On November 4-5, 2013, the Institute for Research on Public Policy hosted a symposium on creating age-friendly communities, in collaboration with the Government of Ontario, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the City of Toronto. The symposium brought together key academic researchers, decision-makers and a broad range of stakeholders. Participants discussed all aspects of age-friendly communities – healthy aging, housing, transportation and mobility, and social participation and recreation.

Presentations:

Keynote Address by Dr. Samir Sinha

Keynote Address by Stephen M. Golant

Welcome and introduction

Session 1 – Ontario municipalities’ role and function in implementing a seniors strategy

Mark Rosenberg

Margaret Denton

Josh Matlow

Debbie Amaroso

Session 1 Discussion

Session 2 – Governance issues in key policy areas: Break-out sessions

A. Housing

Margie Carlson

Lynn McDonald

Steve Pomeroy

Session 2A Discussion

B. Long-term care, assisted living

Graham W. S. Scott

Monika Turner

Session 2B Discussion

C. Mobility and transportation systems

Christian E. Fisker

Glenn R. Miller

Harry Kitchen

Session 2C Discussion

D. Community and recreational services

Howie Dayton

Jacqueline Powell

Caroline Andrew

Session 2D Discussion

E. Aging communities in large urban areas, suburbs, midsize cities

Pierre Filion

Wayne Chu

Clara Freire

Cheryl Hitchen

Session 2E Discussion

F. Aging communities in rural, northern and remote communities

Elaine Wiersma

Paul Rosebush

Mark Skinner

Session 2F Discussion

Session 3: Plenary Session