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Feedback wanted on plan to make West Bench age-friendly

Some 43 per cent of West Bench residents are over the age of 55
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Four staff members at the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen were self-isolating on March 19. The regional district is also considering whether to continue keeping its doors open to the public. (John Arendt - Summerland Review)

Many communities are planning out how they can be more age-friendly, and West Bench is the latest.

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is asking for feedback on their draft Age-Friendly Assessment and Plan.

West Bench, with a population of roughly 2,000 residents, makes up a portion of Electoral Area F in the RDOS. The area has 43 per cent of residents aged 55 or older, with that number likely to grow.

The project started in July 2020, with Urban Systems Ltd. contracted to create the draft plan.

The plan looks at eight key pillars for an age-friendly community: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, community supports and health services, communication and information, respect and social inclusion, social participation and civic participation and employment.

The vision for the plan for Greater West Bench is a multi-generational community, where residents can live the duration of their lives without having to relocate due to challenges.

Issues such as no age-friendly housing assets or services, alternate transporation options for getting into Penticton and access to health and fitness programs have been identified as some of the concerns.

The feedback form, and full draft plan, can be found on the RDOS Regional Connections website at rdosregionalconnections.ca/communityrecreation

The survey will close on Monday, Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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