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2016-07-07_COW_Agenda Website Package_Updated
Page 1 of 1 MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Thursday, July 7, 2016 – 8:45 a.m. AGENDA 1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER. 2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 2.1 Committee of the Whole – June 23, 2016 3. MATTERS ARISING: 3.1 Joint Fire Advisory Committee remuneration – email from Village Commission. 4. CORRESPONDENCE: 4.1 Zoe Valle Memorial Library – Designation as a National Historic Site: a. Request for Decision dated June 28, 2016 b. Letter dated May 10, 2016 from Zoe Valle Memorial Library regarding application for designation as a National Historic Site of Canada. c. Background information and letters of support. 4.2 OHC Update 5. NEW BUSINESS: 5.1 Age Friendly Housing (appointment at 9:00 a.m.) a. Request for Direction dated June 23, 2016. b. Age Friendly Housing Plan for the Municipality of the District of Chester. 5.2 T-2016-004 - Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation: a. Request for Direction Dated June 28, 2016 b. Correspondence from Hiltz and Seamone regarding recommendation for Phase 1 of Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation. 5.3 Procurement: a. Low Value Procurement - Engineering Services – Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation b. T-2016-009 – Request for Standing Offer – Heavy Equipment – Municipal Property Repairs. c. T-2016-008 – Request for Standing Offer – Heavy Equipment – Trail Repairs. 6. ADJOURNMENT. APPOINTMENTS 9:00 a.m. Age Friendly Housing Plan – David Harrison, Tara Maguire (Director of Community Development, and Sean Gillis (Planner) 9:45 a.m. Our Health Centre – Update – Don Monroe In Camera following regular session under Section 22 of the MGA 1 Pam Myra From:Iris Tolliver <iris@villageofchester.org> Sent:Thursday, June 23, 2016 10:03 AM To:Pam Myra Subject:RE: Joint Fire Advisory Committee I did mention it to the Commission, but nothing was budgeted. I think they should be compensated somehow; let me know what Council decides and I will bring it up to the Commission again. Cheers, Iris From: Pam Myra [mailto:pmyra@chester.ca] Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 9:22 AM To: Iris Tolliver <iris@villageofchester.org> Subject: Joint Fire Advisory Committee Iris, Can you tell me if the Village Commission is paying their members of the Joint Fire Advisory Committee meeting pay and/or mileage? If so, how much? Thanks. PamPamPamPam ------------------------------------ Pamela M. Myra Municipality of the District of Chester Director of Quality Management & Municipal Clerk 151 King Street, PO Box 369 Chester, NS B0J 1J0 Phone: 902-275-3554 Ext 1002 Fax: 902-275-4771 pmyra@chester.ca www.chester.ca This e-mail message (including attachments, if any) is confidential. Any unauthorized distribution or disclosure to anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and delete it and any attachments from your computer system and records. Please consider the environment before printing this email. MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO Tammy Wilson, CAO SUBMITTED BY Bill DeGrace, Senior Planner DATE 28 June 2016 SUBJECT Zoé Vallé Memorial Library ORIGIN Letter requesting for consent and support for designation as a National Historic Site of Canada ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT SITUATION: The Committee of Trustees for the Zoé Vallé Lightfoot Endowment Fund is requesting a letter of consent from the property owner (the Municipality) and a letter of support from Council, for the proposed designation of the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library as a National Historic Site of Canada. RECOMMENDATION: That the Municipality issue a letter of consent to have the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and that Council issue a letter of support for its designation. BACKGROUND: Designation as a National Historic Site of Canada is made by the Minister responsible for the Historic Sites and Monuments Act 1953 (revised 1985). The Act enables the Minister, on the advice of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, to designate places, persons, and events to be of national historical significance. The Board operates under the auspices of Parks Canada. The Minister currently responsible is the Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Representatives from each province and territory, plus some key experts, make up the Board. It meets twice a year. The Parks Canada web site indicates that 199 sites associated with a person, event or place of significance have been designated under the Act in Nova Scotia, to date. Three examples among the better-known sites are: Joseph Howe, Halifax (person); the Expulsion of the Acadians, Grand Pré (event); and the Old Meeting House, Barrington (place). There are no sites at present in Chester Municipality. The nearest sites are in Lunenburg, where a several people, places and events have been recognized. DISCUSSION: National Historic Sites must have significance to the nation as a whole. Typically, they fall into one or more thematic categories such military history, immigration, social and community life, sport, arts and architecture, and government. As the background information (attached) states, the nomination of the Zoé Vallé Library is based on its significance as an example of a free public library in existence before any library system had been established in Nova Scotia, and that it is reportedly the last remaining library of its type in Canada still physically unaltered. Based on our municipal historic place records, this rationale is sound. Once a nomination has been received by the Board Secretariat, a formal process begins: 1. Preliminary research is conducted by staff to determine if the application is worthy of further study and submission to the Board. Staff employs a written set of criteria and guidelines to make the assessment. The site will be examined for its direct or at least a meaningful association with a nationally significant aspect of Canadian history. It will also be assessed against other historic places of its type and use across Canada. In some instances, rarity may be taken into consideration. If the setting of a potential historic site is needed to understand its significance, the integrity of that setting is also examined. 2. If the matter proceeds to the Board, staff prepares an agenda paper on the topic. 3. The Board meets, considers the agenda paper, and makes its recommendation. The Board may defer a recommendation if it needs more information. 4. The Board’s recommendation (positive or negative) is confidential until the Minister confirms it. 5. If successful, a form of commemoration is recommended – usually a bronze plaque. 6. The whole process can take up to two years. 7. There is an appeal process for unsuccessful applications. IMPLICATIONS: Designations under the Historic Sites and Monuments Act are honorific. There are no protective measures in the Act and no requirements to maintain, restore, or repair to a certain standard. Protective measures are the responsibility of provincial and municipal governments. In this case, the building is registered under the Heritage Property Act, where a “substantial alteration” is subject to the approval of Council on the recommendation of the Heritage Advisory Committee. In Chester, this function is assumed by the Village Area Advisory Committee. While there is no legal obligation to maintain a national historic site to a certain standard, there is a moral one. Parks Canada’s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada is the universal standard adopted by national, provincial and many municipal governments. If the characteristics that contribute to the heritage value of a place are seriously compromised due to neglect or willful destruction, or the reasons for designation can no longer be effectively communicated to the public, the Board could transfer the site from an official list to a list of sites where commemorative integrity has been destroyed. The Board Secretariat consults with the applicant and property owner regarding the wording of the bronze plaque and where it is to be located. The local Parks Canada Field Unit may work with Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the applicant, and the property owner regarding the placement of any directional signage to the site. The listing will also appear on a directory in the Parks Canada web site. Communities can take advantage of national recognition in their marketing and promotion efforts. In this case, a designation could spark an interest in heritage designation within Chester Village. During the Plan Review Process, a few area residents raised the subject of district designation. 1 Policy: None within municipal documents at present. 2 Financial/Budgetary: National Historic Sites are eligible for financial support under the National Cost-Sharing Program. This program received increased funding in the 2016 federal budget. Municipal governments and not-for-profit organizations are eligible. Support to 50% of eligible costs must be in the form of technical assistance, physical conservation, or public presentation. Recipients are expected to adhere to the above-noted Standards and Guidelines. Applicants must be mindful of annual deadlines. 3 Environmental: N/A 4 Strategic Plan: Strengthen and support environmental, cultural, and social resources 5 Work Program Implications None significant; some staff consultation time. ATTACHMENTS: Letter of Request Background Information OPTIONS: 1. That the Municipality issue a letter of consent to have the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and that Council issue a letter of support for its designation. 2. That a decision be deferred until further information is obtained. 3. That the request for letters of consent and support be declined. Prepared BY Bill DeGrace Date 28 June 2016 Reviewed BY Date 28 June 2016 Authorized BY Tammy Wilson, CAO Date 29 June 2016 ZOT. VALLE MEMORIAL LIBRARY 63 Regent Street . Chester . Nova Scotia B0l 110 May 10,2016 Municipal Council Municipality of the District of Chester 151 King Street, PO Box 369 Chester, NS BoJ 1J0 From: Committee of Trustees 2o6 Va116 Lightfoot Endowment Fund Re: Letters from Council Regarding an Application for Designation as a National Historic Site of Canada We are in the final stages of preparing an application to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada to have the 2o6 Vall6 Memorial Library designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. As part of the application package, we require: 1-) A letter of consent from the property owner (the Municipality) agreeing to have the site designated, and 2) A letter of support from Council demonstrating that they believe that this would be a benefit to the community. Attached is a backgrounder on the application for those from whom we are seeking letters of support. Designation as a National Historic Site provides no legal protection for the historic elements of a site, as this protection is part of a municipal heritage designation. Designation does bring the site into the National Historic Sites system and it will be marked by a federal plaque bearing Canada's Coat of Arms. Designated sites can also receive financial assistance for infrastructure work from the federal government under Parks Canada's National Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program. We believe that designation will bring a national heritage profile to the Library and to the community to which it belongs. We hope that Council supports the Library in this initiative. Brad Armstrong Trustee representing the lity of the District of Chester Trustee representing the subscribers to the 2o6 Vall6 Lightfoot Endowment Fund To: Nancy the Chester Municipal Heritage Society 1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF SUPPORT Zoé Vallé Memorial Library Application for Designation as a National Historic Site of Canada Introduction The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is applying to be designated as a Natfonal Historic Site of Canada. The purpose of this document is to provide background informatfon to those who have been requested to provide letters of support for the applicatfon. National Historic Sites of Canada What exactly is a natfonal historic site? The Parks Canada Agency, which is responsible for Canada’s natfonal historic sites, states: “National historic sites are places of profound importance to Canada. They bear witness to this nation's defining moments and illustrate its human creativity and cultural traditions. Each national historic site tells its own unique story, part of the greater story of Canada, contributing a sense of time, identity, and place to our understanding of Canada as a whole. National historic sites, located in all provinces and territories, can be found in almost any setting - from urban and rural locales, to wilderness environments. They may be sacred spaces, battlefields, archaeological sites, buildings or streetscapes. They can range in size from a single structure to linear canals spanning great distances. Many national historic sites are still used today for work and worship, commerce and industry, habitation and leisure.” Basis for the Library’s Application for Designation The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library was founded in 1928 and contfnues to operate as a free community library, as required by the deed of gift that transferred ownership of the property to the Municipality of the District of Chester. Before Canada had modern, tax-supported public library systems, libraries existed in a variety of forms, in response to the geographic, economic, cultural and demographic conditfons of each province. Most libraries were private or required a paid membership to use. In some cases, individuals and groups of individuals who had the financial means, donated propertfes and/or funds to allow free public access to reading material. They did this often because they had a vision of libraries as agents of personal and community development. Such was the case with the founding of the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library. It was a gift to a small village from summer residents who loved the community, providing a free library twenty-one years before the establishment of Nova Scotfa’s first publicly-funded regional library, in the Annapolis Valley, in 1949. This applicatfon for designatfon of the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library as a Natfonal Historic Site of Canada is based on research that has determined that it is the last remaining library of its kind in the country stfll physically unaltered from its founding date and being operated as it was in the beginning. The Library currently has a Municipal heritage designatfon and is included in the Canadian Register of Historic Places. 