Tiny’s latest accolade is like a who’s who of WHO communities.
The township has been recognized by the World Health Organization as an Age-Friendly Community. According to the township, the honour results from the municipality’s “dedicated and ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being of our senior population.”
Since 2017, the township’s senior advisory committee has actively worked towards this designation through the implementation of the Local Aging Plan. The plan is a comprehensive framework that outlines goals and objectives across eight essential themes, focusing on improving the overall quality of life for older adults in the community.
These domains range from outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing and social participation to respect and social inclusion, civic participation, employment communication and information and community support and health services.
A key achievement of the plan and the committee’s efforts is the development of the North Simcoe Directory of Senior Services, a collaborative project with neighbouring municipalities aimed at providing a centralized listing of services and agencies for seniors.
“The township is proud to be the first municipality in Simcoe County to join the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our senior population,” Mayor David Evans said in a release.
“It is important to the township that we enhance access to inclusive spaces and programming for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy, and this achievement is a testament of multiple councils’ commitment to our seniors community.”
The township also works year-round to foster a vibrant, inclusive community through various initiatives such as celebrating Seniors’ Month and hosting a seniors’ symposium every June and a seniors’ speakers series in the fall.
It also recognizes outstanding seniors with the 'Heart of Tiny' award, which is part of the annual Citizen of the Year awards.
The township also promotes senior-friendly activities such as pickleball, shuffleboard, coffee and connect technology drop-ins and the cooperative art circle to ensure “there is a diverse range of opportunities for older adults to stay engaged and active.”
