Sea to Sky seniors are getting a $40,000 cash infusion from the provincial government for community projects.
Half the funding is going to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and Pemberton for a Four Part Harmony Age-friendly Project. Whistler seniors are getting the remaining $20,000 for accessible community gardens.
The money is coming from Age-Friendly BC, which provides grants up to $20,000 to help communities create or continue projects designed for older demographics. The program was launched in September 2011 by Premier Christy Clark in an effort to create environments that support the good health and community participation of seniors.
"Creating age-friendly communities supports our seniors and helps to create places that are accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all people, regardless of their age," said Joan McIntyre, MLA West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.
The government pumped in an additional $750,000 to the program after the overwhelming response from communities.
The Four Part Harmony project in Pemberton is designed to get seniors more actively involved in the community centre. On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, seniors can enjoy the amenities at the centre through activities such as carpet bowling and a fitness program.
The project will also include field trips to other seniors centres in the province, as well as to connect Pemberton seniors to those in Whistler and Mount Currie.
Meanwhile, the president of Whistler's Mature Action Committee (MAC), Sue Lawther, presented to council Tuesday with an update on the 200-member seniors group. Among other things, she asked council to consider a temporary seniors location centre in the resort.
