Item - 2018.CD26.3

The Community Development and Recreation Committee received the report (February 14, 2018) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration for information.

There are now more seniors living in Toronto than children. The growth in the seniors population is expected to accelerate in coming years. By 2031, one quarter of the City's population will be over the age of 60. The City recognizes that there are policy, service and resource implications to this significant demographic shift. At the same time, the increased life expectancy is a triumph and we all benefit from the energy, resilience and contribution of Toronto seniors.

In 2013, City Council approved the Toronto Seniors Strategy Version 1.0. As a result of Version 1.0 and the progress of implementation, in 2016 Toronto was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Global Age-Friendly City.

Version 1.0 of the Toronto Seniors Strategy set out 91 recommended actions across the eight WHO age-friendly domains. It included recommendations for many new programs, services and facilities to support the growing senior population. To date, 90 of the 91 recommended actions have been implemented.

Building on the success and momentum of Version 1.0, the City is working with seniors, caregivers, the Toronto Seniors Forum, community service providers, academics and researchers, hospitals, local businesses, school boards, advocacy groups and federal and provincial partners and other constituents on Version 2.0 which will be submitted to Committee and Council in Spring 2018.