City of Greater Sudbury Receives Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award

The City of Greater Sudbury’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan has been acknowledged with a 2018 Ontario Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award on behalf of the Ministry of Seniors Affairs. The award was presented during the inaugural Age-Friendly Community Symposium held in Toronto on March 26 which showcased the work of municipalities striving to become more accessible and inclusive.

 “I am extremely proud of local volunteers and partners who are working diligently to advance policies and services that support the health and well-being of our older citizens,” said Mayor Brian Bigger. “The City of Greater Sudbury is one of only 40 communities in Ontario to receive this award. Initiatives that enable seniors to live independent, active, safe and socially-connected lives benefit families and the quality of life of the entire community.”

The Action Plan was required for nomination under Category 1 of the Age-Friendly Community Recognition Award. The Seniors Advisory Panel to Mayor and Council has been working since 2016 to gather public input through its Age-Friendly Community Task Force subcommittee. The engagement process included a survey of over 1,200 residents, 11 public forums and collaboration with community partners.

“Credit is extended to task force co-chairs Barbara Nott and Dr. Birgit Pianosi, Council leads Evelyn Dutrisac and Robert Kirwan, to the seniors of our community, and to the faculty and students of Huntington University’s Department of Gerontology, who have played key roles in the development of this plan,” said Catherine Matheson, General Manager of Community Development.

“Receipt of this award is deserved recognition for their time and efforts to identify the needs and concerns of an aging population. Age-friendly is one of the top ten priorities of Council and community as it relates to population health.”

Formal recognition from the Province of Ontario makes Greater Sudbury eligible for national recognition through the Public Health Agency of Canada and an invitation from the World Health Organization to join its global network of age-friendly cities and communities. 

More information about the City of Greater Sudbury’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan is available at www.greatersudbury.ca/age-friendly. Free computer access and assistance are available at all Greater Sudbury Public Libraries.

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