THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

AGING POPULATION TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITY STEERING COMMITTEE

M I N U T E S    APSC-2014-1

The Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee met on Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 9:10 a.m., in the Council Chamber, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A, Brampton.



Members Present:
P. Foley; E. Kolb; K. Mahoney*; G. Miles*; E. Moore; M. Morrison; R. Starr; A. Thompson on behalf of R. Paterak; J. Tovey¨

Members Absent:
R. Paterak, due to other municipal business
 
Also Present:
D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer, J. Smith, Commissioner of Health Services; N. Trim, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services; C. Clubine, Director, Long Term Care; D. Langtry, Director, Strategic Policy, Planning and Partnerships; L. Duarte, Director of System Innovation; J. Jackson, Director, Strategic Planning, Policy and Partnerships/Service System Manager Housing; J. Anderson-Renton, Manager, Client Services; K. Lockyer, Regional Clerk and Director of Clerk's; C. Law, Committee Clerk; J. Schwartz, Legislative Assistant

_______________________________
* See text for arrivals
¨See text for departures


Chaired by Councillor P. Foley

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST - Nil


2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION APSC-1-2014

That the item listed as 3d under Delegations/Presentations be withdrawn;

And further, that the agenda for the January 16, 2014, Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee meeting be approved as amended.


3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

a) APSC Meeting #6: Overview and Follow-up on Action Items (Oral)
Presentation by Janette Smith, Commissioner of Health


Received

A copy of the presentation is available from the Office of the Regional Clerk.

Janette Smith, Commissioner of Health Services, provided a summary of topics covered at the previous Committee meeting. She also provided an environmental scan of new items or new reports that relate to topics being discussed by the Committee. Items highlighted by Janette Smith included: a newly established provincial Seniors Community Grant Program to support non-profit community-based organizations that help seniors in Ontario connect with and stay active in their communities; a recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which noted a small increase to the seniors' poverty rate in Canada; and news stories documenting increased interest in intergenerational programming in Canada and the establishment of new and innovative housing programs to assist seniors with affordable housing options.

Janette Smith shared again the draft framework for guiding APSC recommendations, which staff have developed with the Chair and Vice-Chair. She also provided a summary of emerging themes and ideas from the Committee meetings. Staff will continue to track these to assist the Committee with developing recommendations in the spring.

Councillor Miles arrived at 9:20 a.m.

b) Michael Wright, Chair, Housing Options for Older Adults in Peel (HOAP), Providing an Overview of Housing Issues or Initiatives Identified by HOAP

Received

A copy of the presentation is available from the Office of the Regional Clerk.

Michael Wright, Chair, Housing Options for Older Adults in Peel (HOAP), provided information regarding his Committee's work in engaging with the older adult population in Peel and various stakeholders on the best way get information out about what different housing options are available in the community. He informed the Committee that seniors' typically need to leave their family home for one of three reasons: lifestyle change, financial change, or crisis (i.e. significant medical event). He further emphasized that issues related to safety, accessibility, and affordability are top-of-mind for any senior considering a move. He encouraged continued education surrounding the challenges with different options for residents and developers.

In response to a question from Councillor Tovey, Michael Wright noted the most effective way to inform seniors of their current ability to pay, given their housing situation, is through educating them and their families of specific financial considerations, such as the number of rooms being utilized in their current home, current living expenses, or the price to upgrade safety requirements in their current home. He noted it is important for all families to understand that just because a mortgage is paid off does not mean a senior is living for free; especially given the reduced income likely in retirement.

In response to a question from Regional Chair Kolb, Michael Wright agreed that age in particular is not a good way to represent all seniors but instead his preferred method is to look at each situation individually to determine appropriate housing options for consideration.

Councillor Tovey suggested that zoning requirements, such as restricting the height of buildings, may be an option for municipalities to consider to support the development of age-friendly housing. Councillor Miles added that age-friendly planned communities, such as Rosedale Village in Brampton, may be a model for future development given its popularity and lifestyle amenities geared towards seniors.

Councillor Mahoney arrived at 10:04 a.m.

c) Overview on the Housing System and Options in Peel (Oral)
Presentation by Lisa Duarte, Director, Office of System Innovation and Juliet Jackson Director, Strategic Planning, Policy and Partnerships, and Service System Management for Housing

Received

A copy of the presentation is available from the Office of the Regional Clerk.