2 Benefits of Designation as a National Historic Site There are two main benefits in being designated as a Natfonal Historic Site of Canada: Heritage Preservation Most natfonal historic sites (over 75%) are not owned by the Canadian government and are therefore administered and financed by other entftfes. The owners of these sites may nevertheless receive financial assistance from the federal government under Parks Canada’s Natfonal Historic Sites Cost-Sharing Program. This program receives project proposals that aim to ensure the commemoratfve integrity of all Canada’s historic sites by maintaining the sites and protectfng, communicatfng and respectfng their heritage values. The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is funded by interest from the Zoé Vallé Lightioot Endowment Fund and by annual donatfons from members of the community. It receives occasional funding for building maintenance projects by applying for grants from the Municipality of the District of Chester. The ability to apply for matching funding from the federal government would help preserve the Library for future generatfons to enjoy and appreciate. Tourism Promotion Over the past twenty years, much work has been done to uncover the history of the Library and to display it throughout the public areas. Care has been taken with decoratfon to keep the feeling of a house from the period of the Library’s founding. While not a museum, it is a ‘memorial’ library that stfll operates in the present with a respectiul eye on the past. The conditfons under which the property was deeded to the Municipality require that the building stay as it is, so after 88 years, it is taking on a new life as an historic site that stfll functfons as a library. Being designated as a Natfonal Historic Site would raise the Library’s profile as an attractfon for visitors to the area. There are maps showing Canada’s Natfonal Historic Sites, the sites are featured on Nova Scotfa tourism websites and they are often a reason that makes a community a destfnatfon for tourists. There are presently no natfonal historic sites between Halifax and Lunenburg on the South Shore. Contact: Glen MacLeod, Librarian Phone: 902-273-2526 Email: zoevallelibrary@gmail.com Website: zoevallelibrary.wordpress.com 1 Pam Myra From:Pam Myra Sent:Saturday, July 02, 2016 2:35 PM To:Pam Myra Subject:FW: [Future meeting with OHC Begin forwarded message: Resent-From: "ggagnon@eastlink.ca" <ggagnon@eastlink.ca.35de4b565d1b44c9.email81.com> From: gerard <ggagnon@eastlink.ca> Date: June 29, 2016 at 1:16:55 PM ADT To: <aveinotte@chester.ca> Subject: [QUARANTINE] Future meeting with OHC Reply-To: gerard <ggagnon@eastlink.ca> To Chester Municipal Councilors. Points you might consider when you meet with OHC representatives: June 29, 2016. Don Monroe told the “SouthshoreNow” that two of Chester's doctors have signed on and "the others have said, yeah, maybe. So we're into that stage now." Negotiations are ongoing, and he said, “unfortunately, OHC has no power to bring doctors from elsewhere, as that's up to the health authority”. "I think it's frustrating, it's difficult, but it's going to happen. There's too much good will on both sides. So we just have to make it happen," he said. OHC is still short of its financial goal, but board chair Don Munroe says that won't damper the opening date, even if it means drawing on a line of credit. -------------------------------------------- ------ That seems improbable since Munroe let it slip at last week’s AGM that, to last March, OHC was $600,000 in the red. This deficit does not include any payments 2 owed the contractors for work since then or any additional funds needed to complete their project or any operating funds. ** Don Munroe’s “good will” is quickly evaporating as people finally realize what the real OHC is about. Their advertising of inflated values for their “Chase the Ace” jackpot does not instill much confidence and “good will” either. ** Munroe’s “signed on doctors”, are the two who are stuck with rental contracts at the OHC “Temporary Health Centre” on Central St. Munroe doesn’t state that one of these doctors is about to go on an extended maternity leave, and she suggested that she might setup her practise in Halifax at the end of her maternity leave. ** Of Munroe’s “yeah, maybe” bunch, the four doctors in Hubbards are definitely NOT moving to Chester (I talked to these doctors). ** Dr. Cox, now at the Shoreham Health Resources Centre (blood clinic), is not in need of a rental medical office, since she signed a contract with the Northwood Group, who is managing the Shoreham Village Home for Special Care, to provide on-site medical service for the residents. ** Munroe’s “unfortunately, OHC has no power to bring doctors from elsewhere”, flies in the face of his famous boast: “it is clear that attracting highly trained, enthusiastic medical staff could well be the easiest part of creating OHC!” ** How can OHC claim that their project is “community led, owned and operated by the community”, since OHC’s membership is only 70 members, as shown in their latest financial report? Their membership is less than .7% of the Municipality’s 10,300 residents. ** In reality OHC was bought by taxpayer’s money but is owned by less than .7% of the community & is being controlled by substantially the same small group since its inception. ** How can OHC call their operation “Collaborative Health Care” when they claim to have only 2 doctors signed up for their rental building? ** Since OHC has NO operating income, how are they funding employees and any consulting contracts? Are any of these funds coming from donations & grants given to OHC to “Improve the health care of Municipal residents”? 3 ** Don Munroe’s Statement of “drawing on a line of credit” might be more difficult than realized. According to the OHC’s bylaws, any borrowing has to be passed by special resolution, requiring a 75% vote in favor. 48. The Society may only borrow money as approved by a special resolution of the members. It will be interesting to see which director and OHC member is willing to approve a loan for which they might be personally financially responsible. Gerard Gagnon 3146 Hwy 3, RR 1, Chester N.S. B0J 1J0 902-275-3691 ggagnon@eastlink.ca Municipality of the District of Chester Community Development Department Request for Direction Prepared For: Committee of the Whole Submitted By: Sean Gillis, Planner Date: June 23, 2016 Subject: Age-Friendly Housing Plan Report Overview Staff is presenting Council with the findings of the Age-Friendly Housing report, which was produced in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors. The full report is attached, and includes: detailed population and health projections for seniors; stakeholder input; an outline of provincial policy for affordable and age-friendly housing; and opportunity projects to be considered through the Plan Review. From a Municipal perspective, the major recommendation is to create an Age Friendly Community Action Team. This Team would include managers and owners of seniors housing, along with care providers. The Community Development Department would convene and manage this Action Team, in order to catalyze community and government action on age-friendly housing. This would require an expanded or changed scope for the Community Development Department. Implications Policy: This would represent a shift in the mandate of the Community Development Department. Normally we process applications and provide a regulatory function. This would involve a more proactive approach where staff was championing the development of an age-friendly community. Financial/Budgetary: None identified to date but this may change depending on extent of scope change. Environmental: N/A Strategic Plan: Strengthening and supporting social resources; including supporting the provision of affordable housing. Request for Direction June 23, 2016 Age-Friendly Housing Plan Report Work Program Implications: A further analysis would need to be done to determine the full impact of this on staff and resources. Attachments Age Friendly Housing Study Final Report Options The Committee of the Whole can recommend Council act on the Age-Friendly Community Report in a number of ways: 1. Receive the Age-Friendly Housing Plan Report for information only. 2. Direct staff to present Council with options and implications of changing the scope and mandate of the Community Development Department to take a more proactive role in developing an age- friendly community; and further to prepare a Terms of Reference for the Age Friendly Community Action Team. 3. Request more information from staff (requires Council to determine what information is required). 4. No action, status quo. Prepared By: Sean Gillis Date: June 23/16 Reviewed By: Date: June 28/16 Authorized By: Age Friendly Housing Plan For the Municipality of the District of Chester June 21 2016 Age Friendly Housing Plan For the Municipality of the District of Chester June 21 2016 Prepared by David W. Harrison Ltd. TEAL Architects+Planners Inc. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The consulting team would like to thank the Municipality of the District of Chester and the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors. We would like to thank Tara McGuire, Sean Gillis and Gordon Tate for their steady hand in helping to steer this project. We sincerely thank the following stakeholders who took their time to provide input, ideas and suggestions. Western Region Housing Authority Shoreham Village, Long Term Care Bonny Lea Farm Hubbards Manor (Metro Regional Housing Authority) Continuing Care, South Shore Regional Hospital Ridgewood Retirement Assisted Living Facility New Ross Community Care Centre Drumlin Hills Assisted Living Senior Community Health Team, Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital Shoreham Seniors Apartments South Shore Housing Action Coalition Seniors Safety Program, Lunenburg County New Ross Regional Development Society New Ross Golden Age Club Community Wheels Aspotogan Heritage Trust Pharmasave Blandford Seasiders Seniors Club Chester Basin Over 40 Club (South Shore Seniors) Janet Irwin Real Estate Consulting Team David W Harrison Ltd. David Harrison TEAL Architects+Planners Inc. CONTENTS Tables & Figures 6 Image Credits 6 Glossary 6 Executive Summary 7 Recommendations 8 Introduction 12 1.0 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 15 2.0 SENIORS POPULATION PROJECTIONS 19 3.0 HEALTH CONTEXT 27 3.1 Health and Housing 28 3.2 Health Challenges 31 3.3 Some Opportunities 34 4.0 STAKEHOLDER INPUT 35 4.1 Focus Group 37 4.2 Interviews 40 5.0 FEDERAL / PROVINCIAL CONTEXT 43 5.1 Gap Between Independent Living and Long Term Care 44 5.2 Provincial Housing Programs 46 6.0 OPPORTUNITY PROJECTS 49 6.1 Age Friendly Community Campus, Chester 51 6.2 New Ross Community Care Centre 54 6.3 Bonny Lea Farm 55 6.4 Gold River School Property 56 7.0 MUNICIPAL PLAN & LAND USE REVIEW 57 7.1 Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) 59 8.0 INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 63 8.1 Age-Friendly Housing Models 64 8.2 Intergenerational/social inclusion 67 8.3 Innovation in care delivery 69 Appendices 73 Appendix 1. Community Profile 74 Appendix 2. ASHRA Study Information 76 Appendix 3. Health Profile 79 Appendix 4. Interview Guides 83 Appendix 5. CMHC FlexHousing™ 87 6 Tables & Figures Fig 1. Context Map of the Municipality of the District of Chester” 16 Fig 2: Change in Population by Age Group, 2001 to 2011” 17 Fig 3: Current Stock of Senior Housing and Care Units Serving MODC residents” 18 Fig 4: MODC Population Projections by Age Cohort” 20 Fig 5: MODC Health by Age Cohort 2016” 21 Fig 6: MODC Health by Age Cohort 2021” 21 Fig 7: MODC Health by Age Cohort 2026” 22 Fig 8: MODC Wealth by Age Cohort 2016” 22 Fig 9: MODC Wealth by Age Cohort 2021” 22 Fig 10: MODC Wealth by Age Cohort 2026” 22 Fig 11: MODC Health & Wealth 2016” 24 Fig 12: MODC Health & Wealth 2021” 24 Fig 13: MODC Health & Wealth 2026” 24 Fig 14. Importance of Service Types” 33 Fig 15. Importance of Housing Features” 34 Fig 16. Suitability of Housing Type” 35 Image Credits Cover page & Section Images 1.0 - http://www.conciergecarefl.com/wp-content/uploads/seniorexer.jpg 2.0 - http://specialsections.la/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/seniors-happy.jpg 3.0 - http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wlrn/files/201402/elder_care.jpg 4.0 - http://www.gazettenet.com/news/townbytown/northampton/16689225-95/angry-northampton-seniors-unload-on-mayor- david-narkewicz-over-parks-and-recreation-department-move 5.0 - https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Supreme_Court_of_Canada,_Ottawa.jpg 6.0 - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPMkW5Fhfjs/UVE6qQJ7v7I/AAAAAAAAIQ0/ZGQ4a2jwmeI/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG 7.0 - http://www.blogcdn.com/slideshows/images/slides/283/637/6/S2836376/slug/l/the-part-of-architectural-1.jpg 8.0 - http://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/SeniorPainting07.jpg Report Images p. 11 - http://www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/58CFF8C0-2EA4-43F2-8108-C85544F97A35/8559/ECCModel1.pdf p. 13 - https://www.mda.org/sites/default/files/Modular_Picture.jpg p. 21 - http://www.ehdoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/slider-photo3.jpg p. 27 - http://www.northhill.org/sites/TrueNorth/uploads/lifestyle/NH-Town-Green-4.jpg p. 33 - http://www.osoyoostimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct-17-gyro-park-meeting.jpg p. 38 - http://www.peoplesigns.com/upload/image/shutterstock_156022649(3).jpg p. 45 - http://simplifywork.blogs.xerox.com/files/2012/08/Seniors-for-Living-Option-1.jpg p. 46 - Image credit: Emily Macdonald p. 49 - Google Maps p. 51 - Google Maps p. 52 - http://bonnyleafarm.ca/gallery/nggallery/bonny-lea-farm/elevator-ribbon-cutting-ceremony p. 53 - Google Maps p. 60 - TEAL Architects p. 61 - TEAL Architects p. 64 - http://www.lvcil.org/assets/File%20Uploads/CAP/Man%20in%20wheelchair%20in%20apartment.jpg Glossary AFCAT Age Friendly Community Action Team ASHRA Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance LTC Long-term care MODC Municipality of the District of Chester MPS Municipal Planning Strategy VON Victoria Order of Nurses 7 Executive Summary Our world is changing, and our municipal planning methods need to change in order to help maintain our quality of life and the sustainability of our communities. The foundation of our land use policies and regulations supports human health and attractive, functional and efficient communities. But our communities are changing, and in Nova Scotia, which has the most rapidly aging population in Canada, they are changing more quickly than we realise. Today, planning needs to reinvent itself in response to the challenges of chronic disease and an aging society. The issues are complex and community-based solutions are needed to help. The Municipality of the District of Chester (MODC) has an important role to play in facilitating these community based solutions. Its role is distinct from the province (which has a jurisdictional mandate for housing but is increasingly challenged to meet demands given limited budget resources), and the federal government (which, has committed to making investments in housing a priority). The Municipality’s role is to understand the housing needs of its residents and help facilitate commmunity-based solutions. The Municipality is already “invested” in housing: (1) the location and quality of the housing stock defines in many ways the essence of the Municipality- its attractiveness and its quality of life, and how it appears to outsiders, (2) the scope of local housing is related to the provision of municipal services, (3) housing is a key component of the local economy and the strength of the housing sector is based on wether MODC’s population is growing, declining or stagnant. The Municipality has a vested interest in ensuring the success of all these factors. It must monitor all trends, consider all issues, and help facilitate solutions. In response to the challenges being presented by an aging society, “aging in place” and “age friendly communities” are being promoted to maintain the integrity and stability of our communities, neighbourhoods and health care system. In considering the principles associated with Age Friendly Communities and Aging-in-Place, a desirable objective is the need to accommodate seniors’ health and housing needs within their local neighbourhoods and the communities that they know best. Along with the challenges of an aging society come opportunities, for community economic development. Creating an age friendlier community means more than mobilizing housing and care supports for an aging population. This is a “sector” that needs to be cultivated and promoted. In addition to the capital investment that comes with new housing, the “silver economy” includes new jobs, new services and new types of investment. