Plan in motion to make Cornwall senior friendly

(Newswatch Group/File)

CORNWALL – With changing demographics, a city committee is preparing to make the Seaway City a welcome locale for seniors.

Senior Friendly Community Plan Project Coordinator, Carmen Cousineau, presented the latest plan from the Senior Friendly Community Plan Development Advisory Committee to council Tuesday night.

While the number of seniors in Ontario is expected to reach 20 per cent by 2025, Cornwall will likely be closer to 30 per cent, Cousineau told councillors.

“That 30 per cent number is eye popping,” Coun. Bernadette Clement exclaimed.

The plan has about 67 recommendations to make the city more senior accessible and friendly, based on feedback collected by the committee.

The recommendations are divided into several focus areas and Cousineau said several of the recommendations have already been implemented.

“Changes have already happened and will continue to happen. There are some easy fixes,” Cousineau told council.

The majority of input came from the 65-74 age group.

The plan is now sent to the Ontario government for their review and a report will be coming to a future council meeting.