A multi-sectoral extreme weather response for seniors will soon be in the works for Burnaby.
Thanks to provincial funding, the city is set to create a strategic plan that's also age-friendly amid several weather events that have taken place in the past two years, some of which resulted in severe illnesses and deaths among older residents.
B.C. is giving Burnaby up to $25,000 for the project, and is one of 37 local and Indigenous governments to receive a similar grant.
"It's important for seniors to feel included and comfortable in their communities as they age," Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors' Services and Long-Term Care Mable Elmore said in a news release.
"These age-friendly assessments, action plans and projects will help our seniors age in place and be socially engaged and active members of their communities."
Approved communities received a grant between $15,000 and $25,000 through the province's Age-friendly Communities Grant Program.
Highlighted initiatives include housing, climate and emergency plans for a diverse population of seniors, gathering spaces for seniors and Elders, and inclusive physical activity and programming.
"Taking care of our seniors and making sure they have access to the supports and services they need to live fulfilling lives is a priority for our government," Minister of Health Adrian Dix added.
"Creating age-friendly communities is an important part of this as it helps seniors remain independent. I look forward to seeing the great initiatives proposed by the grant recipients come to life."
Neighbouring City of New Westminster is also receiving funding for piloting the connect and prepare approach for seniors in Independent Living Residences - Ross Tower.