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 8 An age-friendly community: • Promotes development intensification that encourages a wide range of community activities; • Is built upon principles of accessibility and universal design for housing and the built environment; • Has adequate maintenance of all supporting infrastructure; • Provides walking and recreational opportunities, including programming and support for volunteerism, to better enable interaction between seniors and other age groups; • Supports transportation and appropriate access to health services; • Promotes partnerships between government, private and non- profit sectors to ensure adequate housing and care services are provided. Aging-in-Place means: • Maintaining a continuity of relationships with family members, friends and neighbours; • Striving to keep seniors in the neighbourhoods and communities that they know best and feel part of; • Supporting and celebrating our elders, their experiences and contributions; and providing a continuum of services and flexible support options for individuals as opposed to age ranges or diagnostic categories1. 1 “Planning for Age Friendly Communities”, Ryerson This report explores the meaning of these terms and how the Municipality of the District of Chester can work towards becoming an Age Friendlier Community. In response to the challenges being presented, and the need for aging- in-place within an age-friendlier community, recommendations have been presented concerning Council’s role in advocacy. The overarching recommendations are to: 1. Establish an Age Friendly Community Action Team to address the issues, focus on four “Opportunity Projects” and help establish a collaborative approach between the Municipality and senior levels of government. 2. Align the Municipality’s Community Development Department to provide management support to the Action Team, and provide planning solutions in its capacity of championing the establishment of an Age Friendly Community. University, 2010 Executive Summary | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 9 Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary Recommendations Concerning the Municipality of the District of Chester, Council should: • Establish an Age Friendly Community Action Team, with an initial membership of the managers and owners of seniors housing and associated care services and the groups spearheading the proposed Opportunity Projects; • Establish a Terms of Reference for the Action Team, which shall define its role as an advisory body and its reporting relationship with council and other stakeholders; • Consider and pursue where appropriate all suggestions made in this Age Friendly Housing Plan, with the advice and input from the Action Team; • Designate the Community Development Department as manager of the Age Friendly Community Action Team and facilitator of the proposed Opportunity Projects (see Section 6); • Re-examine the mandate of the Community Development Department not only to become a champion of age-friendly housing solutions, but to ensure that an economic development lens is used for this work, in terms of defining age friendly housing as a new economic sector and the tracking of new investment, direct benefits, new jobs and new companies and services; • Implement the changes as soon as possible, given that seniors are leaving MODC to find the housing and care services they need in adjacent communities (representing a loss of taxes); and to implement the changes within the context of current MPS review and in concert with the Municipality’s next strategic planning review cycle (see section 7); • Ensure that Recreation Department programming is focused on seniors needs, and promotes socialization and intergenerational opportunities; • Ensure that the South Shore Regional School Board be informed of this Study, its recommendations, innovative intergenerational practices, and the formation of the Age Friendly Community Action Team. • Ensure that the replacement facility for Shoreham Village NOT be located outside of the proposed Age Friendly Community Campus Executive Summary | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 10 Concerning senior levels of governments, Council should: • Advocate that senior levels of government address the financial barriers facing private and non- profit developers of enriched or assisted living facilities; • Advocate enhanced internet connectivity to private service providers and senior levels of government in order to help enable telehealth solutions. Concerning the Province of Nova Scotia, Council should: • Request that the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors make application on its behalf to become a member of the World Health Organization Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities; • Advocate that the National Research Council and Province integrate, where feasible, FlexHousing™ and Universal Design Principles within the Building Code; • Alert the Province to the Opportunity Projects, and request that the Province act as a partner in these projects where appropriate, with particular reference to Shoreham Village long term care centre, and the importance of relocating the replacement project within the proposed Age Friendly Community Campus; • Advocate that the Province ensure, in its establishment of any Statement of Interest on Healthy Community planning principles, that such Statement also address planning needs for age friendlier communities; • Advocate that the Province, in its health and municipal governance policies, allow for municipal / private or non-profit partnerships, the dedication of resources and assets as may be required, to implement the Opportunity Projects, and others as may be identified by the Age Friendly Community Action Team; • Request that the Province reinstate the Community Counts program, at least as related to seniors housing and care issues and needs, so the Municipality can more effectively monitor statistical trends; • Request that the Province review the use of Community Economic Development Investment Funds for seniors housing with integrated care supports, and revisit the Department of Health and Wellness requirement for ground floor access for long term care units. Concerning the Community Development Department, Staff should: • Establish, in the revised Municipal Planning Strategy, appropriate policies for the designation and support for the Action Team and Opportunity Projects; • Make necessary policy and Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 11 land use by-law changes to integrate age friendly and universal design for housing and built environment, as may be possible and practical, and identify non-regulatory methods to promote these design principles to developers and other community stakeholders; • Integrate, within the land use by-law and zoning, including zoning for the Village of Chester, options for the development of secondary suites in single family homes; • Expand the use and opportunities for site plan approvals for housing projects that include age friendly units and graduated levels of care; • Meet with the Western Region Housing Authority, Efficiency Nova Scotia and others to explore all provincial program options (e.g. housing adaptability, housing maintenance and energy efficiency programs), and address ways to enhance knowledge of these programs with the Municipality’s seniors (e.g. distribution of program information with tax bills, web links, etc.). Executive Summary | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 12 Report Background This study has been conducted under the framework of an Expanded Chronic Care model - and the assumption that municipal planning needs to be increasingly seen as an integral and important part of our health system. Planning needs to help create healthier, age friendly communities. Be it municipal responses to climate change, active transportation or seniors housing, planning is increasingly focused on helping to ensure more positive population health outcomes. It is within this context that this study of age friendly housing needs in the Municipality of the District of Chester (MODC) has been undertaken. A snapshot of current seniors housing and care services has been taken, seniors population projections have been made, community voices have been heard, innovative ideas have been researched; and recommendations are made to help the Municipality of the District of Chester become an Age Friendly Community. Age friendly community planning can address many issues – such as transportation, healthcare, social isolation – however, the Municipality’s Planning Department highlighted one of the primary issues identified during its 2012 age friendly communities assessment. Specifically, the focus of this study is on age friendly housing and related needs. This research forms part of MODC’s review of its Municipal Planning Strategy. Introduction Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 13 Section 3 (Health Context), and the associated Health Profile and List of Seniors Services found in Appendix 3, have been generated following research and analysis of seven local sources addressing various aspects of community health. The Health Context focuses on Health and Housing, as well as an overview of Health Challenges and Health Opportunities. Suggestions previously made by many stakeholders and local agencies are brought forward in the Health Context Section. Section 4 (Stakeholder Input) provides a summary of the inputs received from the stakeholder survey as well as the focus group. Many inter-related issues are identified, for example, the fact that there is a “gap” between independent living and long term care. Issues associated with isolation, transportation, safety, security and access to health care are also identified. Of interest, single family housing ranked lowest in terms of a solution for seniors housing, and two-unit or multiple unit dwellings were the preferred housing form. A focus group was held, bringing the seniors housing and care providers together. They confirm there is a need for a housing strategy that addresses seniors needs, and they provided insights into the development challenges being experienced. The interview guides used for the consultants’ interface with the stakeholders and focus group can be found in Appendix 4. Section 5 (Federal and Provincial Policy Context) addresses a number of financial barriers concerning the “gap” between independent living and long term care. An overview of the Province’s housing programs for seniors can be found here. Section 6 (Opportunity Projects) provides an overview of 3 project initiatives that the consulting team is recommending that the Municipality pursue, in full partnership with community-based organizations. Methods The research phase included (1) Researching socio-demographic trends and exploring numerous community health sources (2) Undertaking a Projection of Seniors Housing and Care Needs (3) Reviewing Municipal and Provincial planning and policy context, and (4) Researching relevant and related innovative practices. The community engagement phase included (1) A survey and consultation with pre- approved stakeholders, and (2) A focus group of seniors housing providers and care providers, to help probe various issues associated with the provision of seniors housing and graduated levels of care. Report Structure Section 1 (Community Context) includes an overview of the Municipality’s socio-economic status, supported by a statistical profile that can be found in Appendix 1. It includes an important table that documents the scope of seniors housing and the type of associated care supports available to residents in the Municipality. This table is the starting point for considering seniors housing, care services, and related employment base as an economic “sector” that needs to be supported and nurtured. Section 2 (Seniors Population Projections) explores the potential number of seniors in the Municipality as well as possible health dependencies and wealth parameters, between 2016 and 2026. The projections show the movement of the “baby boom” through future age cohorts. These are projections only, generated by a projection tool available from the Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance (ASHRA). Their primary use is underscoring the challenge of providing age friendly housing and graduated levels of care in the years ahead, when compared to the snapshot of current housing and care supports. Details on ASHRA’s projection tool and its use can be found in Appendix 2. Executive Summary | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 14 Guidelines) are presented in Appendix 5. Several sections include “Action Team Considerations” – to be reviewed by the Action Team - and the potential to tie municipal decision-making with community voices and innovative responses. The various sections in the study, together with the Appendices, provide a rich array of information to consider - and at an appropriate time - in conjunction with the Municipality’s review of its planning documents. Section 7 (Municipal Plan and Land Use Review) provides a review of the Municipality’s Planning Strategy, the Chester Village Secondary Plan, and associated Land Use By-laws. The comments, provided on current policies and land use regulations, are intended to help align planning, in its traditional role, with current age friendly community needs. Section 8 (Innovative Practices) provides some Canadian, American and European examples, under the headings of Age- Friendly Housing Models, Intergenerational/ Social Inclusion and Innovation in Care Delivery. Age friendly housing and universal design principles (i.e. CMHC’s FlexHousing™ Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 15 1.0 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 1.0 Health Profile | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 16 home value, are all higher than the provincial averages. The Baby Boom generation is contributing to a high number of seniors across the province (and elsewhere), and there are still many belonging to that group that have not yet reached 65. The challenge of meeting the needs of an aging population is exaggerated in smaller cities and towns where young adults are leaving for employment, education, or other opportunities available in larger urban centres. The Municipality of the District of Chester (MODC) is located in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. It is made up of several communities with a total population of 10,599, accounting for just over 22% of the County’s total population (2011 Census). The Municipality is primarily rural with the greatest relative population density located in Chester Village. The MODC lies southwest of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), which has the largest urban centre in Nova Scotia, and over one third of the province’s total population. Provincial averages mentioned below may be influenced by the inclusion of HRM, which generally has a younger and wealthier population than other areas in the province.2 Within the MODC, median income for individuals, at $26,526 (2010) is slightly lower than the provincial average ($27,570), and median family income ($61,788) is lower than the provincial average ($68,102). The rate of low income households is 18% and the rate is slightly higher at 19% for people aged 65 years and over. Despite lower incomes, home ownership, as well as median and average 2 For more detailed information on community statistics, see Appendix 1: Community Profile. Fig 1. Context Map of the Municipality of the District of Chester Lunenburg County Municipality of the District of Chester Recommendation: Council should request that the Province reinstate the Community Counts program so the Municipality can more efectively mointor statistical trends. