The Age-Friendly Community initiative was launched in 2006 by the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition to considerable research, advocacy and planning, the WHO developed and released a comprehensive document in 2007 called ‘Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide’ which outlines the key characteristics, traits and strategies for cities looking to become more age-friendly.
Local Population
The City of Timmins has an aging population. In 2016, over 40% of the population was 50 years of age and older. This has significant implications for the future planning of physical infrastructure as well as programs and services to meet the needs of all residents within the City.
Age-Friendly Strategy
It was with this knowledge that the City of Timmins local Economic Development Corporation partnered with The Venture Centre to help fund the development of an age-friendly strategy through the securement of a grant from the Ontario’s Senior’s Secretariat. The City of Timmins passed a resolution in February 2015 to support the age-friendly initiative. In April 2016, the Timmins Age-Friendly Community Strategy was made public.
Accessing Information
Though there are many recommendations made through in the report, one of the main themes was that Older Adults were unsure of where to access information that was pertinent to their well-being, and felt they were being excluded from certain events or volunteer opportunities. We also found that many service providers were unaware of other services in the community that may be available to their clients. In order to address this issue, the Cochrane District Social Planning Council applied to the province for funds to create a Senior’s Virtual Information Hub.
Website Launch
SeniorsinTimmins.ca was launched in October 2018. The virtual hub endeavors to include accurate, up-to-date information about programs and services, housing options, volunteer opportunities and events that are inclusive to older adults.
SeniorsinTimmins.ca is managed by the Cochrane District Social Planning Council, with support from the Timmins Age-Friendly Advisory Committee.