Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, was joined by the Honourable Krista Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, in the Town of Summerford to announce the opening of the 2021-22 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.
The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program is well recognized throughout Canada and internationally as an effective mechanism for proactive planning for demographic change.
Budget 2021 invests $95,000 in the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program, which assists incorporated municipalities, local service districts, and Indigenous governments and organizations in making their communities more age-friendly.
Funding of up to $10,000 is available for incorporated municipalities and Indigenous governments and organizations to conduct an age-friendly assessment or to implement aspects of an existing Age-Friendly Action Plan. Unincorporated communities including local service districts that take a regional approach are eligible for up to $15,000.
Last year, the following five projects received funding through the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program:
- Town of Summerford/Summerford Recreation – Active for Life aimed at helping seniors with balance and strengthening to reduce risk of falls;
- Flat Bay Band Inc. – Living Circle Social Club;
- Placentia Area Chamber of Commerce – Bridging Generations – health and wellness programs for seniors;
- Town of Point Lance: Seniors Matter project, which is a craft and exercise club for seniors; and
- Town of Springdale: supported and expanded digital literacy for seniors through the provision of iPads with education support through the Community Sector Council’s TechKNOWtutors program.
The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development will hold a webinar later this summer to provide potential applicants the opportunity to learn more about the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.
To obtain a copy of the program guidelines and application before the deadline of September 30, 2021, please visit here or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266.
Quotes
“The province’s changing demographics require a proactive approach to ensure that older adults can live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved in their communities. The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program provides communities with the ability to engage individuals, community groups and businesses in creating age-friendly communities where people can thrive. I am pleased to open the call for applications and I encourage interested parties to visit the department’s website to apply.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“Our province’s biggest asset is its people. The Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program makes a real difference, and is a great opportunity for municipal leaders and residents to make their communities more welcoming and age-inclusive. I encourage all municipalities, Indigenous Governments and organizations to take advantage of this funding to assist municipal councils and planners in determining how they can provide support and ensure their communities are more age-friendly.”
Honourable Krista Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
“The Town of Summerford understands that the majority of its residents are an aging population and we have seen the need to make our small rural community age-friendly. The Provincial Government Age-Friendly grant program has allowed our Age-Friendly Committee to offer programming in our area, which is keeping our community active and involved. These programs are a true testament to the concerns for senior’s health in the province.”
Mayor Kevin Barnes
Town of Summerford
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Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program
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Media contacts
Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca
Mayor Kevin Barnes
Town of Summerford
709-629-3419
kevinbarnes40@hotmail.com