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 1.0 Health Profile 17 ‐ 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 2001 2006 2011 0‐19 yrs 20‐44 yrs 45‐64 65+ Fig 2: Change in Population by Age Group, 2001 to 2011 While the increasing senior population represents a challenge, it is also an opportunity for community and economic development. As the needs of current and future seniors in MODC are addressed, this will lead to growth in the senior housing and care sector. Compared to the province as a whole, MODC has a slightly older population, with only 18% of the population under twenty years of age (21.2% provincially) and 22% over sixty-five (16.6% provincially). Changing demographics over time show that seniors represent an increasing proportion of the population. While this is happening across the province, it has been more exaggerated in the MODC than the province as a whole. Figure 2 shows the change in population over time (2001-2011) for select age groups for the MODC. Within MODC, there are clear decreases in all age groups under 45 years (-12% to -30%) and there were increases in age groups over 44 years (22% to 32%). Under 20 years 18% 65 years and over 22% 20‐64 years 60% MODC Individual Municipal $26,526 Provincial $27,570 Municipal $61,788 Provincial $68,102 Median Income Family Under 20 years 21% 65 years and over 17% 20‐64 years 62% NOVA SCOTIA Recommendation: Council should establish an Age Friendly Action Team to address the shortage of housing and care for seniors today and in the future. 1.0 Health Profile | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 18 Fig 3: Current Stock of Senior Housing and Care Units Serving MODC residents Action Team Considerations Housing will need to be built (or altered) to accommodate the growing number of seniors in the municipality. Municipal policies and by-laws should encourage the construction and adaptation of existing housing that, by its location and design, is age-friendly. The current supply of seniors housing units (table 2) is minimal and efforts should be made to increase the availability of suitable seniors housing within the MODC. It is recommended that information on the current stock of seniors housing be updated by MODC over time and in relation to the proposed seniors housing / care forum. This table has been generated from data supplied by seniors housing and associated care agencies and provides a “snapshot” of the type of seniors housing available within or otherwise defining the seniors housing and care “sector” in the Municipality. The numbers of seniors shown in this and the following section (Seniors Population Projections) shows that the current number of available seniors units is not enough to address the needs of today or tomorrow. A more comprehensive chart on the scope of the senior housing sector serving MODC can be found in appendix 1. details on the ASHRA study can be found in Appendix 2. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 19 2.0 SENIORS POPULATION PROJECTIONS 2.0 Seniors Population Projection | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 20 Figure 3 (page 18) and Appendix 1 provide an overview of the number and type of seniors housing units that are available, their location, type of care service available, and number of staff invlved in the delivery of those services. If the Bridgewater assisted living facilities were removed from these charts, then the Municipality has an absolute gap between independant living and long term care. Having established the existing base of seniors housing, and the absolute gap between independant living and long term care, this section of the report provides and projection of the seniors’ population, including projected levels of dependancy and wealth. The projections shown in figures 5, 6, and 7 (for 2016, 2021 and 2026) define a growing problem and certainly a sense of urgency. There is a need to address as many aspects of MODC’s age friendly housing situation as soon as possible. While the overall population of MODC has been declining, the number of seniors is increasing. Projections show an increase in the total number of seniors in each age category from 2016 to 2026. 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ 2016 2021 2026 Fig 4: MODC Population Projections by Age Cohort A study by the Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance (ASHRA) produced projections for population as well as two key indicators of seniors needs for housing, health and wealth. The categories of each indicator H1, H2, H3, H4 and W1, W2, W3, W4, listed on The choices an individual makes about living arrangements as they age are influenced by many factors. Research has told us that 75% of our aging population would like to age in place – in their own home. Other research tells us that as we age we are likely to move three times after age 65. Three factors are considered to be most important in determining our living accommodation choices as we age; our health, our wealth, and, the distances to our children. This model uses two of these, health and wealth, as likely predictors of housing need. The underlying assumption is that the healthier and wealthier you are, the greater number of possible housing options you may consider. The implications for community planning are that those in a healthier state, with access to moderate wealth will find housing solutions along the continuum from their own home, to seniors’ apartments, condominiums, assisted living complexes. Those in a less healthy state, with limited wealth resources will rely on public or subsidized housing solutions. - ASHRA Web Site http://ashra.msvu. ca/communityintro.htm “ ” Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 2.0 Seniors Population Projection 21 the next page, are further defined in Appendix 2. H1 Dependence free /Good Health H2 Moderate Dependence H3 Severe Dependence H4 Institutionalized W1 Well off W2 Moderately Wealthy W3 Limited Resources W4 Very Limited Resources Population Health Most adults over 65 are within the H1 category (Dependence Free). For this portion of the population, planning and policy can focus on preventive health measures, including healthy built environments as well as programs and services. These seniors can feasibly remain in their own homes provided that there is assistance available for more onerous errands and home maintenance. The H2 and H3 categories are perhaps most relevant for this study, as adults in these categories can benefit from specialized housing and programs designed to meet their needs, whether for transportation, home health care, or other services. Housing plays an important role in the wellbeing of older adults with moderate to severe dependence. The projected number of seniors with moderate dependence is 256 in 2016, increasing to 344 by 2026. Based on this projection, there are fewer than half the number of “assisted or enriched living” units available within MODC and adjacent municipalities. There are projected to be 168 seniors with severe dependence in 2016, increasing to 221 by 2026. The current number of units that can meet the needs of these seniors (Long Terms Care units) is again fewer than half of those required. See Figure 2 for numbers of current seniors housing by type. For adults in the H4 category, “extensive support” is required and home care is no longer an option. Appropriate housing for this category is in long-term care and/or hospice facilities. 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ H1 H2 H3 H4 population 65+ 2513 total H1 1925 total H2 256 total H3 168 total H4 164 Fig 5: MODC Health by Age Cohort 2016 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ H1 H2 H3 H4 population 65+ 2906 total H1 2238 total H2 295 total H3 192 total H4 182 Fig 6: MODC Health by Age Cohort 2021 Recommendation: Council should designate the Community Development Department as manager of the Age Friendly Action Team. 2.0 Seniors Population Projection | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 22 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ H1 H2 H3 H4 population 65+ 3317 total H1 2541 total H2 344 total H3 221 total H4 210 Fig 7: MODC Health by Age Cohort 2026 Population Wealth For each level of health, an individual’s wealth plays a significant role in their ability to address their own needs and maintain quality of life. A large portion of the population lives within the W3 ($51,000 to $150,000 net worth) and W4 (less than $50,000 net worth) wealth categories, indicating a strong need for affordable seniors housing and care units and potentially, financial assistance and other supportive programs. For seniors facing health issues (H2, H3, H4), having limited financial resources will likely compound the challenges they face (see Considering Health and Wealth, below). 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ W1 W2 W3 W4 Population 65+ 2513 total W1 609 total W2 769 total W3 521 total W4 615 Fig 8: MODC Wealth by Age Cohort 2016 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ W1 W2 W3 W4 Population 65+ 2906 total W1 706 total W2 888 total W3 603 total W4 710 Fig 9: MODC Wealth by Age Cohort 2021 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 65‐69 70‐74 75‐79 80‐84 85+ W1 W2 W3 W4 Population 65+ 3317 total W1 808 total W2 1018 total W3 687 total W4 804 Fig 10: MODC Wealth by Age Cohort 2026 Considering Health and Wealth Together The following charts show the number of seniors projected in 2016, 2021 and 2026 and are meant to show the relationship between level of health and wealth. Darker red shows areas of concern based on expected challenges due to the combination of higher dependency and limited financial resources. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 2.0 Seniors Population Projection 23 With the majority of seniors projected to be dependence-free, efforts can be made to enable and encourage active living through programming and healthy built environments, helping residents to maintain their health and reducing their risk of becoming dependent. There is an inadequate supply of seniors housing units of all types. Policies, zoning and land use by-laws should allow for more housing units to be constructed that are of appropriate scale, design, and location to be age-friendly. Increasing the number of housing units will take several years at least, programs should be established to help seniors to renovate their homes to be more accessible; existing programs of this type should be advertised and any land use by-laws that might prohibit such renovations should be reconsidered. New residential construction can be required or encouraged to be accessible or adaptable (i.e. easily converted to accessible units). Home care programs, while they are not provided directly by the Municipality, can allow seniors with moderate dependence to stay at home. These programs should be advertised to residents who may need them. Action Team Considerations 2.0 Seniors Population Projection | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 24 living facility if such housing is available and affordable. The projections show that there is a need for affordable units in each of the housing types with the needs, from 2016 through 2026, exceeding the current availability of units (shown in Figure 3). Adding to the challenge is the number of seniors with limited financial resources who are likely being priced out of the limited number of available units. Based on these projections, units available today are not sufficient to meet the needs of seniors next year (and undoubtedly, today). Unless the number of units is substantially increased over the next ten years, the supply will not be sufficient to meet the needs of seniors in all but the top wealth category. By 2026, as many as 1327 seniors with limited resources will require home care or relocation to an independent living facility, as many as 229 will require assisted or enriched living, and as many as 164 will require long term care. H1 H2 H3 H4 W1 461 64 42 42 W2 558 88 59 64 W3 409 50 32 29 W4 498 54 35 28 Potential Housing Needs Total With limited resources (W3 & W4) Independent Living or Home Care (H1 & H2) 2181 1010 Assisted or Enriched Living (H2 & H3) 425 171 Long Term Care (H3 & H4) 332 125 Fig 11: MODC Health & Wealth 2016 H1 H2 H3 H4 W1 537 74 48 47 W2 650 101 66 71 W3 475 58 37 33 W4 575 62 40 32 Potential Housing Needs Total With limited resources (W3 & W4) Independent Living or Home Care (H1 & H2) 2532 1170 Assisted or Enriched Living (H2 & H3) 486 197 Long Term Care (H3 & H4) 374 142 Fig 12: MODC Health & Wealth 2021 H1 H2 H3 H4 W1 611 87 56 54 W2 743 118 77 81 W3 539 68 43 38 W4 648 72 46 37 Potential Housing Needs Total With limited resources (W3 & W4) Independent Living or Home Care (H1 & H2) 2886 1327 Assisted or Enriched Living (H2 & H3) 567 229 Long Term Care (H3 & H4) 432 164 Fig 13: MODC Health & Wealth 2026 In each projection, the majority of seniors will be dependence free or will have moderate dependence. Seniors in these health categories are likely to remain in their home, but may choose to move to an independent Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 25 Action Team Considerations Efforts should be made to increase the number of seniors housing units (of all types) that are available in the MODC. The following efforts may benefit seniors with limited resources: • Advocate to the Province to expand and improve home care programs as needed. • Support, and advocate on behalf of community services (Community Wheels, etc) that are providing essential services to seniors. • Allow and encourage the Opportunity Projects (see section 8 of this report) with appropriate scale and design to allow for affordability in terms of construction cost per unit and cost-effective operations and services. • Encourage communications and partnerships between organizations and stakeholders that have knowledge and/or resources to contribute to the goal of increasing the supply of senior housing in MODC. Executive Summary | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 26 Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 3.0 Health Context 27 3.0 HEALTH CONTEXT 3.0 Health Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 28 apartment building, such as those located at Shoreham Village, Chandler’s Cove, Hubbards, or Western Shore. Drumlin Hills in Bridgewater was also mentioned. • Others felt they could retrofit their homes and remain in them as long as possible. The lack of ‘in-between’ housing available for those who are not ‘ill enough’ to be in a nursing home, but can’t keep up with minor maintenance, was raised as a significant issue by both seniors and service providers. • Many seniors felt that regardless of future housing and care needs, moving in with adult children was not an option they would consider. • Housing maintenance issues are aggravated by the cost of maintenance and the difficulties related to finding someone to do the work. • Caregivers reported challenges relating to home care services, including: (1) inconsistency in the home care that is provided (2) that access to respite was only available to caregivers living in the home with the care receiver (3) that scheduling was a challenge (4) that workers often fail to come when scheduled and do not call to advise they’re not coming, and (5) that the services provided are very limited. • Service providers identified challenges related to housing, for example, why many seniors failed to access grants for retrofits and repairs: (1) the lack of information about grants (2) that the applications were too complicated for some seniors to complete, and (3) seniors’ general distaste for the automated answering services used by many of these services. • For seniors living at home, shoveling snow or mowing lawns are common needs; while some seniors are able to pay for these services privately, many cannot. • Physiotherapy is not offered for seniors in their homes. Inadequate nutrition was also a concern, especially for those living alone and isolated. • Only the first floor of Shoreham Village Apartments is suitable for persons who are The Health Context and associated Health Profile in the Appendix provides information contained in previously completed studies3 including information for the Municipality, Lunenburg County and South Shore region4. Suggestions are mainly drawn from the studies and they offer insights into community health needs that would help augment the Municipality’s efforts to become an Age Friendly Community. 