Mayor Groves, Councillor Kiernan to serve on Age-Friendly Task Force

Town of Caledon's Seniors' Task Force rebranded

By Zachary Roman

Council representatives for an important Town advocacy group have been chosen.

Mayor Annette Groves and Ward 1 Councillor Lynn Kiernan will serve as Council representatives on Caledon's Age-Friendly Task Force from 2022 to 2026.

This decision was made at a December 6 General Committee meeting of Caledon Council, alongside the decision to replace Caledon's Seniors' Task Force with the Age-Friendly Task Force.

Katie Sawyers, Caledon's Age-Friendly Coordinator, submitted a report to Council at the meeting recommending the replacement. In it, she explained the Seniors' Task Force was first established in 2015 to “serve in an advocacy role to provide staff with assistance and advice on the development and implementation of the Town's Adult 55+ strategic plan.”

In 2021, the Town approved an Age-Friendly Action Plan, and Sawyers wrote that Town staff are recommending the Age-Friendly Task Force replace the Seniors' Task Force to better align with that plan.

The 2021 plan was created to support and enhance Caledon residents' ability to age well, stay in the community and live a fulfilling life as they get older.

Age-Friendly Task Force members will serve as the Steering Committee for the Action Plan, providing staff with assistance and advice in implementing items outlined in the plan. They will also provide advice to staff on any matter relating to older adults in the community as needed.

The Age-Friendly Task Force will consist of two members of Caledon Council; six community representatives, of which four will be over the age of 55; one staff representative from the Caledon Public Library; one representative from the Caledon Seniors Centre; two community liaisons working with older Caledon residents; and one Town staff facilitator. 

Sawyers' report notes that additional representatives may be invited to participate in the Age-Friendly Task Force as needed. Council unanimously supported the changes recommended by Sawyers, and the appointment of Groves and Kiernan. 

“Staff will begin the recruitment process in January 2023, targeting advertisements to attract

and engage Age-Friendly representation in the community,” reads Sawyers' report. “Once the recruitment is closed, staff will bring forward a report with applicant details as part of the selection and appointment process for Council's consideration. Should there be any challenges with acquiring the required membership, staff will extend the recruitment period.”