissey, Chair of the Seniors’ Advisory Committee at 604.877.7768 (chrismrrss42@gmail.com), or Jill Weiss, Chair of the Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, at 604.608.0384.

Please note: The issue of accessible entrances applies to houses, townhouses, laneway houses, and duplexes only because the current building code already requires accessible entrances for all newly-built apartment buildings with more than three units.

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Dunbar Residents’ Association All-Candidates Debate, April 30

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

The Dunbar Residents’ Association is hosting a debate with Vancouver-Quilchena MLA candidates on Tuesday, April 30, 7:00pm, at the St. Philip’s Anglican Church on 3737 West 27th Avenue (half block west of Dunbar).

The event is open to everyone and is wheelchair-accessible.

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Is the West End Affordable? All-Candidates Debate, April 25

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

Is Vancouver’s West End affordable? To hear what the MLA candidates for the Vancouver-West End riding have to say about this and other issues affecting the West End, come to an all-candidates meeting being held this Thursday, April 25, 7-9pm, at the Central Presbyterian Church, 1155 Thurlow Street (Thurlow at Pendrell).

This event is being organized by the West End Seniors’ Network, West End Residents’ Association, Gordon Neighbourhood House, and the West End Seniors’ Community Planning Table.

Here is a poster for the debate. Pass it along to interested parties.

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Who to Call: Non-Emergency Phone Numbers in Vancouver

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Eddy Elmer

SAC members Eddy Elmer, Eva Wadolna, and Sharon Fenton attended an informative presentation today by the West End Coal Harbour Community Policing Centre: “Who to Call.”

Constable Jennifer Luccock gave an overview of the phone numbers that older adults in Vancouver can call when they need help with various non-emergency issues.

At the end of the presentation, Eddy Elmer, Chair of SAC’s Communications and Outreach Subcommittee, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation about the SAC’s role in the community, its various initiatives, and when older adults should contact the Committee.

Many thanks to the Community Policing Centre for giving this presentation. Many thanks also to the West End Seniors’ Network for organizing and hosting the event.

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Public Meeting at Kerrisdale Community Centre: December 7

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Eddy Elmer

As part of our effort to reach out to older adults in the community, the Seniors Advisory Committee will be holding a public meeting on Friday, December 7, 10am-noon, in the seniors’ lounge at the Kerrisdale Community Centre, 5851 West Boulevard, Vancouver. The agenda:

10:00-10:30: Committee business

10:30-11:15: Presentation and question-and-answer session by gerontologist Gloria Levi, founder of Integrated Care Advocacy: “How to Stay in Your Home Safely”

11:15-12:00: Feedback from you about issues you feel the Seniors Advisory Committee should examine and bring to the attention of City Staff or Council

Everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided. There is free parking in the lot behind the centre as well as the nearby garage accessible from 42nd or Yew Streets.

We hope you can attend and that you will share this item with others (poster available for distribution).

Update: We had a great outreach meeting. Below are some photographs of the event taken by Committee member Dellie Lidyard.

Kerrisdale Community Centre members

Gloria Levi speaking

From left to right: Staff liaisons Reese Williams and Neil Carley (Engineering Department, Streets Division) and Council liaison Tony Tang

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Planning for an Aging Population

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Dellie Lidyard

I recently attended one of Simon Fraser University's City Conversations. The event, Planning for an Aging Population, was presented by SFU Public Square and co-sponsored by the Seniors Program at SFU Continuing Studies.

Two presenters discussed how the City should plan for an aging population. Gordon Harris is an urban planner and President and CEO of the SFU Community Trust, where he provides leadership in the development of UniverCity, a new sustainable community on Burnaby Mountain next to Simon Fraser University. Leslie Van Duzer is director of the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at UBC. She brought a unique perspective from her experiences with older adults in Minneapolis.

Although these speakers are smart, well-respected people, I was disappointed that two of the imperatives for providing adequate housing for older adults—affordability and accessibility—were not mentioned in their presentations.

One audience member did ask about affordability, but the response was not satisfactory from the perspective of older adults: build more density around transit hubs and hope that prices will come down. This is the same solution offered in the final report of the Mayor's Task Force on Housing Affordability. It will take much more than densification, however, to reduce the exorbitant cost of housing in Vancouver, especially for older adults. Until we consider other solutions, aging-in-place will be a remote possibility for many seniors in Vancouver.