3.1 Health and Housing The Health and Housing section contained in the Draft 2012 Age Friendly Consultations is reproduced below. The need for a range of housing options for seniors, support with home maintenance, and access to grants for upgrades and retrofits had been previously identified in the Aging Matters study (2005), and the need for low income seniors’ housing was also noted in Lunenburg County Vital Signs (2010). • During the 2012 consultations with seniors, many had not given much thought to transition plans. Some of this “thinking through” took place during the meetings. Solutions included downsizing and moving into seniors’ apartments, either locally or in more urban locations, and others feeling confident that they could retrofit their homes enough to remain as long as possible. • 40% of those surveyed felt their housing was age friendly. A majority believed there were assisted living options and alert systems available should they need them. Some mused that they might move to the city, or perhaps to a seniors’ 3 2013-2018 Collaborative Community Health Plan (Queens and Lunenburg County Community Health Boards); South Shore Community Health Planning, Community Consultation Findings, December 16, 2011, by Horizons Community Development Associates Inc; South Shore Health’s Collaborative Community Health Plan, Phase 3, Community Health Profiles, August 2011; MODC’s Municipal Active Living Strategy; Age Friendly Communities, Draft Summary Report of Community Consultations (input from 77 seniors over the age of 60), 2012; South Shore Health web site; and Understanding Our Health, Community Health Profile, August 2013 4 A list of seniors services available to the Municipality’s residents is included in Appendix 3. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 3.0 Health Context 29 mobility challenged; the apartments on the second and third floors are only rented to those who are mobile enough to use the stairs, as when there is a power outage, the elevator to the second and third floors does not work. • Service providers noted issues related to the Continuing Care single entry system - that some seniors were being placed far from their municipality, and that if an opportunity later arose to relocate to a nursing home in their own community, seniors were generally unwilling to go, as each move was traumatic. It is recommended that the Age Friendly Community Action Team determine the relevance of the community health suggestions, and options and opportunities for their implementation. From consultations, it was felt that: • Grants for home improvements should be revised to allow a sliding scale of income rather than a cut off threshold, and that volunteers should be engaged to help seniors prepare grant applications in the same way that volunteers currently help with preparing income tax returns. • It would be helpful to have a central place to call for information regarding grants. • One participant suggested taking the proactive step of encouraging home design that is suited for “cradle to the grave” so that later on, renovations would either be unnecessary, or minimal, therefore costing less. • On the topic of keeping more seniors in their homes longer, it was suggested that Continuing Care services be expanded to make staying in one’s home easier. Others: • Support the development of a range of housing options for residents of the Municipality through mixed-use developments that include affordable housing units. • Promote age friendly housing design and universal design among developers. Action Team Considerations Recommendation: Council should advocate that the Province ensure, in its establishment of any Statement of Interest on Healthy Community planning principles, that such Statement also address planning needs or age friendlier communities. 3.0 Health Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 30 Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 3.0 Health Context 31 • Lack of affordable housing and transportation options are creating barriers for many families and seniors. • Some people are also feeling a sense of isolation; they do not feel as connected to others in their community as they would like to be. • Chronic disease rates are quite high along the South Shore. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and cancer is the second most common cause of death in both the Province and South Shore. The South Shore has the second highest prevalence of diabetes in the Province. Poor eating habits, ‘fast food’, and lack of education about healthy food choices are seen to be barriers to a healthy community. When it comes to food and nutrition, only 25% of people over the age of 12 in the South Shore are meeting the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables - the South Shore has the lowest rates of fruit and vegetable consumption in the Province. 3.2 Health Challenges Communities along Nova Scotia’s South Shore are facing certain challenges that are impacting health and quality of life: • Lack of employment leading to population out-migration. In addition to an aging demographic being experienced everywhere, the out-migration of young people and families further shifts the demographic profile to one of an aging population. • Within the South Shore, some communities are losing their seniors to larger centres where services such as assisted living can be found. This can weaken the social fabric of many smaller communities and carries with it problems associated with isolation, transportation and economic decline. • Some communities are struggling to recruit and retain primary health care providers. • Access to healthy, local, and affordable food is important and having access to farmers’ markets that offer these are important. • Programs that support seniors staying in their homes, such as Meals on Wheels and frozen meal programs, are valuable and should be continued. • Emergency Supports (food banks, breakfast and lunch programs), Local Food Systems (local producers, community gardens, farm markets, grocery stores, and Education/ Support (dieticians, community kitchens, cooking skills programs) are important program supports for seniors. Action Team Considerations 3.0 Health Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 32 Along the South Shore, the barriers to participating in things like physical activity programs and activities include transportation, costs, aging/outdated infrastructure, and lack of awareness about what is going on in the community. Active living is a lifestyle choice, like other aspects of health. The Municipality is making good progress with its Active Living Strategy, and below are some suggestions and considerations relating to physical activity for seniors. That age friendly community housing, including linked garden homes, townhouses, apartments and seniors care facilities, be encouraged to locate in areas where infrastructure for physical activity infrastructure exists or can be constructed or inter-connected. That opportunities for supporting community-based intergenerational physical activities be promoted between the Municipality and the seniors housing and care service providers. Integrate the community health suggestions, where appropriate, with MODC’s Active Living Strategy and / or revised Municipal Planning Strategy: • Encourage the provision of affordable transportation and use of Community Wheels • Support the development and maintenance of community gardens with seniors involvement in this activity • Ensuring sidewalks and networks are developed and maintained in a safe and useable condition • Increase the number of walking clubs, ‘meetups’, and neighborhood activities and provide supports (e.g. equipment) and build capacity for self-leadership • Consider partnerships with private landowners when developing any Open Space plan • Integrated Planning: Achieve multiple objectives by aligning and linking the physical activity strategy with many other municipal strategies and priorities. • Improved sidewalk system (with lighting and benches) and paved trails to support active transportation for all ages • Explore opportunities to develop community parks/open space across the municipality, where they do not currently exist. • Explore opportunities between seniors organizations and the Municipality’s Recreation Department. Action Team Considerations Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 3.0 Health Context 33 The incidence of mental health problems has been increasing and the lack of mental health services for the community is seen as a barrier. • Better communication and collaboration within the health system and amongst service providers, including collaborative practices, is needed • Community events and activities such as community breakfasts and suppers, festivals, cultural opportunities, and community gardens provide social opportunities and connectedness by bringing people together. • Social Supports (grief support groups, Alzheimer’s supports, Canadian Mental Health Association information and programs) are important. Action Team Considerations Transportation challenges sometimes prevent people, especially seniors and youth, from being able to access medical services, participate in physical activity programs and community events, and connect socially with their friends and family. Increasing opportunities to access to doctors, nurse practitioners, and other health specialists is important and wellness clinics offered in the community are valued. • There is a need for more volunteers, especially younger ones, to support community programs, organizations, and fire departments, as well as a need for mentors. • Social supports in the community (Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Family Resource Centres, Way to Wellness, dial- a-ride transportation, Schools Plus, the Parenting Journey, Enhanced Home Visiting Program) are important to maintain. • The Community Wheels service may need to be promoted better. • There may be a need to get information about social events (and other information) to the entire community and informal socials where seniors can just “drop in” (e.g., at Shoreham Village). • Any extra capacity with the Shoreham Village bus should be explored. • Identify universal design options for streets, including: street signage, intersection safety, sidewalk / tree maintenance, etc. Action Team Considerations 3.0 Health Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 34 3.3 Some Opportunities There are, however, many positive changes that hopefully will help contribute to enhancing health outcomes and age friendly community principles: • There are more physical activity and recreational opportunities than ever before (e.g. fitness classes, emphasis on active transportation). • The Province and South Shore Health are supporting the development of additional primary health care collaborative practices to address doctor shortages and improve quality of care. • A new health centre (“Our Health Centre”) is being constructed in Chester, adjacent to Shoreham Village. • Communities are coming together to support one another, implementing projects like community gardens, to ensure individuals and their families can access the resources and support their need. • Municipalities are implementing healthy public policies to protect their residents (e.g. smoking by-laws, nutrition policies for recreation settings, active transportation, etc.). The 2012 Age Friendly Community consultations that were held with seniors and service providers documented several issues. Participants in this consultation process said the Municipality “goes out of its way to include seniors” and that seniors contributions were recognized and “celebrated” in local media. Specific inputs on Health and Social services can be found in the Appendix (Health Profile). • Recreational and cultural programming should strive for intergenerational participation. • Recreation and social programming in relation to the arts may help reduce loneliness, helplessness and boredom and create opportunities for intergenerational participation • Volunteer recognition programs could focus on volunteers who are engaged with seniors. • Identify and promote opportunities for collaboration between youth, service providers and seniors. • Develop an asset map of available programs, and age-friendly services in the Municipality. • Raise awareness of seniors’ issues and needs, and promote and communicate all available programs and services. Action Team Considerations • The Municipality’s Active Living Strategy (2014-2017) states the “South Shore District Health Authority reports that physical activity rates for citizens 12 and over increased 7.8% from 43.5% in 2009, to 46.9% in 2012.“ • The MPS review presents an opportunity for MODC to implement progressive and health supporting policies to improve health outcomes, and help establish the Municipality as a leader in aging-in-place and age friendly community solutions. Recommendation: Council should ensure that Recreation Department programming is focused on seniors needs, and promotes socialization and intergenerational opportunities. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 35 4.0 STAKEHOLDER INPUT 4.0 Stakeholder Input | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 36 strains being put on care services. • There are issues associated with housing affordability, maintenance, safety and security which affect those living in the houses as well as the care providers who visit them. • Rising rates of dementia pose a challenge. • Most seniors want to stay in their homes for as long as possible (though it is often not safe/healthy to do so). • Social isolation is a major concern for people who must move out of their community, but also for those living alone in their own homes. • There is a general lack of awareness of programs and services that are available to seniors - this is true among seniors and even among the service providers themselves. A description of the stakeholder engagement methods as well as survey questions can be found in Appendix 4). Common concerns held by stakeholders (reported in focus group and/or interviews): • There is a gap in housing and graduated levels of care, between independent living and long term care, and options for each. • Some of the existing buildings (e.g. Shoreham) require significant maintenance or replacement. • There are limited options when it comes to market housing, particularly for semi- detached, townhouse and apartment style housing, which are better suited to seniors than single-detached homes. • New housing should be close to destinations to encourage walking and should require minimal maintenance. • For those receiving care services in their homes, there is a growing demand and Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 4.0 Stakeholder Input 37 is not the right environment for many people, there is a general lack of information on what is available so some seniors will stay home and “tough it out.” If assisted living cannot be provided in a convenient location or affordable way, then there may be increased demand for assistance with medication, and medical services (like in a nursing home). In the absence of a localized facility solution, there is a need for appropriate community based supports that can be mobilized, and this is the focus of the Community Care Centre proposed in New Ross. Location of next stage housing and new seniors housing units looms as an issue in the Municipality, with its large geographical area and generally low population density. Security of seniors housing, in the right location, is also a concern. It was noted there is a need for government partners who will support clients financially in an enhanced support model but that there is a lack of a current acceptable model for this type of program. 