Ottawa’s population is growing, changing, and aging. According to the 2021 Census, 37% of Ottawa’s population is over the age of 50 and represents the fastest-growing age group. There are now more older adults than children under 15. By 2030, it is estimated that one in five adults will be aged 65 and over. Bay Ward has a higher proportion of older adults than any other City of Ottawa ward. We want to make sure that Ottawa’s seniors have all they need to live, work, play and contribute as they choose.
The City of Ottawa is responding to these demographic changes and has had an Older Adult Plan since 2012. The last iteration of the Older Adult Plan (2020), committed to four (4) strategic areas of focus for older adults’ services: Aging with Choice, Transportation and Mobility, Well-being, and Communication. Significant progress has been made in these areas.
The Senior’s Roundtable is made up of representatives of community agencies serving diverse populations of Ottawa’s older adults and is the City’s primary mechanism for engaging residents on issues affecting older adults.
An updated new plan will be launched this month. It includes a fulsome engagement strategy which will include consultation with residents, community agencies, and City staff. It will determine the priorities and structures needed to keep the Older Adults Plan current, responsive and reflective of the vibrant diversity of older adults in our city.
The data collected through the engagement will be analyzed and reported back to the community in the fall of2024, with a plan to get it off the ground in 2025.
We’d like to see as many Bay Ward residents as possible have their say in the creation of the city’s next Older Adults Plan. Here are some ways you can get engaged:
When: July 3, 2024 – 11:30am to 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided.
Where: Rideau Community Hub at 815 St. Laurent Blvd. in the cafeteria.
There is a limited amount of space, please register here to attend.
Send us your ideas through our on-line survey at engage.ottawa.ca/oap.
If you have any other questions about the new Older Adult Plan, email olderadults@ottawa.ca. The attached information will give you more information about the current plan and how to participate in this initiative. We’d love to hear your ideas!
