Barrie, City of

As the City of Barrie’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan was endorsed by the City Council on February 27, 2017, they have only just completed their first year of implementing their AFC Action Plan. The committee reported to City Council on the status of their AFC Action Plan and the achievements made towards their 2017 goals at a Council meeting on June 18, 2018. The Seniors Advisory Committee, staff and community stakeholders are now working towards addressing ongoing AFC Action Plan goals, as well as goals targeted for 2018. The AFC Action Plan addresses long-range goals in the areas of: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social and Recreational Opportunities, Health, and Community Life. At present, the Seniors Advisory Committee has not established a specific focus area for 2018.

Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings

• Review of in-town speed limits
• Review of sidewalk crossing times

Transportation

• Cycling Safety (Investigating education options for older adults on bike, pedestrian, and e-bike etiquette and safety/share the road principles between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians)
• Taxi Cost Reduction Pilot (Investigate cost reduction strategies for seniors using taxi services and ride share programs)
• Increased awareness and use of Specialized Transit Services
• Learn to Ride Events
• Free Transit for Seniors During Seniors’ Month

Housing

• Raise awareness of housing support (Information on seniors property tax deferrals, subsidies and housing cost-relief initiatives through City website)

Social Participation

• Inter-generational user-friendly technology training programs

Community Support & Health Services

• Mental health training for First Responders (Increase support for seniors with dementia and mental health issues through enhanced training of first responders)

• City of Barrie Age-Friendly Community Plan – Final Report (October 2016)