The Pas Age-Friendly Advisory Committee
Community consultations are being held with seniors and community members in a number of communities in Manitoba as part of a larger AgeFriendly Initiative. The goal of these community consultations is to assist communities to prioritize issues that will help them form action plans to make the community as age-friendly as possible. In December of 2008, eighteen individuals in The Pas, Manitoba came together to talk about age-friendly priorities and issues within their community. Participants also had the opportunity to complete a survey of the age-friendliness of their community. Follow this link for a summary of the age-friendly priorities identified at the meeting, as well as a summary of results from the survey.

Contact: Sharon Arnold
Box 2755
The Pas, MB R9A 1M5
T.204-623-1264 (H); T.204-627-1108; F.204-623-5506

Update on Age-Friendly

• The Pas hosted an Age-Friendly Awareness Day. The event entailed an age-friendly education session and a wheelchair challenge.
• In addition, with financial support from SHAS, the Pas Age-Friendly Advisory Committee is embarking on an intergenerational project to be piloted at The Pas Elementary Schools. The project will involve age appropriate activity pages and games that will enhance and promote positive images of older adults. The SHAS expects this tool could be used in the future by communities across Manitoba.
  
  

Summary of Survey Findings
As part of the community consultation, individuals were asked to complete a brief questionnaire designed to collect information on the age-friendliness of their community. A total of 13 questionnaires were completed; all individuals identified The Pas as their community of residence. This section summarizes the findings from the 13 individuals who completed the Age-Friendly Communities Survey; 69% identified themselves as a senior.

Most felt that the cost of recreational activities and the handi-van is affordable for seniors living in The Pas. Residents spoke positively about the large street signs that are easy to read and the availability of benches around town. Some also commented favourably on the availability of sidewalks linking residences and essential services in many areas of the community. Also noted was the fact that seniors in this community generally seem to be treated with respect.

The ongoing maintenance of sidewalks and the clearing of snow in front of businesses were identified as important issues. Access to buildings could be improved by the addition of ramps and automatic opening doors. Many noted the lack of public washrooms and the need for these to be accessible for people with mobility challenges. The need for more affordable seniors’ housing was recognized, as well as the need for more public transportation to take seniors shopping, to events/activities, and to access health care services outside the community. Addressing safety issues, such as crime and vandalism, so all residents feel safe is important. Offering intergenerational programs that bring seniors and children together is a final area that can improve the town’s age-friendliness.

The Pas Community Profile
The Town of The Pas sits between the thick northern forests and fertile southern farm lands approximately 610 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Aboriginal people lived in the area for thousands of years before the first permanent settlement was constructed in 1741. The Railroad arrived in The Pas in 1908, bringing flocks of people to the area. The Pas was officially incorporated in 1912.