Temiskaming Shores, City of

Currently, AFC Temiskaming Shores and Area is in the implementation phase. Provincial funding ended March 2019 but we have been fortunate to receive municipal core funding to maintain our Age Friendly Community programs. Our vision is to promote an inclusive, accessible, safe and respectful community; that enables independence, health and wellness and full participation at all stages of ageing while celebrating diversity. The program seeks to reduce barriers and encourage local older adults to take part in existing physical activity opportunities, such as pickleball and indoor walking, that were created through our successful “GetActive” series.  This meets a goal in our “Social Participation Pillar” that was identified during our public consultations in 2016. Due to the popularity of the “SipNLearn” sessions, our “Coffee Hours” are continuing on a once/month at 2 different locations with different presenters and topics of interest chosen by participants. Through the creation of the Temiskaming Shores Seniors Housing Committee, the AFC has contributed information and insights in furthering the identified need of additional affordable housing for older adults. We also host a “Older Adult Fair” every fall that includes exhibitors promoting programs and services available in the community and key presenters. Travel training is offered on a yearly basis in an effort to encourage residents to be more comfortable with our public transportation system.

Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings

• Stop Gap Program (Custom ramps to enable downtown businesses to be accessible)
• Installation of strategic park benches and bus stop benches

Transportation

• Coordinated Transportation (1-800 number for seniors to call & be connected to the appropriate transportation)
• Yearly travel training for older adults and seniors to educate them on our local transit system

Housing

• Creation of Temiskaming Shores Seniors Housing Committee

Social Participation

• Sip & Learn (Coffee hour with an educational component- offered in French & English)
• Seniors Centre Without Walls
• Indoor and Outdoor Pickleball League, line dancing, Music in the Park, indoor walking, snowshoeing and many more activities
• Age Friendly Fair

Communication & Information

• Community Resources Guide for Older Adults
  • French
  • English
• Bi-Weekly Newspaper Column
• Seniors Information & Active Living Fair (partnership w/OACAO)
• Age-Friendly Coffee Hour

Community Support & Health Services

• GetActive! Program (To reduce barriers and encourage local older adults to take part in existing physical activity opportunities in addition to introducing new activities to the area)

• City of Temiskaming Shores and Area Age Friendly Community Plan (available in English and French)
• Age Friendly 2020 Progress Report (available in English and French)
• Community Resources Guide for Older Adults
  • French
  • English
• GetActive guide to sports and physical activities for older adults in Temiskaming Shores (available in English and French)