4.1 Focus Group Between those who submitted survey input and those who attended the focus group, it was possible to organize comments into the survey and meeting themes (1) General comments about the need and demand for seniors Housing (2) Seniors housing facilities and programs (3) Challenges, and (4) Community-based solutions and opportunities. General Comments Many homes in the Municipality need a lot of maintenance (some have no plumbing, rely on wood-heating, have leaking roofs), and because of the age or design of homes (stairs), or level of income, maintenance and adaptability of housing to support aging- in-place can often be deferred. The lack of energy efficiency in some housing adds another burden on incomes. There is a major gap between independent living and long-term care, and the gap is in assisted living - a nursing home environment • Funding and other support should be made available to seniors living in inadequate or unsafe housing. Information regarding existing programs (e.g. home repair, renovation, efficiency) should be disseminated to seniors who may benefit from such programs. • Affordable housing options should be made available where housing repairs are prohibitively expensive or are otherwise not desirable or feasible. • The number of assisted and enriched living units available is inadequate and efforts should focus on mobilizing services to be provided to seniors living at home. Need and Demand for Seniors Housing – Facilities and Programs As a measure of demand which is only likely to grow in scope, the Continuing Care Program in Bridgewater is receiving 200-265 cases per month, each care coordinator has 110 or so cases. The program is stretched and they are currently trying to find money and resources for more care coordinators. Drumlin Hills, an assisted living facility located in Bridgewater, reports that it is receiving regular requests for assisted living accommodations and services. Bonny Lea Farm, which supports people with disabilities, reports that it has increasing needs to accommodate aging-in-place, yet it Action Team Considerations 4.0 Stakeholder Input | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 38 Representatives from Western Housing Authority have indicated: • There are approximately 12,000 public housing units in the province and about 75% of those (9,000 units) are seniors housing; with a waitlist of about 4,600 units (about 1,100 in the WHA region) • Provincial housing does not include care services and home care must be individually subscribed to • The seniors assistance program for adaptive housing5 has a 1-2 year wait. 5 Home Adaptation for Seniors Independence, also described in section 7.2, offers a grant to homeowners to make their home more accessible (i.e. replacing stairs with a ramp to the front entry). can only provide services up to age 65, and notes there are growing income, affordability and dislocation issues for its special needs clientele. Shoreham Village provides long term care (LTC) and has 89 residents in its facility, mostly from the local area, but the facility’s two-people-per-room arrangement is not consistent with current long-term care design guidelines. Some residents are in Shoreham Village because they cannot stay at home, and possibly due to housing conditions. Shoreham Village (LTC) needs to be replaced but there is no commitment to when this might happen. The Shoreham Apartments (independent living) have deferred maintenance and need work. The two facilities share a well and driveway, and their needs for maintenance are exceeding resources. Action Team Considerations • Encourage and support the construction of all seniors housing types and consider enhanced or assisted living facilities as a priority. • Support and advocate for facilities that are currently providing, or could potentially provide, enhanced or assisted living (e.g. Bonny Lea Farm). • Support and advocate for facilities requiring improvement or repairs (e.g. Shoreham Village). Challenges A number of challenges, many of them interrelated, are facing seniors in the Municipality. Many, but not all, relate to housing: • People tend to want to stay in their homes as long as possible. When (if) housing conditions deteriorate then the condition of the housing (and issues such as hoarding) pose health risks for care providers or first responders who visit or are called to attend to seniors in distress. People are living longer, and along with that, there is a change in complexity of care required, and an attendant rise in mental health issues and dementia. • Many seniors are not originally from the Municipality and may not have a solid network of family or friends to help look after them as they get older - they need assistance and advocacy. The public trustees office is experiencing issues with the estates of people who do not have the mental capacity to write a will or assign power of attorney. When people have to leave their homes, and the social supports around them, it can be quite a shock - leaving the community can often be more of a shock than leaving their home Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 4.0 Stakeholder Input 39 • Transportation, getting to medical appointments and services are related issues, and while there are supports available, awareness of available supports and programs is an issue that needs attention. • Many seniors in MODC have limited incomes and affordability of housing and graduated levels of care are problems for many. and can lead to loneliness, boredom and isolation. There is much resistance to moving into (or putting a parent into) long term care. • In Chester, water is a challenge (lots of minerals) and land costs in some parts of the Municipality are high. There are capital and infrastructure cost and financing barriers. These challenges do not have obvious solutions. They require further discussion and collaboration across various private, government and community organizations. The points above should be considered by the Age Friendly Community Action Team, mentioned elsewhere in this report. Community-Based Solutions and Opportunities Focus group participants acknowledged that while there are large and systemic issues associated with an aging society, community- based solutions are a necessary response. There is a need for regular dialogue between the stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities. Some suggestions include: 1. Our Health Centre is being built near Shoreham, creating a more public focal point on the immediate vicinity, and the existing services therein. Shoreham Village has recently partnered with Northwood, which is a fruitful relationship with a sharing of resources and expertise between the two care providers. 2. People listen better to their neighbours - forums that represent “non-crisis” community education are needed. This may involve information sharing and awareness campaigns conducted through social groups to encourage word-of- mouth communication. 3. Noting that adding more units to existing housing is a by-law issue, shared housing (3 seniors and one caregiver in one home) and opportunities for FlexHousing™6 need to be fully considered to help reduce the gap between independent living and long term care. 4. There is a need to look at Community Land Trusts to give land to Municipalities. Any surplus available land, or tax sales, might be dedicated by the Municipality. 5. The Board at Bonny Lea Farm is considering construction of one new home (6 to 8 beds) that would support individuals with developmental disabilities as they age at home but like many non- profit supportive housing groups, faces challenges in doing so. 6 FlexHousing™ is housing that can be easily adapted to be accessible (e.g. wide doorways, ground-floor bedroom, etc.) or converted to two or more units. The term is described further in Appendix 5. Action Team Considerations 4.0 Stakeholder Input | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 40 Fig 14. Importance of Service Types Topic Average Rank Adjusted Rank (1=most important) Healthcare, including home care, nutrition, etc. 1.7 1 Safety and security 2.7 2 Transportation (see note) 3.3 3 Recreation, opportunities for socialization 3.6 4 Family Supports 3.7 5 Note: Transportation was seen by several stakeholders as important; however, because of the existence of Community Wheels, it was not viewed as an issue that required immediate attention. According to these average rankings, Healthcare was seen as the most important service that needs to be linked to age friendly housing, followed by safety and security, and then closely followed by the other three services: transportation, recreation and socialization, and family supports. In comments, some stakeholders said that transportation was important, but since they have a service in place (Community Wheels) it was less of an issue. Question 3 asked stakeholders to rank physical attributes of age friendly housing. Average responses are shown in Figure 15: 4.2 Interviews Summary of Stakeholders Interviews were conducted with eleven stakeholders either over the phone or in person. Stakeholders represented various groups that provide services or otherwise work with seniors in the MODC. Stakeholders were asked to respond to six questions. Key results from the interviews are highlighted below. Summary of interview questions Interview questions were designed to derive key issues relating to housing and services as they impact seniors health, independence, and overall quality of life. Stakeholders provided written responses that were reviewed and given the opportunity to elaborate on their responses. The first question asked about the organization’s role in the community. Stakeholders were asked to rank the importance of service types (transportation; recreation and socialization; healthcare including home care; family supports; and safety and security). During this and other questions that asked stakeholders to rank topics of importance, it was often stated that each service was important and that it was difficult to rank them. Over the eleven interviews, some common responses were noted and the average ranking of the topics are reported in Figure 14. • To encourage word-of-mouth information sharing, dissemination of information should be expanded. Information should be disseminated not only to those who need it but to seniors (and even the general public) who do not yet require special housing, programs or services. • Land use by-laws can be relaxed to allow for additional units in homes to accommodate shared housing by seniors and caregivers. • Community Land Trusts should be considered by the Age Friendly Community Action Team and/or the Municipality. • Bonny Lea Farm should be considered as an Opportunity Project as per section 6.3 of this report. Action Team Considerations Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 4.0 Stakeholder Input 41 Again, stakeholders commented that it was difficult to rank the physical features of age friendly housing and noted that some of the features were closely related (e.g. energy efficiency is often an affordability issue). Overall, design was seen to be the most important feature, followed closely by affordability and location/community access. Question 4 asked about need and demand issues associated with the spectrum of housing. Several stakeholders commented that most people would like to stay in their own homes for as long as possible, while others identified a shortage of alternative housing types that would be suitable and even preferable for seniors who are still living independently (i.e. townhouse or apartment- style housing). A few stakeholders stated that there is a clear gap between living at home and long term care, with a need for both independent living and assisted living. Stakeholders pointed out that not all seniors Fig 15. Importance of Housing Features Topic Average Rank Adjusted Rank (1= most important) Design (stairs, counters, access) 2.0 1 Affordability 2.2 2 Location/ community access 2.7 3 Ability to interact with others 4.4 4 Energy efficiency 4.7 5 Maintenance 4.8 6 • Policies and land use by-laws should encourage, or even require, that new housing be adaptable so as to allow the homeowner to remain in their home despite mobility issues that may come with old age. (See Appendix 5: FlexHousing™) • Policies and land use by-laws should encourage diversity in housing stock and allow for apartment or townhouse style housing. Action Team Considerations 4.0 Stakeholder Input | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 42 Based on these responses, the most suitable housing types for independent living were those that represented greater proximity/ density of homes as well as reduction in maintenance requirements. Comments reflected a need for community focus with independent seniors housing not separated from the activities and residential areas of other age groups. Several people commented that the housing should be located near services, retail. Some people pointed out issues with single- detached housing stemming from being unable to provide services in an efficient (affordable) way, and social isolation being an issue associated with large lots and low density. When asked for recommendations on how to become an age friendly community, stakeholders provided comments on issues, needs, and opportunities: • Issues included increasing rates of dementia among seniors, housing affordability, the number of seniors who move away to find housing types that do not exist in MODC. • Needs ranged from housing (quality and quantity), to services (health and community), to infrastructure (piped water and active transportation). Other comments relevant to this study that were not covered directly in the questions related to a general lack of information (or dissemination of information) on programs and services that seniors may need; limited housing options in general for people with low and middle incomes; and siting housing in walkable locations were all mentioned by more than one stakeholder. will have the same needs and a number of housing options are needed, particularly in the areas of independent and assisted living, and that different housing options should be available within the community to reduce the strain and potential isolation caused by moving to a new area. When asked what housing types would be best suited for independent living (question 5), stakeholders provided the responses shown in Figure 16. Fig 16. Suitability of Housing Type Housing Type Number of votes Rank Semi-detached, including duplex 9 1 Townhouses and garden homes 7 2 Apartment buildings 7 2 Residential mixed use 5 3 Mini homes, mini home parks 2 4 Other (see note 1) 2 4 Single Detached Homes (see note 2) 1 6 Note 1: Other housing types that were mentioned in comments were condominiums and community care centres. Note 2: The only vote for single-detached homes was based on an observation that most single detached homes were two-storey buildings and it would be more age friendly if they were single storey homes. The top three choices were semi-detached homes, townhouses and apartment buildings. • Multi-unit dwellings should be permitted in locations near retail, health services, and other destinations to allow residents to walk for most of their daily needs. • Units in new multi-unit dwellings should be encouraged or required to be accessible Action Team Considerations Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 43 5.0 FEDERAL / PROVINCIAL CONTEXT 5.0 Federal / Provincial Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 44 In this section, Provincial programs, practices, policies and regulations are reviewed and some comments on federal financing barriers are provided. Programs and policies for seniors and for affordable housing focus generally on home adaptation or on the provision of seniors housing via Housing Nova Scotia. The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) provides a $25,000 grant per unit where developers are able to commit to rents below market averages. This program may have some benefit for the provision of seniors housing (i.e. independent living) if constructed by the private sector; however, as discussed below, financing barriers generally work against the provision of enriched or assisted living in smaller