Age-Friendly Strategic Plan

Outdoor spaces and buildings

Kenora has many enjoyable and safe outdoor spaces, beautiful waterfront areas, and a charming downtown area. During the winter months, mobility becomes a challenge, when snow piles up around seniors' housing and shops. We've identified opportunities for targeted snow clearing and encouraging accessible design in buildings and outdoor spaces.

Transportation

Kenora has many different transportation options, including:

• municipal bus service
• Handi-Transit service
• taxi companies
• long-distance transportation bus services
• volunteer drivers

These options can have infrequent schedules or prohibitive costs making them less accessible. We've identified opportunities for adjusting transit routes, improving bus service frequency and exploring car-pooling or ride-sharing options.

Housing

We discovered that once older adults find appropriate seniors' housing in Kenora, they feel that the housing meets their needs. However, finding appropriate housing in the first place can be a challenge. There is an urgent need for more housing that allows for a continuum of care, from independent seniors' living to full care homes.

Social participation

Many seniors in Kenora feel included and respected by other members of the community. But members of Kenora's First Nations community, feel excluded and disrespected by other Kenora residents. We've identified a need to create more inclusive the diverse marketing materials and events in the area.

Respect and social inclusion

Kenora has many reasonably-priced events and activities that appeal to older adults. However, some events and gathering places are challenging to access for those who rely on public transportation. We've identified opportunities for new events that connect people from different cultural backgrounds or different parts of Kenora.

Civic participation and employment

Kenora's older adults are keeping active and involved in the workforce and public life for many years after they retire. We would like to link seniors volunteer opportunities that match their skill sets. We could do this by creating a Kenora central volunteer bureau or directory.

Communication and information

There are a variety of different ways Kenora residents hear about events or opportunities, including:

• notice boards
• Facebook
• radio ads
• newspaper notices
• word-of-mouth

In order to reach a larger population, we could use digital information screens in public buildings and connect seniors to city council by reestablishing the Seniors' Coalition Political Action Committee.

Community support and health services

Organizations in Kenora provide an excellent quality of community support and health services. We identified the following challenges:

• shortage of physicians
• need for Quick Care Clinics
• location of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital