Daniella Balasal, Policy Planner, provided a presentation, entitled: Developing a Roadmap for 2021-2022 - Reaffirming the Role and Function of the Age-Friendly Brampton Advisory Committee. The following discussion themes were highlighted:
- Structure and Focus
- AFC Terms of Reference Scope of Activities
- roles and responsibilities of Committee members
- roles and responsibilities of Staff
- Connections
- synergies – community and public engagement
- examples of community engagement - Cycling Advisory Committee and Environmental Advisory Committee
- Outputs and Activities
- participation in City planning projects
- opportunities to strengthen diversity
- Priority Projects for 2021 – Opportunities to Inform
- youth and seniors, housing, social equity
- nurturing neighbourhood program
Committee discussion, comments and staff responses include the following:
- Creation of a sub-committee for the purpose of research at this time was not practical
- Suggestion that more focus is placed on mental health resources – indication that the Youth task force provided support and resources around social isolation in collaboration with youth serving organizations – potential for advocacy is also an option
- Establish priorities that are achievable with timelines and focus on one, such as, outdoor spaces or alternatives that would allow for social inclusion which would improve mental health
- Question regarding oversight and accountability and a request for information on whether departments are incorporating the Age-Friendly strategy to guide policy making an procedures to achieve
- Indication that several Age-Friendly action items have been completed by the staff working group and project updates can be provided at a future meeting
- Suggestion that more focus is required on community engagement, such as, online interactive opportunities, and the potential for grass root organizations to connect with the City through an open online platform
- Reference to CARP communication to approximately 3000 persons through a survey who may have an interest in Age-Friendly matters virtually
- Explore communication methods that will provide opportunities to connect with all persons, such as, indigenous community and religious institutions
- Opportunity for Age-Friendly Committee to offer perspectives on City-wide projects and initiatives, such as, the Active Transportation Master Plan, Centre for Innovation, creation of community hubs and the City’s diversity and equity office
- Explore opportunities to strengthen diversity by connecting to different cultural community groups and organizations that represent various ethnicities
- Confirmation that the City uses several media platforms and communication tools to communicate with the community and continued efforts will be made through Strategic Communications to share messaging around Age-Friendly matters
- Information was provided on the City’s housing strategy currently underway
- Opportunity for Age-Friendly Committee to provide input and feedback on affordable housing for seniors and students before report is presented to Council
- Suggestion that Committee forward information on any projects, initiatives or specific output and activity they may wish to see advanced or wish to collaborate on with staff
The following motion was considered: