Age-Friendly Committee in Bruce County: Reflecting on Progress and Preparing for 2025

Bruce County Long Term Care & Senior Services highlights the dedicated group of local leaders, community members, and stakeholders that has formed the Bruce County Age-Friendly Committee to guide initiatives that support older adults in the region.

“An Age-Friendly community is one that addresses both the opportunities and challenges of an aging population by creating a physical and social environment that promotes independent, active living, and enables older individuals to continue contributing to all aspects of community life,” said Megan Garland, Director of Long Term Care and Senior Services, at the June 9, 2025 Bruce County Council Meeting.

The Age-Friendly Committee formed in June 2024 and is composed of representatives from the public sector, lower-tier municipalities, and various organizations that support or serve seniors. The committee has focused on establishing a strong foundation for its work, including developing guiding principles and creating a community profile to frame its efforts. The committee’s vision is to have Bruce County recognized as an Age-Friendly Community by the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, the committee has successfully completed its 2024 work plan, which included drafting terms of reference, defining guiding principles, and finalizing the community profile.

The Age-Friendly Committee has also partnered with Brock University students to begin drafting a comprehensive needs assessment for Bruce County. This research will help inform the development of policies and strategies that address the specific needs of older adults across the region. Looking ahead to 2025, the Age-Friendly Committee is committed to expanding community engagement to gather input from seniors to ensure their voices continue to shape future initiatives.

Explore the new Senior Services page on the Bruce County website, featuring a growing list of resources and programs that support active living for seniors.