Town seeking residents to serve on Age-Friendly Task Force

January 12, 2023 · 0 Comments

Advocacy group will advise Town staff on matters relating to older adults in the community

By Zachary Roman

Those with an interest in advocating for Caledon’s older adults can now apply to be on the Town of Caledon’s Age-Friendly Task Force (AFTF).

The AFTF is the steering committee for Caledon’s age-friendly action plan, which was created by the Town in 2021 to support and enhance Caledon residents’ ability to age well, stay in the community and live a fulfilling life as they get older. The AFTF will also provide advice to staff on any matter relating to older adults in the community as needed.

Interested parties can apply online at caledon.ca/committees or by calling 311. Applications for the 2022-2026 AFTF term are due by 4:30 p.m. on February 3.

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.

Mayor Annette Groves and Ward 1 Councillor Lynn Kiernan were appointed to serve as the Council representatives on the AFTF from 2022 to 2026.

To be selected as a community representative, one must be over the age of 18, a resident of Caledon, and be able to contribute a minimum of 10 hours of time per month.

Experience or interest in the following topics will be considered an asset to applicants: Community advocacy and public engagement; community development and outreach; research; finance and grant funding; housing; transportation; recreation; diversity, equity and inclusion; and marketing.

Previous experience on a committee, task force or tribunal is also an asset, and the Town is looking to have representation from many areas of Caledon from residents of many backgrounds.

The AFTF meets twice per month — either at Town Hall in Caledon East, virtually, or a combination of the two — and its members can be expected to be involved in assignments beyond regularly scheduled meetings. The AFTF has four guiding principles: developing strong communities, accountability, respect and inclusion, and community engagement.