Whistler residents call for permanent space for seniors in the community

Residents in Whistler are calling for a dedicated and permanent space for seniors in the community. Recently, several Whistler residents spoke or wrote to the RMOW council about this issue.

Long time Whistler resident Erika Durlacher requested a permanent space for seniors in Whistler, similar to neighbouring communities, to accommodate the growing senior population. She suggested that a dedicated space would provide Whistler’s seniors with a comfortable place to age while continuing to engage in social and recreational activities.

Durlacher felt that Pemberton provided an exemplary example, as their senior facilities foster social connections and provide leisure opportunities for seniors. She suggested considering a trailer similar to the Whistler Museum, located at either Spruce Grove or Meadow Park.

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Charalyn Kris echoed her views and advocated for a permanent space for seniors at the proposed Northlands development or another municipal property. Kris cited the World Health Organization’s declaration of loneliness among seniors as an epidemic with potential health implications. She was concerned that without a dedicated senior space, the elderly community would have difficulties aging comfortably in Whistler. Kris outlined the challenges of organizing programs for seniors in Whistler, including financial constraints and a large dependency on support from the Catholic Church and federal grants.

Cheryl Green emphasized the importance of implementing senior initiatives like those offered in Ladner and Richmond. She shared that her parents had benefited from the seniors programs in Ladner, which catered to those with dementia. Green also referenced a World Health Organization study that concluded that 14% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from mental health disorders, equating to approximately 560 seniors in Whistler. She urged the council to consider seniors during Whistler’s planning processes.

Deborah Bordignon highlighted the need for local initiatives targeting seniors, noting that many residents are on their path toward aging and emphasizing their desire to remain fit, active, healthy, and vibrant. She felt there was a shortage of facilities and affordable programs for seniors. She proposed that the council conduct a sustainability plan for affordable seniors’ facilities and recreational programming in Whistler. She suggested approaching developers and seeking grant funding to make this a sustainable venture.

Michael Blaxland raised concerns about the disparity in recreational opportunities across different age groups in Whistler. He felt that despite Whistler seniors having a larger portion of the population, they had fewer programs available than the child and youth demographic. He suggested a seniors’ space at the Northlands development could address the mental health needs and provide essential services for seniors in Whistler.

David Bell also shared his perspective as a resident of Whistler and Richmond, noting the disparity in available activities for seniors. He emphasized that while Richmond offers numerous activities tailored to seniors, Whistler lacks comparable options. He underscored the importance of socialization and having a designated place in Whistler for seniors to gather. Janice Lloyd also expressed concerns regarding the lack of designated spaces for seniors in Whistler and hoped council would prioritize this. She emphasized the importance of providing consistent and reliable locations for seniors to socialize, noting the abundance of empty community places that could serve this purpose. Lloyd highlighted the valuable contributions seniors make as taxpayers to the Whistler community and stressed the need for a designated space to connect with others.