This past Wednesday was National Seniors Day in Canada.
If you weren't aware, there is still time to hug a senior in your life. Whether it be a family member, friend or acquaintance, seniors have contributed to all of our lives and have helped to pave the way for a smooth transition to the golden years for all of us in the future. Depending on who you are, and what your particular circumstance is, living in the retirement years can be a pleasant or daunting experience. Housing, health care, issues around personal care and mobility are part of the transition that likely requires already busy family members to attend to.
Recently, I had a chat with yet another friend and long time resident of Tsawwassen who has moved to South Surrey. He and his wife looked as hard they could for something that could meet their needs in downsizing that could also
free up the couple of hundred thousand they would need to retire with in relative comfort. Contingent within their retirement plan is to also prepare for the possibility of paying for extended care should that prospect present itself.
Unfortunately, alternative housing stock for seniors wishing to downsize is minimal, especially in South Delta. Thankfully that will change in the coming years with the TFN and Southlands developments but even then, as much as some hate to even broach the subject, zoning for density, particularly in the town centre area of Tsawwassen, and likely on 56 Street south, will have to be considered by governors of the future. When we talk about official community plans we have to remember that young people and seniors are also part of our community and that as demographics evolve, as they always do, OCP amendments will need to be made just as they always have. Official community plans are living documents that need to consider the social needs of all age groups. Official community plans should not say you can't come here or sorry you have to move.
According to Statistics Canada, our population increased 3.3 per cent from 2006 to 2011. The
provincial average was seven per cent. This was up from a negative growth rate in the previous census, which is mildly encouraging. Twenty-five percent of single-family housing stock in Delta, more in South Delta, was habited by families with no children (empty nesters).
Our modest 3.3 per cent growth in the last census breaks down to show that 15.5 per cent of our population are seniors, up a whopping 21.9 per cent from the previous census. The 15-64 age group was up 2.3 per cent and the 0-14 was down 5.9 per cent and that is why schools have been closed.
All the numbers aren't in yet but it looks like the Delta School District will have a modest increase of approximately 50 students but those numbers are likely coming from the north.
There are some good facilities for seniors in need of assisted living and special care in Delta. The Waterford, Abbyfield, KinVillage and others come to mind. What is really needed here though, is twoway transitional housing stock. Something for the young to start with and something for that 15 per cent to move down to so that they can stay in their community and enjoy all the amenities and services that it provides.