markets, or the provision of a wider range of options in larger markets, by private and not-for-profit developers alike. The Western Housing Authority has indicated a willingness to consider proposals for independent living units under the Province’s seniors housing programs. Contact made with some developers and care providers did not reveal any provincial practice or regulatory barriers, except for one; otherwise the main program concerns are: • A lack of understanding and coordinated effort in dealing with the gap between independent living and long term care • A lack of funding for affordable housing generally7 • The Province’s single-access entry system for long term care can dislocate seniors from their communities, including seniors ‘campuses’, even if long term care facilities exist within those campuses • A general issue affecting Municipalities, and their ability to more efficiently monitor trends, is the Province’s decision to suspend the Community Counts database and service. One practice that bears mentioning, because it will likely affect any replacement of Shoreham Village (and may have bearing 7 For example, the $25K allocation has remained the same for many years, and is less of an incentive for higher cost land markets like Chester. on infill opportunities or the land base for a proposed Age Friendly Community Campus within the Municipality) is the requirement by the Department of Health and Wellness (Community Care Division) for ground level access for all long term care units. In the development of other long term care centres, this requirement has led to site planning challenges, additional costs for extra land, larger building envelopes, and ultimately higher costs for facility operations. Specifically related to Shoreham Village, maintaining the existing facility while constructing a replacement facility on the site will be challenging, and even more so if this particular requirement is strictly enforced. Land costs in Chester are higher than many rural communities and any relocation of Shoreham Village is contrary to the neighbourhood planning and development approach envisioned for the Municipality’s age friendly planning approach and community plan. Recommendation: Council should request that the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors make application on its behalf to become a member of the World Health Organization Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communitites. 5.1 Gap Between Independent Living and Long Term Care The gap that is being consistently identified between independent living and long term care involves the need for combining housing options together with graduated levels of care. Authority to address this gap is split between the Departments of Health and Wellness (Continuing Care Division) and Community Services (Housing Nova Scotia). Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 5.0 Federal / Provincial Context 45 At the independent living end of the spectrum are Housing Nova Scotia programs for seniors housing (including affordable housing) and at the other end of the spectrum are private and not-for-profit long term care facilities under license with the Continuing Care Division of the Department of Health and Wellness. In the middle (to the extent they may exist) are enriched living and assisted living accommodations and services. Independent living and aging-in-place options for seniors can be augmented with enriched services, such as home care, housecleaning, laundry and security services. At the assisted living level, the addition of health care, assistance with activities of daily living, and food / dining services adds significant cost to rental housing arrangements. Assisted living facilities generally include 24/7 access to continuing care assistance, access to LPN or RN assistance, and / or food preparation and common dining. A progressive strategy for providing enriched living and assisted living accommodations and services will likely relieve pressure on the Province’s continuing care system, while facilitating aging-in-place opportunities for many communities. A failure to address the gap between independent living and long term care implies: • increasingly long wait lists for subsidized long term care spaces, • the housing of seniors in hospitals who may not need to be there and associated issues of “bed blocking”; • increased costs associated with short term stays or rehab (which might be more cost- effectively accommodated in enriched or assisted living settings, as opposed to hospitals). In short, failure to address the gap between independent living and long term care in a comprehensive way represents a decline in the quality of life for seniors and significant budgetary problems for the Province. Community-based organizations and municipalities have a role to play in helping. In theory, a neighbourhood approach should be adopted to help mitigate issues associated with this gap, and that holds true for urban, town and rural settings. Much can be accomplished with new technologies (i.e. telehealth) and community-based solutions (i.e. volunteer assistance programs or modified tax rates for enriched / assisted living facilities). However, when it comes to constructing new enriched or assisted living housing, then financing barriers are the primary issue to contend with. Assisted living facilities in Nova Scotia are generally, but not exclusively, the domain of the private sector, which does a good job catering to those who can afford the services. These facilities tend to be located in larger centres, creating dislocation for those seniors who want access to assisted living, but find the facilities are not located near their communities. Few options exist for rural residents. For the most part, many of the Municipality’s residents fall into this category, as the nearest assisted living options are located in Bridgewater. For non-profit seniors care organizations and many smaller developers who may be interested in exploring service partnerships with long term care groups, there remain significant financial barriers. Until these are addressed, enriched and assisted living facilities will remain out of reach for many towns, villages and rural areas. Some of the financial barriers are federal in scope (HST and CMHC policies), but provincial efforts can and should focus on innovative partnerships with non-profit (“community governed”) seniors care organizations (i.e. Shoreham Village) and address problems associated with equity and financing. The financial barriers include: Recommendation: Council should advocate that senior levels of government address the financial barriers facing private and non-profit developers of enriched or assisted living facilities. 5.0 Federal / Provincial Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 46 • Notwithstanding the above barriers, many non-profit organizations have land but find that land is insufficient equity to secure financing for enriched or assisted living facilities. As a result, repayable equity loans or construction financing have been advocated for the Province to consider in order to address this particular aspect of the housing / care gap. • Financial institutions will not foreclose on a long term care organization. Licensing agreements with the Province preclude using long term care facilities as collateral. • CMHC’s debt coverage ratios are typically higher for seniors housing (“Retirement Facilities”) than for apartments. • The requirement for 5 years of operating experience by the facility owner does not support partnerships between private developers and non-profit seniors care organizations, where risk and service provision may be most effectively accommodated. • The federal HST credit, which at 50% for non-profit seniors care groups, effectively adds a 7.5% cost increase for projects they might be otherwise willing to undertake. If facilities were to be constructed and owned by a non-profit group, this tax impact and cost would need to be passed on to residents as a component of rent. Action Team Considerations Senior levels of government should address the core financing issues associated with the gap between independent living and long term care. A collaborative approach with municipalities, non-profit and private sector care / housing groups is recommended. With respect to new approaches for enriched and assisted living facilities, the Municipality can assist by adding value to seniors housing which include graduated levels of care. The addition of assisted or enriched living can allow for health care savings when the units are used to accommodate health care patients requiring short terms stays or rehabilitation. The requirement for ground-level access for all long term care units is a significant barrier to developing the kind of facilities that the MODC needs. 5.2 Provincial Housing Programs Many of the Province’s housing programs are focused on helping individuals deal with issues of maintenance or home adaptation. Rent supplement and affordable housing programs have a role and can assist in providing affordable housing units in cooperation with the private sector. The Public Housing Program for Seniors will align low income seniors with available public housing, and in cooperation with the housing authorities, where such housing is available.8 Provincial housing programs provide assistance to homeowners, and also developers of affordable housing. A full listing of programs can be found on the Housing Nova Scotia website (http://housing. novascotia.ca/programs-and-services). A few are highlighted here, as related to housing assistance for seniors. Eligibility 8 In addition to the provincial programs mentioned in this section, MODC also provides a property tax rebate for low income households. Recommendation: The replacement facility for Shoreham Village should NOT be located outside of the proposed Age Friendly Community Campus. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 5.0 Federal / Provincial Context 47 refrigerator and include heat and hot water. Some units are accessible for people with physical disabilities. There are units located across Nova Scotia. This program is managed by the Housing Authorities. A number of other Housing Nova Scotia programs for landlords, families and special needs populations, are related and include: • Disabled Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Homeowners • Access-a-Home Program • Rooming House Residential Rehabilitation Program • Family Modest Housing Program • Home Ownership Preservation • Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) • Landlord Rent Supplement Program • Rental Housing Preservation Many of these housing programs are administered by the Western Housing Authority, in Bridgewater, which maintains 29 independent seniors housing units within the Municipality, has a service agreement with Shoreham Apartments, and has recently constructed 4 affordable housing units in Chester. At the Age Friendly focus group meeting (October 7, 2015) the Housing Authority described: Short term options • funding through rent supplements, which are being increased (from deferred federal capital contribution fund) • finish capital work at existing properties (via cost sharing with municipalities) Mid-term options • affordable housing program, for building affordable housing Long term options • mixed use developments • Housing NS plan/strategy to incorporate pieces of housing programs into developments • partnerships with private sector developers • land acquisition by Housing Nova Scotia details are available on the Housing Nova Scotia web site. Home Adaptation for Seniors Independence This program helps homeowners pay for home adaptations so seniors with low incomes can stay in their homes independently for longer periods of time. A one-time forgivable grant of up to $3,500 is available. Efficiency Nova Scotia HomeWarming Program This program provides energy assessments and home upgrades to households with low income. Parent Apartment Program This program offers a loan of up to $25,000 to homeowners for the purpose of renovating their home to accommodate a bedroom or full unit for housing a senior family member. Senior Citizens Assistance Program This program provides assistance to senior homeowners (age 65+) who would like to remain in their own homes, but cannot afford necessary repairs. The funding covers repairs that are a threat to health and safety, which includes repairs to roofing, plumbing and heating. Cosmetic repairs are not covered. A forgivable grant of up to $6,500 is available. Public Housing for Seniors This program provides affordable rental housing to seniors (age 58 and older) with low incomes. Rent is determined by your annual income. Rental units contain a stove and Recommendation: Community Development Department should meet with the Western Region Housing Authority and others to explore all provincial program options and address ways to enhance knowledge of these programs with the Municipality’s seniors. 5.0 Federal / Provincial Context | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 48 Some associated provincial policy issues, potentially affecting the establishment of the Municipality as an age friendly community, include (1) the need for better internet connectivity in the municipality (2) the elimination of “Community Counts” which had provided an effective way to analyse trends in related socio-economic data (3) the potential use of repayable construction financing, equity loans or Community Economic Development Investment Funds to support the development of enriched or assisted living facilities, and (4) the need to address the Continuing Care Division’s requirement for ground floor access for units in long term care facilities, and the potential impact this will have on municipal age friendly planning goals. The Municipality should explore, with the Western Region Housing Authority, all provincial program options and address ways to enhance knowledge of these programs with the Municipality’s seniors (for example, distribution of program information with tax bills, web links, etc.). Action Team Considerations Recommendation: Council should advocate that the Province, in its health and municipal governance policies, allow for municipal / private or non-profit partnerships, the dedication of resources and assets as may be required, to implement the Opportunity Projects, and others as may be identified by the Age Friendly Community Action Team. