MACKENZIE – Improving the quality of life for seniors living in Mackenzie is the focus of a new $2 million five-year project funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) pan-Canadian stream.
The project, titled “Senior Inclusion Solutions for Northern Communities,” sees College of New Caledonia partnering with a number of local and regional groups to develop and implement creative and collaborative approaches to increase social inclusion of seniors, 55 and older, in the District of Mackenzie.
“Loneliness is a serious issue that can have implications on seniors’ health and quality of life,” said Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors. “Our government will continue to move forward to address this challenge. We are pleased to support New Horizons for Seniors Program initiatives like the College of New Caledonia’s ‘Senior Inclusion Solutions for Northern Communities’ in Mackenzie, BC, which will partner with local organizations to better connect seniors and will have a positive impact on their lives.”
When Mackenzie was incorporated in 1966, it was designed around a young workforce with no infrastructure to support an aging population. Based on 2016 Statistics Canada data, approximately 1,100, or about one third, of Mackenzie’s population is made up of seniors aged 55 and older.
“The New Horizons for Seniors Program Funding and specifically the ‘Senior Inclusion Solution for Northern Communities’ will bridge the existing gap between lack of resources and supports for our senior population and the ongoing demand,” said Mackenzie Mayor Joan Atkinson. “Mackenzie is experiencing steady growth in our senior population and this project will be the catalyst to ensuring seniors are an engaged, empowered demographic in our community. The College of New Caledonia’s Mackenzie campus continues to play a vital role in the health and wellness of all of our community members and I am thrilled to see this much needed project come to fruition.”
At CNC, the ‘Senior Inclusion Solution for Northern Communities’ project will connect seniors with trades students to create shared mentorship experiences through collaborative projects. CNC’s Mackenzie campus will also open a training kitchen allowing seniors to learn more about cooking as well share their own knowledge with other members of the community. Lunch and Learn series for seniors will start at CNC with information sessions on an array of subjects including cell phone use, gardening, trade tools training, and business computer use.
Seniors will be able to receive credit for various courses. They may also register for free under CNC’s tuition waiver for seniors. CNC will also include local secondary school students in programming who can earn volunteer hours required for graduation.
“The ‘Senior Inclusion Solution for Northern Communities’ project strives for lasting improvements providing seniors the ability to feel more integrated in the community including social, recreational, artisan, and entrepreneurial ventures,” said Shannon Bezo, Regional Principal of CNC Mackenzie. “CNC is proud collaborative on this project benefitting seniors by providing education and employment opportunities through our Trades Centre.”
The main component of the five-year project is to empower local stakeholder groups to increase senior inclusion while achieving their mandates and long-term sustainability. Three key stakeholders on the project include the Mackenzie Autumn Lodge Society, Kimta Transportation Society, and the Community Development Institute (CDI) of UNBC.
In addition, a stakeholder advisory committee has formed with representation from the Mackenzie Seniors group, the District of Mackenzie, Northern Health, Mackenzie Counselling, WorkBC, and Community Futures of Fraser Fort George.
“Being able to be a key partner in the New Horizons for Seniors Program project with CNC strongly assists the Autumn Lodge Society in fulfilling the mandate to enable seniors in the area to interact and work with others through activities that will enhance their health and well-being,” said Autumn Lodge Society President Stephanie Killam.
For more information:
Dustin Ruth
Media Relations Officer
College of New Caledonia
778.349.0597