Vaughan is recognized as an age-friendly community

Vaughan is a growing municipality expected to reach a population of approximately 500,000 by 2041. It is projected that older adults (aged 55 years and older) will make up the largest portion of the population, representing more than 30 per cent of residents by 2031. The City of Vaughan has taken steps to create a more age-friendly community where residents can remain active and engaged at every stage of life.

During a special ceremonial presentation at the Committee of the Whole (1) meeting earlier this week, Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council celebrated the City receiving the Government of Ontario’s Age-Friendly Community recognition. This recognition highlights the City’s contributions to making Ontario more accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.

The City’s Age-Friendly Vaughan Advisory Committee has an overall mandate to make recommendations that address older adult issues and the promotion of healthy seniors. This includes recommendations on Vaughan Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (PDF), which was approved by Vaughan Council in April 2022. 

QUOTES 

“Older adults are at the very heart of Vaughan. They built its foundation, empowering us to grow from a small town into a thriving regional leader, that makes an impact on the national and global stage. At the City of Vaughan, our commitment to creating an age-friendly community is rooted in deep respect and appreciation for these contributions. We are focused on ensuring older adults have opportunities to stay active and engaged in the community. This recognition reflects the hard work of the Age-Friendly Vaughan Advisory Committee and the City’s Community Services teams, who are wholeheartedly committed to supporting aging with dignity, respect and independence, while promoting the inclusion of older adults in all areas of life.”

• Mayor Steven Del Duca

“I am proud that the City of Vaughan has received this prestigious recognition, which reflects the outstanding work of our Community Services team in advancing the inclusion of older adults across municipal programs, services, events and daily city life. Older adults play a vital role in Vaughan’s continued success, and it is essential that we support their health and well-being so they can age with dignity, respect and independence. I look forward to continuing to champion this important work as we build a city that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all - regardless of age or ability.”

• Zoran Postic, City Manager 

“I am pleased to celebrate the City of Vaughan’s official recognition as an Age-Friendly Community by the Government of Ontario. With the Vaughan Age-Friendly Community Action Plan guiding our efforts, the City actively integrates practices that help ensure residents feel included and can access programs and services at all stages of life. Whether offering recreational programs to help older adults stay active or designing facilities to be accessible to all people of all ages and abilities, the City is taking action to respond to the needs of our aging population.”

• Gus Michaels, Deputy City Manager, Community Services 

QUICK FACTS

• The City’s Vaughan Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (PDF) was approved by Vaughan Council in 2022.
• The City’s Age-Friendly Vaughan Advisory Committee has an overall mandate to make recommendations that address older adult issues and the promotion of healthy seniors in Vaughan.

LEARN MORE

• City’s Age-Friendly Community Action Plan webpage
• Vaughan Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (PDF)
• Age-Friendly Vaughan Advisory Committee