By Mark Squibb \ April 21, 2023
Members of the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, SeniorsNL, and local seniors’ groups crowded into the Pearlgate Track and Field building last Thursday afternoon for the announcement of over $2 million in grant money to make buildings and other infrastructure more accessible for seniors.
“I know that Mount Pearl has a very active seniors’ community and organizations within the community,” said Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs Krista Lynn Howell, the first of several guest speakers. “I had a bit of involvement with the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group years and years ago when I was a nursing student. My friend and I were placed in that group, and we had an incredible experience.”
Over 130 communities will receive a Building Age-Friendly Community Grant to upgrade public areas to accommodate the needs of seniors. The province is providing the funding on a 90/10 cost share basis with the towns and cities.
Mount Pearl will receive $16,320 in funding to improve access along the City’s trail system.
“An age-friendly community promotes good health, wellness, and safety, and instills stronger community connections,” said Howell. “These grants are intended to help municipalities make the necessary upgrades to accommodate the needs of seniors, and all individuals as they age.”
Grants awarded across the province include upgrades to municipal buildings, trails, washrooms, seating areas, and more.
Initially, government had only earmarked $400,000 for the initiative.
“Howell’s budget, if I remember correctly, when she put out the call for proposals, was $400,000,” said Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development John G. Abbott. “When she got in all the applications, we said ‘Uh-oh, we don’t have anywhere near the amount to meet all of those.’ So, she made her case to her colleagues, Treasury Board, and then Cabinet, and we came through for her.”
Kelly Heisz is the executive director with SeniorsNL and was on hand for the announcement.
“We look at how we can make our communities accessible, available, and inclusive to everyone,” said Heisz when chatting with reporters after the event. “This announcement today is absolutely fantastic.”
Heisz said one of the biggest barriers seniors face include access to walking trails. This is especially true for folks who rely on walkers, wheelchairs, or motorized vehicles. She added that many buildings, especially older buildings, often do not have accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps and doorframes wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
“Tackling those older buildings to modernize them and bring them up to higher accessibility standards will improve inclusion,” said Heisz. “So, if someone knows that they’re old public library is now accessible, or that they’re town hall or recreation centre is now more accessible, than they are more apt to visit.”
Heisz said it’s important when communities tackle accessibility issues that they consult with those that would benefit most from upgrades.
“It is the community that should help build the community,” said Heisz.
Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley also spoke at the event and tipped her hat to many in the room.
“The best advocates are those that are directly impacted… and I can’t imagine a better group than SeniorsNL, and our Seniors Independence Group, to be a strong voice and advocate for diversity and inclusion in our City,” said Kieley.
