Dufferin County seeking public input on older adult services, housing

June 20, 2024 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

The County of Dufferin is looking for community feedback to support older adult services and housing in the county.

Earlier this month, the County of Dufferin announced the launch of two engagement initiatives – the Older Adult Services Review (OASR) and Master Housing Strategy (MHS).

“Dufferin County Council knows that housing and the health and well-being of older adults are top of mind as we continue to experience strong economic and population growth locally. That’s why we’re working to build a community that grows together,” said Dufferin County Warden Darren White.

The OASR survey aims to ensure the older adult population in Dufferin has access to adequate support and services by assessing the state of available services, identifying gaps and proposing tailored recommendations to current and future needs.

Topics covered in the OASR survey include community support services, housing needs, gaps and supports to age in place.

The MHS survey is focused on responding to the growing and diversifying needs for housing locally by helping develop a long-term strategic plan that uses existing owned land, redevelops existing properties, and explores the potential of surplus and underutilized County-owned lands to expand affordable housing options.

Topics covered in the MHS survey include current housing needs and gaps, future housing demands, housing priorities for the community and potential initiatives and programs.

“Residents, caregivers of older adults, community groups and other local partners are invited to get involved and have their say as we undertake the Older Adult Services Review and Master Housing Strategy,” said White. “Together, we can continue to build a thriving, equitable and resilient community for all.”

The County has teamed up with Tim Welch Consulting (TWC) to lead the development of the OASR and MHS initiatives. The TWC consulting team will be reaching out to residents, key community organizations, service providers and partners over the coming weeks.

Sonya Pritchard, chief administrative officer (CAO) of Dufferin County, said the two surveys support the county’s commitment to providing opportunities for the community to engage and share their thoughts on future projects as laid out in the 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan.

“The OASR and MHS will be instrumental in helping us meet the current and future needs of all in Dufferin. We look forward to hearing from our residents and other stakeholders during this important engagement process.”

Those interested in sharing their thoughts on older adult services and housing in Dufferin can visit surveymonkey.com/r/dufferin-housing to do a survey on MHS and ca1se.voxco.com/S2/55/DufferinCounty to do a survey on the OASR. Surveys may also be completed by phone by contacting project lead Jodi Ball at jodi@jconsultinggroup.ca or 905-399-5634.