Regarding accessibility, nobody acknowledged that seniors have physical challenges that require special adaptations, such as ramps, handrails, bathroom safety devices, and special lighting, and that builders should be required to provide these.

These opinions are those of the author, Ms. Lidyard, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Seniors Advisory Committee.

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COSCO BC Conference: The Joys and Tears of Living Longer

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Chris Morrissey

On October 1st and 2nd, I attended the annual convention of the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of British Columbia (COSCO). This year's convention explored the opportunities and challenges associated with Canada's aging population.

I arrived just as the convention was beginning and had a difficult time finding a seat because the room was full to capacity with 400 people. I've never seen so many older adults in one place! It was amazing!

For two days, I enjoyed lectures and workshops about the realities of older adults and our place in society. The general focus was on health and the healthcare system, although there was also information on housing, income security, and social connectedness.

Below is a summary of some important information I learned during the conference:

Most older adults continue to function fully in society.
Genes account for about 25% of longevity; lifestyle accounts for the rest.
It is never too late to start exercising. One easy way to start is by walking – it's easy and doesn't cost anything.
Inefficiencies in the healthcare system, rather than population aging per se, are responsible for rising healthcare costs. For example, many diagnostic tests and medical prescriptions are unnecessary.
People usually require the most care during the last six months of their lives, although this applies as equally to a 6-month-old as a 90-year-old.
Although it is true that healthcare comprises a large portion of the government's budget, healthcare costs typically rise when services are cut.
Of all the different pensions plans, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is the best. It is portable and administration costs are low. The Canadian Labour Congress recently submitted a report to the federal government proposing ways to expand CPP (summary).
30% of seniors in BC have no pension from their employer. Their only source of pension income is the CPP, Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
For low-income renters, there is a significant gap between their monthly rent and the subsidy they receive from the the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters program (SAFER) administered by BC Housing.
To make sure our political leaders address these issues, we all need to be well-informed and politically engaged. Ignorance and silence = maintaining the status quo.

COSCO proposes the following as key components of an agenda for BC's seniors:

Removal of barriers to healthy aging
Adequate healthcare Appropriate and adequate housing and home support
Safe and accessible transportation
Income security
Improved access to information
An end to ageism and elder abuse

The Seniors Advisory Committee is addressing many of these issues at the municipal level.

Thanks to the City of Vancouver and COSCO for who made it possible for me to attend this great conference.

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Final Report from the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing Affordability

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Eddy Elmer

The final report from the Mayors Task Force on Housing Affordability has just been released. The Seniors' Advisory Committee is very interested in hearing from older adults about the contents of this report.

Does the report acknowledge the specific housing challenges faced by older adults living in Vancouver? Do the recommendations adequately address these challenges? Was there sufficient consultation with older adults when preparing this report?

The SAC would like take your opinions and suggestions to Mayor and Council. Feel free to post comments on this blog, or contact us directly.

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August 17, 2012 Meeting

Posted on August 17, 2012 by Eddy Elmer

The Seniors Advisory Committee is having a full meeting on August 17, 2012, from 9:30am-11:30am, at:

Business Centre Meeting Room
2nd Floor, Vancouver City Hall
453 West 12th Ave
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5Y 1V4

City Hall is conveniently located near the Broadway/City Hall Canada Line Station.

The meeting is open to the public. We hope to see you there.

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Seniors Advisory Committee

Meeting October 18 at Champlain Heights Community Centre

National Seniors’ Day: Flag-Raising at Vancouver City Hall

Vancouver Approves Age-Friendly Building By-law Changes

BC Seniors’ Week, June 2-8, 2013

Statement on Oakridge Centre Rezoning Application

Feedback Requested on Proposed Building By-law Changes

Dunbar Residents’ Association All-Candidates Debate, April 30

Is the West End Affordable? All-Candidates Debate, April 25

Who to Call: Non-Emergency Phone Numbers in Vancouver

Public Meeting at Kerrisdale Community Centre: December 7

Planning for an Aging Population

COSCO BC Conference: The Joys and Tears of Living Longer

Final Report from the Mayor’s Task Force on Housing Affordability

August 17, 2012 Meeting

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