The City of Vaughan was accepted into the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities. The international recognition was bestowed during a ceremonial presentation on June 18.

The mission of the WHO’s Network is to help cities and communities around the world to become increasingly age-friendly through international collaboration and knowledge sharing.

In 2022, Council approved the “Creating a city for all ages: Vaughan Age-Friendly Community Action Plan,” which was developed under the guidance of the City’s Older Adult Task Force. The task force’s mandate was to recommend policies, initiatives and strategies, including exploring opportunities to move towards an age-friendly community and the promotion of healthy seniors.

Vaughan is expected to reach a population of about 500,000 by 2041. It is projected that older adults (55 years and older) will represent more than 30 per cent of the total population by 2031. The City has been taking steps to create a more inclusive community at every stage of life.

“As the lead department in advancing the City’s age-friendly efforts, Recreation Services is committed to integrating appropriate practices to ensure residents feel included and can access programs and services at all stages of life,” said Gus Michaels, deputy city manager, community services.