HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-09-053 - Older Adult StrategyREPORT
REPORT T0: Mayor and Council
DATE OF MEETING: October 13, 2009
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director of Community Programs and
Services ext. 2687
PREPARED BY: Lynda Stewart, District Facilitator ext. 2511
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: September 21, 2009
REPORT NO.: CSD-09-053
SUBJECT: COUNCIL STRATEGY SESSION: OLDER ADULT
STRATEGY
RECOMMENDATION:
For information and discussion.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener has a long history of providing quality recreational programs and services
for older adults, and operating facilities dedicated to serving the needs of older adults. The
aging of the "Baby Boom" generation, generally defined as those born between 1946 and 1964,
has created noticeable demographic shifts on a local, provincial and national level and has
implications forthe provision of service delivery to our community in coming years.
In 2007, the Community Services Department, with the assistance of a consultant, undertook a
research project with the goal of better understanding and responding to the current and future
needs of the older adult population. The initial phases included an inventory of facilities and
programs and consultations with older adults and community stakeholders.
In November 2008, dmA Planning and Management Services was retained to further this work
and develop a strategic response to the challenges and opportunities created by the rapidly
growing population cohort of older adults.
Report CSD-09-040 Older Adult Strategy Background Report, was presented in June 2009.
This report includes a profile of the older adult population; a profile of the emerging market
segments and relevant trends and best practices to serve these markets; and a review of City
programs and services and participation trends.
Research into future older adult markets suggests the need to consider shifts in programs,
services, facility models, policies and service delivery approaches to adequately serve this
market. The implications of such changes are considered in the attached Final Report, prepared
by dmA Planning & Management Services.
REPORT:
As detailed in the Background Report, a significant demographic shift has begun to occur and is
anticipated to peak within the next two decades, with the aging of the "Baby Boom generation".
By 2031, the total population of the City is projected to be 304,655 people, of which, 108,195
(36%) will be older adults. The growth in the number of older adults will result in increasing
demands for programs and services of interest to this group. However, it also represents a
proportionate shift in demand for parks and recreation services, where the majority of
consumers will be adults, with vastly different expectations than the market served by the
existing older adult centres.
The Final Report identifies three key areas that must be considered in order to address future
expectations and demands. The Community Services Department should clarify the
departmental mandate with respect to populations served and expected outcomes. Essentially,
the report is suggesting that the service mandate should be driven by priority outcomes and
consider elements such as demand, rather than age of the participants exclusively.
Secondly, an assessment of the suitability of facilities and amenities and service delivery
models to meet future needs should be undertaken. Development of future facilities should
consider the needs of this demographic during the planning phase.
Finally, operational policies and procedures should be reviewed with a focus on realignment to
better support new directions. For example, programs, staff training, marketing and volunteer
recruitment efforts may need to be revised.
Council will have the opportunity to discuss these issues with Mr. Jim Morgenstern, Principal of
dmA Planning & Management Services on October 13, 2009.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
None at this time.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Following the Council Strategy Session, a public engagement process will be undertaken with
members of the Mayors Advisory Council for Kitchener Seniors (MACKS), Advisory Councils at
Breithaupt, Downtown, and Rockway Centres, select Neighbourhood Association Boards of
Directors, stakeholders and the public to review the report and seek further input.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, General Manager Community Services