Council approves plan to help create environment for all ages to thrive 

RICHMOND HILL – Earlier this week, Richmond Hill Council approved the City’s first Age-Friendly Community Strategy, with a vision to create an inclusive, accessible and welcoming community where all ages and abilities enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. 

Based on input from over 1,100 residents, community organizations and businesses that provide services for older adults, the Age-Friendly Community Strategy provides a five-year vision to help the City make decisions on programs, services and amenities. The Strategy provides 21 recommendations, including: 

• Continuing to ensure parks, trails and open spaces are accessible and to encourage activity for all ages
• Developing guidelines to ensure streets are safe, welcoming and comfortable for residents of all ages and abilities
• Supporting advocacy for the creation of affordable and supportive housing in Richmond Hill
• Sharing information and resources on programs and services that support social connection and inclusion
• Ensuring older adult interests are incorporated into the planning and implementation of City activities 

Implementation of the Strategy will be a collective responsibility that requires collaboration between the City, partner agencies and the community. Richmond Hill established a foundation for implementation by creating an Age-Friendly Community Council to encourage communication between the City and the older adult community, local businesses and service providers. The City will also join Ontario’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities and prepare an annual report to monitor and measure progress. 

For more information and to read the Age-Friendly Community Strategy, visit RichmondHill.ca/AgeFriendly. 

Quote

“During work to create our Age-Friendly Community Strategy, we heard from residents on how they see our city as a very good place to live as they age and feel strongly it should continue to be their home. We want to support them with that vision by ensuring we identify and address barriers to well-being and participation. It’s important to ensure we include older adults in all areas of community life. This Strategy puts us on that course.” – Mayor David West 

Quick Facts 

• Older adults aged 55+ comprise 31.9% of Richmond Hill’s population (2021 Census). The City’s new Age-Friendly Community Strategy is an important step towards meeting the needs of an aging population and creating a community where residents of all ages can thrive.
• Richmond Hill’s Age-Friendly Community Strategy uses the World Health Organization’s age-friendly cities approach to create inclusive structures and services for the needs of older people.
• Richmond Hill offers a wide range of programming and supports for our 55+ residents. Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/Seniors. 

Additional Links

• Read the Age-Friendly Community Strategy – What We Heard Report
• Watch our age-friendly community video
• Learn about the World Health Organization’s age-friendly cities framework