Lisa Duarte, Director, Office of System Innovation and Juliet Jackson Director, Strategic Planning, Policy and Partnerships, and Service System Management for Housing, provided an overview of the Housing system in Peel and the various programs and services delivered by the Region of Peel across the continuum. Such programs include: homelessness prevention; emergency shelters; transitional housing; supportive housing; affordable housing units; and home renovation supports. Juliet Jackson also provided information regarding the Region's 10-year Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy and its three primary objectives: to provide quality housing stock, to promote individual and family capacity building, and to provide a system of services that are fully integrated and easily accessed.

Juliet Jackson also provided an overview of several housing providers that provide additional services for seniors. Examples used included: Westminster Place, Forum Italia, St. Mary's Senior Citizens Residence, Coral Place, and the Peel Living 's partnerships with Peel Senior Link and the Victorian Order of Nurses.

In response to a question from Councillor Mahoney, Juliet Jackson noted that data pertaining to how many seniors are living in basement apartments is not readily available, but staff does take extra precaution to protect vulnerable citizens within the housing system where they are able. Councillor Mahoney asked that this be noted in future reports on the topic.

In response to a question from Councillor Tovey, Juliet Jackson advised that currently in London, England there are several interesting alternative models for affordable housing such as shared ownership. Shared ownership allows residents to purchase equity in the unit that they can eventually sell, giving them an opportunity to participate in the market. Juliet also noted that England is much more cognizant of the importance of land value capture in housing development projects; as well as having a readiness to redevelop land and older developments should more land value capture be possible.

In response to a question from Councillor Starr, Jane Anderson-Renton, Manager, Client Services, advised that the only residency requirement for the Centralized Wait List for subsidized housing is that the resident be from the Province of Ontario. She noted that in Peel, 29 percent of waitlist occupants reside elsewhere and can appear on multiple waitlists in different municipalities. Juliet Jackson added that should the spot be in a seniors-mandated building or unit, the applicant must be 65 or older.

d) Maurice Vezina, President and Chairman of the Board, Westminster Court, Providing an Overview of the Services Provided by Westminster Court to Support their Tenants to Age in Place

Withdrawn

Items 4a and b, and 5a and b were dealt with.

4. REPORTS

a) Update on Peel's Retirement Home Sector

Received

Councillor Morrison requested the Commissioner of Health Services investigate the possible reasons why retirement home uptake is low in the Region of Peel and if cultural and demographic factors play a role; and whether this reality has any implications for the future stock of housing options offered in the Region of Peel.

b) Municipal Role in Residential Long Term Care

Received


5. COMMUNICATIONS

a) Laura Hall, Accessibility, Elections & Special Projects Manager, Town of Caledon, Email dated December 17, 2014, Providing the Primary Universal & Flex Design Components as Requested at a Previous Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee Meeting

Received

b) Michael Cleland, District Manager, Recreation Services, City of Mississauga, Email dated December 17, 2014, Providing Information about the City of Mississauga's Windrow Removal Program as Requested at a Previous Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee Meeting

Received

Councillor Tovey departed at 11:14 a.m.


3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

e) Donna Rubin, CEO, Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS), Providing an Overview of the Challenges and Opportunities Facing its Members who Deliver Assisted Living, Supportive Housing and Long Term Care Services to Seniors

Received

A copy of the presentation is available from the Office of the Regional Clerk.

Donna Rubin, CEO, Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors (OANHSS), provided examples of innovative housing and care models implemented by non-profit organizations and municipalities across Ontario, including: life lease, affordable housing, assisted living, retirement homes and long term care. She provided in-depth information on "campus" or "hub" models that integrate a continuum of care, such as the Perley Rideau Seniors' Village in Ottawa, Georgian Village in Penetenguishene, and Sunnyside Seniors' Services in Kitchener.

Councillor Thompson advised Committee members that as green fields land become available for development in Caledon, a continuum of care campus would be an effective option in the same way other municipalities have taken advantage of these opportunities. Donna Rubin advised that the Region of Peel could set aside land of any size that becomes available for future housing options related to seniors in the future.

Councillor Miles inquired whether the'community hub' model of seniors living is preferable to ensuring seniors are able to stay in their own home as they age. Donna Rubin advised that while both models can be effective, many municipalities are achieving success with providing the community hub models since this type of integrated living is in high demand by many seniors who no longer wish to live at home.

Councillor Morrison advised Committee members that life lease housing options should be looked at as an alternative to the traditional "market rent" and "subsidized" options provided through traditional affordable housing for seniors in the Region of Peel.

