Have your say on aging gracefully: take the survey by July 25
Township of King (June 25, 2025) — As Canada’s older adult population grows at an unprecedented rate, King Township is seeing a significant rise in residents aged 55 and over—a trend expected to continue over the next decade.
In response, the Township is taking steps to support healthy aging and independent living by developing—in partnership with the consulting firm urbanMetrics—an Age-Friendly Action Plan. This initiative is part of King’s broader commitment to becoming an Age-Friendly Community, where residents can age in place (grow older at home). This will ensure that programs and services in King Township are flexible and responsive to the needs of the aging population, and that older adults ages 55 plus have access to programs, facilities and infrastructure they require to stay active, healthy and engaged in the local community.
King Township's Age-Friendly Action Plan will align with the eight dimensions of an Age-Friendly Community as defined by the World Health Organization: transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, and outdoor spaces and public buildings.
To help shape this plan, we’re asking residents of all ages to share their experiences and ideas by completing a 15–20 minute online survey at king.ca/seniors. The survey closes on July 25.
Input from community members is essential to help King Township plan for the needs of an aging population. All survey responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. The results will be used solely to inform the development of the King Township Age-Friendly Action Plan.
What is an Age-Friendly Community?
The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed a set of definitions that describe the key characteristics of an age-friendly community.
In an Age-Friendly Community, the policies, services and structures related to the physical and social environment are designed to help seniors age actively. This means that the community is set up to help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. For example, sidewalks are well lit and kept in good shape, buildings have automatic door openers and elevators and seniors take part in various community activities such as visiting museums or libraries, taking courses, or volunteering for charities or civic duties.
An Age-Friendly Community recognizes that seniors have a wide range of skills and abilities, understands and meets the age-related needs of seniors, respects the decisions and lifestyle choices of seniors, protects those seniors who are vulnerable, acknowledges that seniors have a lot to offer their community and includes seniors in all areas of community life.
In such a community, outdoor areas and public buildings are pleasant, safe and accessible. Housing is affordable, safe and well designed for seniors. Roads and walkways are accessible and kept in good shape. Public transportation is affordable and accessible. Neighbourhoods are safe, relationships are respectful and health and community support services are available. Opportunities for seniors to be socially active are present and seniors can take part in volunteer, political and employment positions. Information for seniors is easy to find and easy to understand.
Next steps for King Township
King Township is moving forward with the following steps to support its Age-Friendly Community initiative:
- The survey findings will help guide the development of the King Township Age-Friendly Action Plan.
- A focus group and open house for seniors is scheduled for mid-September, providing an opportunity for seniors to engage in in-person discussions with the Township’s consultant and members of the Age-Friendly Community (AFC) Steering Committee.
- Following these sessions, the consultant will compile all collected data and, in collaboration with the AFC Steering Committee and designated King Township staff, develop a five-year King AFC Action Plan.
- Once the plan is finalized by the committee and staff, it will be presented to Council for approval.
- Upon receiving Council’s approval, the AFC Steering Committee and Township staff will begin implementing the approved action items outlined in the plan.
The date of the Open House will be widely shared with the community later this summer. For regular updates, visit king.ca/seniors.
To receive updates on King Township news, follow the official corporate social media channels on X and Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to the King eNewsletter or visit king.ca.
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Media Contact
Township of King
Jason Ballantyne, Communications Officer
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca