City Council Agenda - November 26, 2012 - City of Guelph

Attachment 1HOUSING26. Examine zoning and planning regulations to ensure they do not create unintended barriers todevelopment of housing for older adults27. Establish a working group with partners (builders, developers, provincial government, County– to develop a long-term strategy to increase the supply of accessible, affordable housing forolder adults. (Note: the City’s revised Official Plan calls for 30% of new residentialdevelopment to be affordable)28. Advocate with the province and the LHIN for more funding for in-home supports that willenable older adults to remain in their own homes (health, home care, home maintenance,subsidies)29. Promote available home modification programs, and provide assistance to older adults incompletion of application forms.Promote Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Programs (RRAP) and the new Health HomesRenovation Tax Credit to allow older adults to adapt their homes to meet their needs as theyage (ref: Sinha presentation, Seniors’ Care Strategy)30. Ensure that the City’s tax deferral program is prominently included in its communicationsstrategy31. Advocate, facilitate and promote opportunities for more housing options in the City (grannyflats, group housing, home sharing, life leases, coops, assisted living, group housing, homesharing, accessory apartments)32. Strengthen partnership with the County to support the implementation of the County’s 10-year housing and homelessness plan.33. Develop an affordable housing strategy for the City that targets 30% of new residentialdevelopment as affordable. Note: this recommendation is contained in the City’s revisedOfficial Plan, 2012RESPECT AND SOCIAL INCLUSION34. Work with City departments (e.g., EMS), community partners, neighbourhood groups andother stakeholders to establish a “seniors’ watch” program35. Develop and deliver targeted public education and awareness campaigns to combat ageismand encourage and instill respect for older adults36. Develop and deliver an awareness campaign focused on “sharing our roads and sidewalks”.Work toward developing a shared understanding of the rights and responsibilities ofpedestrians and drivers using cars, bicycles, walkers, scooters, skateboards, e-bikes and otherforms of transportationOlder Adult Strategy for the City of GuelphPrepared by The Osborne Group, October 20126