In response to a question from Councillor Starr, Donna Rubin advised that the amount of money advertised as the cost of living in retirement homes is only the core rental costs such as room and board and any associated maintenance; while additional costs would incur for anything additional such as cable television costs.

In response to a question from Councillor Moore, Donna Rubin advised that the Region of Peel could look at retrofitting older existing buildings for housing options for seniors; however this type of option has tended to be more expensive given the retrofitting often required.

David Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer, advised the Committee that the campus or hub model often includes a long-term care home (LTC) within the continuum of housing and care services provided. However, residents living on the campus or in related facilities do not necessarily have seamless access to that LTC should they require it and because they live on the same site. He explained that this is due to provincial restrictions related to the equity of all Ontario residents to access LTC placements through the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) waiting list, and that no one can be restricted simply because they are not already living on the campus.

The Committee recessed at 12:17 p.m.

The Committee reconvened at 12:25 p.m.

Members Present:
P. Foley; E. Kolb; K. Mahoney*; G. Miles*; E. Moore; M. Morrison; R. Starr; A. Thompson on behalf of R. Paterak;

Members Absent:
R. Paterak, due to other municipal business; J. Tovey, due to other municipal business
 
Also Present: D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer, J. Smith, Commissioner of Health Services; N. Trim, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Corporate Services; C. Clubine, Director, Long Term Care; D. Langtry, Director, Strategic Policy, Planning and Partnerships; L. Duarte, Director of System Innovation; J. Jackson, Director, Strategic Planning, Policy and Partnerships/Service System Manager Housing; K. Lockyer, Regional Clerk and Director of Clerk's; C. Law, Committee Clerk; J. Schwartz, Legislative Assistant


Chaired by Councillor P. Foley

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

f) Jamie Schlegel, CEO, Schlegel Villages, and Josie d'Avernas, Vice-President, Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA), Providing an Overview of Emerging and Innovative Research being Explored to Improve and Evaluate Housing and Care Options for Seniors

Received

A copy of the presentation is available from the Office of the Regional Clerk.

Jamie Schlegel, CEO, Schlegel Villages, and Josie d'Avernas, Vice-President, Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA), provided information on the unique services available at the Schlegel Villages in Ontario (the "Schlegel Model") and how the Schlegel Model is supported by research conducted through the RIA at the University of Waterloo. Jamie Schlegel emphasized the importance of a number of key health services that offer within the model, including easy access to primary care, memory clinics and integration with acute care (i.e. transitional care units and urgent care clinics). He also explained the importance of adopting a true village model within the development, such that key services are easily available to all member of the community and socialization is a main part of everyday life. The villages also have a community centre model that integrates intergenerational and community services, independent and active living, full meals in-house and full access to all amenities.

Josie d'Avernas provided an overview of the research being conducted at the RIA and integrated within Schlegel Villages. This includes training practitioners (the "living classroom") and continually evaluating and improving programs delivered to seniors. She noted that the RIA's model for continued improvement is guided by three principles: incubation, acceleration, and dissemination. She offered members of the Committee a tour of the facilities.

Several members of the Committee expressed interest in taking a tour of a Schlegel Village and their various amenities, as well as their model of an age-friendly designed community called Williamsburg. Councillor Foley directed the Commissioner of Health Services to arrange for a tour for interested members of the Committee.


4. REPORTS

a) Update on Peel's Retirement Home Sector

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

b) Municipal Role in Residential Long Term Care

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting


5. COMMUNICATIONS

a) Laura Hall, Accessibility, Elections & Special Projects Manager, Town of Caledon, Email dated December 17, 2014, Providing the Primary Universal & Flex Design Components as Requested at a Previous Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee Meeting

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

b) Michael Cleland, District Manager, Recreation Services, City of Mississauga, Email dated December 17, 2014, Providing Information about the City of Mississauga's Windrow Removal Program as Requested at a Previous Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee Meeting

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting


6. IN CAMERA MATTERS - Nil


7. OTHER BUSINESS - Nil


8. NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Aging Population Term of Council Priority Steering Committee is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 1:00 p.m., Council Chamber, 5th floor, Regional Administrative Headquarters, Suite A, 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton, Ontario.

Please forward regrets to Curtiss Law, Committee Clerk, (905) 791-7800, ext. 4330 or at curtiss.law@peelregion.ca.


9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.