News release

Grants Support Senior-Friendly Communities

Seniors (Oct. 2007 - Aug. 2021)

Two new initiatives aimed at creating an age-friendly Nova Scotia will help make the province safer and more accessible for seniors.

The Positive Aging Fund and the Age-Friendly Communities Program will make almost $300,000 available to communities for projects involving seniors over the next two months, and a further $800,000 over the next year to support programs and new staff. The Department of Seniors is also providing $55,000 to senior safety programs operating across the province.

"The initiatives support government's commitment to make Nova Scotia communities safer, healthier places to live," said Richard Hurlburt, acting Minister of Seniors. "The grants will enable municipalities and other partners to find community-based solutions, and improve the lives of seniors across our province."

The Positive Aging Fund will help non-profit community organizations create projects that advance Nova Scotia's Strategy for Positive Aging. The strategy is a long-term guide for planning for the aging population, with a focus on health, well-being and community participation of Nova Scotia seniors. Grants of up to $10,000 are available and will cover up to 100 per cent of project costs.

The Age-Friendly Communities Program will help municipalities create or adapt structures and services to be accessible and inclusive of seniors with varying needs and capacities so they are able to lead healthy, active lives. All municipal units in Nova Scotia are eligible to apply for the grants, which provide up to 50 per cent of project costs, to a maximum of a $5,000. Municipalities must match the fund's contribution.

"We expect many of the projects will address the province's goal of providing seniors with greater opportunities for personal growth, learning, and community participation in safe and supportive environments," said Mr. Hurlburt. "The grants should also support actions in other areas, like health and well-being, maximizing independence and transportation."

In addition, the Department of Seniors is providing $5,000 to 11 senior safety programs operating across the province, for a total of $55,000. Senior safety co-ordinators work one-on-one with seniors who have safety concerns and help improve contact between seniors and police. Next year, the departments of Seniors and Justice will work to support the programs with annual funding of up to $20,000, and will support training and expansion of programs in the province.

The 11 senior safety programs are in: Annapolis County, Antigonish, Cole Harbour, Digby, Enfield, Fall River, Hants County, Kings County, Meteghan, Pictou County, and Queens County.

More information on the new initiatives and grant application forms are available on the Department of Seniors website at www.gov.ns.ca/scs or by calling toll-free 1-800-670-0065. The department will also promote the programs through newspapers advertisements in the coming weeks.