CANADA: Grant Requested To Study Improved Housing for Seniors

PRINCE GEORGE, BRITISH COLUMBIA (Free Press), November 30, 2005: The City of Prince George has applied for a $20,000 grant to fund research into improving seniors' housing in Prince George. The provincial government provided $2 million to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) to assist local governments in addressing the province's aging population. "This is in response to needs that have been identified by various groups in the city," city spokesman Tom Madden said. "The Prince George Independent Living Society is going to be doing a survey of senior's needs." Madden said the project will likely include workshops and discussion sessions with seniors about what housing needs exist in the city. The society will also examine how existing housing in the city could be improved to provide better access to seniors with mobility problems, he said. "They'll be looking at incentives to encourage development of housing," Madden said. "Housing is provided by both private and not-for-profit organizations. They'll be looking at how we can assist both these groups." The city will know by January 2006 whether the grant has been received, he said. The grant does not require the city to match funds provided, Madden added, however city staff will be providing in-kind support to the group. The study will compliment work already done by Anne Hogan on behalf of the Council of Seniors, Madden said. With city support, the council is publishing Hogan's report on seniors housing in Prince George called "Seven Steps Up, Seven Steps Down." The report will be made available to the public as a resource to help find accessible housing. "That was a good first step," Madden said. Council of Seniors executive director Bill Christie said he hopes the council will be brought onboard for the project. "There are concerns that there is not sufficient housing that is affordable, accessible and safe," Christie added. "In Prince George - and everywhere -there is a growing number of seniors who are going to need assisted care and complex care units." By Arthur Williams © Copyright 2005 Prince George Free Press