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 49 6.0 OPPORTUNITY PROJECTS 6.0 Opportunity Projects | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 50 Recommendation: Council should alert the Province to the Opportunity Projects, and request that the Province act as a partner in these projects where appropriate, with particular reference to Shoreham Village long term care centre, and the importance of relocating the replacement project within the proposed Age Friendly Community Campus. land, property tax sales, waiving of permit fees, density bonusing) where such actions might facilitate development and investment in seniors housing • Facilitate, if feasible, the connectivity of seniors with the services they need, and • Involve other community players in facilitating community-based solutions for a wide range of issues and concerns. Site-specific project opportunities within the Municipality have been identified and are described below. They are perhaps best advanced by the Action Team, along with MPS policy statements governing land use decisions and other appropriate policy directions. This approach, in effect, defines a new role for the Municipality’s Community Development Department – as a champion for the development of the Municipality as an age friendly community, in collaboration with an Age Friendly Community Action Team. The role of the Age Friendly Community Action Team will be to: 1. Implement the opportunity projects; 2. Liaise on federal/provincial policies; 3. Address Action Team Considerations; 4. Advise the municipality on age friendly needs; 5. Determine all advantages, characteristics and qualities of the age friendly campus. Concerning the Opportunity projects, Council’s role is to recieve advice and progress reports from the Action Team. Four “Opportunity Projects” have been identified and are recommended to help support and mobilize a range of seniors housing initiatives, approaches, and supports within the Municipality. Municipal planning policy support, contained within the updated Municipal Planning Strategy, is encouraged to help mobilize these initiatives and bring the key partners together. The three Opportunity Projects being recommended are: 1. Age Friendly Community Campus, Chester 2. New Ross Community Care Centre, New Ross 3. Bonny Lea Farm (location(s) to be determined) 4. Gold River School Property In order to advance these projects, dialogue with the players and partners will be important. The age friendly planning process made contact with several stakeholders and it is recommended that the Planning Department continue the dialogue with those organizations who are providing seniors housing and care services to residents of the Municipality. Addressing the challenges being faced by seniors housing and care providers will help address the gap between independent living and long term care. Work on the Opportunity Projects is proposed under the auspices of the Age Friendly Community Action Team. In addition to helping to facilitate community-based solutions, the Action Team can help build momentum and mitigate issues by working together. It is proposed that the Action Team be administered and supported by the Planning Department, with the the potential to: • Consider inter-agency support opportunities (joint procurement, human resources, management systems, etc.) • Advocate for the removal of financing barriers for the development of enriched or assisted living facilities • Help mitigate seniors housing and seniors care issues, with the Municipality as a partner • Provide input to the Municipality concerning the municipal role (i.e. surplus Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 6.0 Opportunity Projects 51 for an age friendly community campus. The foundation pieces for the Campus already exist: • Shoreham Village long-term care facility • Shoreham Apartments • Pharmasave • Our Health Centre (being developed) • Reasonable proximity to other services in Chester Village 6.1 Age Friendly Community Campus, Chester “Seniors care campuses” are commonplace in Canada with many being developed in the past 10 or 15 years. There are many examples. In Nova Scotia there are private sector campuses (i.e. Shannex) and fledgling non-profit campuses (Northwood, Ocean View Continuing Care Centre) also exist. An opportunity for a public-private-non- profit development of seniors housing exists in Chester, together with shared supports, services, infrastructure and shared-use facilities (such as parking) as part of the vision Shoreham Village, independent and long-term care facility in Chester Village 6.0 Opportunity Projects | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 52 expanded in the event the Chester District School is ever declared surplus. Were the school site to be obtained in whole or in part by the Municipality, then a range of possibilities are presented, but success will be dependent upon a well-crafted vision and integrated planning that might include the following elements: • Resolution of water servicing and possible use of alternative treatment technologies • Secondary road and emergency access • Establishment of a community land trust, used to attract private involvement in multiple unit (market) dwellings, providing that the Province’s affordable housing program is used for some of these units • New housing concepts such as linked slab-on-grade garden homes • Subject to determining the cost and dealing with a perceived image issue, advancing the social housing concept that As indicated, many stakeholders have noted that a pervasive gap exists between independent living and long-term care; the cost of land in the Chester is a barrier; along with other issues such as transportation. No stakeholder input supported single-family (R-1) dwellings as a future solution for seniors housing needs. Within the campus site as it currently exists, it is noted there are: • Opportunities for infill, densification or conversion • Water issues that need to be resolved • Adjacent lands that may need to be assembled and included, and • A mix of seniors housing, healthcare and pharmacy services that can be augmented with public-NPO-and private sector partnerships and investment Notwithstanding the potential for infill or conversion, the current site might be Site of Shoreham Village Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 6.0 Opportunity Projects 53 with a replacement Shoreham Village facility and the site in order to: • Address, if possible, localized water issues • Align the replacement facility to best meet the needs of the community • Incorporate the Province’s latest continuing care design standards to address current community needs • Help strengthen the partnership between Shoreham Village and Northwood to mobilize and extend outreach services, where practical • Engage the community in concepts such as an enhanced seniors transportation service • Explore the potential for private sector involvement in enriched or assisted living facilities • Advocate for removing financing barriers for non-profit and / or private sector participation as developers of enriched or assisted living facilities • Densification of the site, and creating more land for future development, by advocating for the removal of the Department of Health’s requirement to provide ground level access for all units in new long term care facilities. The Shoreham Village site offers an ideal location for additional seniors units not only because of what is available on the site, but because of its proximity to a mix of other land uses that will allow for integration of different age groups. The proximity to schools, commercial uses, and central Chester Village means that residents can walk to many destinations nearby and, where there are gathering spaces or intense use of outdoor space, they can enjoy spontaneous social interactions which are an important part of maintaining mental and physical well-being in older adults. is underway in Vancouver (see Innovative Practices) and orienting this project to at- risk seniors • A private partnership to assist with the redevelopment or upgrading of the Shoreham Apartments • Involvement of the Western Regional Housing Authority for independent / affordable housing options • Developing options for enriched or assisted living facilities within the campus, likely in cooperation with Shoreham Village / Northwood as the service providers • Community and private sector sponsorship of an expanded transportation service, in cooperation with Shoreham Village, that would provide services for campus residents, and capacity for connections to the other Opportunity Project sites and facilities • A suite of built environment changes such as age friendly streets and sidewalks, signage and unit design. The full future vision of the campus concept may well be a longer-term one dependent upon the availability of the school lands or other adjacent properties, as well as addressing the financing barriers associated with enriched and assisted living facilities. However, a shorter-term opportunity exists Recommendation: Council should ensure that the South Shore Regional School Board be informed of this Study, its recommendations, innovative intergenerational practices, and the formation of the Age Friendly Community Action Team. 6.0 Opportunity Projects | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 54 6.2 New Ross Community Care Centre New Ross Community Care Centre (NRCCC) is an important project helping with the development of New Ross in many ways. Originally conceived as a project in partnership with Shoreham Village, and its bid for a replacement facility, this concept was dropped to help streamline Shoreham Village’s application efforts. However, Shoreham Village has yet to be funded by the Province for a replacement long- term care facility. The collaboration and dialogue between the two groups, and others, should be re-instated, and involving the Municipality in some of the potential roles described above. The Shoreham / Northwood partnership may also assist in future service provision with the NRCCC. NRCCC has access to 6.9 acres of land in the middle of the community, and plans for up to 36 units, including long term, assisted living and independent living. The visioning process thus far articulates a community centre that will host home care agents, community kitchen, adult day and recreation programming, service navigation and mobile or part-time clinic space. The vision includes a service approach incorporating services for New Ross and beyond, where practical. In addition to the continued definition of this project in cooperation with the Action Team, the Municipality may be in a position to play a role in upgrading the sewage treatment plant, and in supporting applications for funding to senior levels of government. Potential Site of New Ross Community Care Centre Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 6.0 Opportunity Projects 55 6.3 Bonny Lea Farm Over 40 years ago, a group of interested men and women developed a vision to assist young people with disabilities with opportunities to learn the skills needed to lead meaningful and productive lives. Their vision involved teaching, advocacy, and challenging conventions… leading to the incorporation of South Shore Community Service Association and the founding of Bonny Lea Farm. Bonny Lea Farm has been a lead organization providing supports for people with disabilities. It manages 36 group home units; and by all accounts is a significant employer in the Municipality with 45 full time staff, 25 part time staff and 36 casual staff. Bonny Lea Farm has always been a supportive housing organization, but with an aging client base, it is increasingly an assisted living organization for seniors with disabilities. The organization supports live-in attendant support in all of its homes – 24/7 service with night sleeps. It is a sponsor and supporter of Community Wheels transportation service within the Municipality; has a recreation therapist on-site; a speech/language consultant and behavioural consultant services. Its central kitchen is used as a training station for clients in vocational training. 6.0 Opportunity Projects | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 56 In these most challenging of times for social service organizations, Bonny Lea Farm faces a new challenge: the aging of its residents. In its efforts to advocate for those with developmental disabilities, the organization hopes to develop age friendly options through new or converted homes. Foremost among its needs is to bring government partnership support together, through the Departments of Health and Wellness and Community Services / Housing Nova Scotia, and help many residents that need to age-in-place. In house medical supports are one way to accomplish this. Securing opportunities for financing is another need. In this regard, it is suggested that the Municipality work with Bonny Lea Farm as one of the Opportunity Projects, in any of the capacities recommended above, but also: • Donation of any tax sale properties or surplus lands that might be appropriate for new housing and access to service supports • Consideration of any opportunities within the proposed Age Friendly Community Campus • Advocating for provincial attention to the organization’s needs • Encouraging other coalition or community partnerships where appropriate • Support for any funding or financing applications. 6.4 Gold River School Property Gold River School Property Address: 6200 Highway 3, Gold River PID: 60157062 The Gold River School Property is available for age friendly housing opportunities. Typically, the floor plans of schools make them suitable for conversion to small residential suites. The property is 2.97 acres. Limited time was available within the report schedule to examine the housing potential for the surplus Gold Rivert School. As a potential opportunity site, it should be refered to the Action Team. Programs available through CMHC may provide funding to undertake a market analysis, property diligence and determine feasibility for seniors housing. Gold River School Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 57 7.0 MUNICIPAL PLAN & LAND USE REVIEW 7.0 Municipal Plan & Land Use Review | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 58 The MPS policy context should describe the need to advance the proposed Opportunity Projects. To the extent possible, MPS policies may also identify the need for innovative approaches - perhaps from the Action Team Considerations - or things such as opportunities for community land banks; use of surplus lands; mixed land uses; utilization of properties that may be delinquent in their property taxes; Recreation Department programming; use of density bonusing; promotion of FlexHousing™ and universal design, etc. The policies contained in the Municipal Planning Strategy should be based on an understanding of the complexity of seniors housing and the need to integrate graduated levels of care. They can, and should, help integrate age friendly housing and universal design concepts, support expanded use of site plan approvals and secondary units within single family homes. The MPS should reference the need for an Age Friendly Community Action Team, to provide an advisory mechanism to Council on its advocacy and land use roles, and identification of community-based solutions. Action Team Considerations • Two of the four Opportunity Projects being proposed may have implications for the Village planning policies. Both imply a focus on partnerships, in addition to more utilization of site plan approvals. The proposed Age Friendly Community Campus will not conflict with existing Village character and it envisions the Municipality as a development partner. A land use designation that articulates integrated land, service and facility planning, and complementary planning policies, is appropriate. • It is noted that none of the stakeholders interviewed identified single family housing as that prefered for seniors. Adaptability of existing single family units therefore becomes a higher priority, however, balance will be required in maintaining architectural character in the Village where older, larger homes predominate. Within the Village, aging-in-place implies promoting FlexHousing™, ground floor bedrooms, etc. while maintaining the residential character and exterior facades. Impact on ground-water supply may need to balance this “invisibile density” approach proposed for the residential area of Chester Village. • Bare land condominiums have potential to create denser communities using alternative treatment technologies and accommodate concepts like 4-plex garden homes (slab-on- grade). Existing policies should be reviewed to examine how and where this kind of seniors housing might be encouraged. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 7.0 Municipal Plan & Land Use Review 59 7.1 Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) Chester Village Area Secondary Plan The current Secondary Plan has been guided by a vision to keep Chester as it is and protect its existing character; including a need for architectural controls; limiting growth and density; but enabling appropriate economic and tourism development and associated infrastructure. There are some conflicting statements made about sidewalks through previous public input, such as (a) the need to prohibit sidewalks because they will change the existing character of the Village (b) the need to develop sidewalks so seniors can walk safely. The Secondary Plan identifies a need for balance: “These visions and goals are not mutually exclusive but do require a balancing and compromise of interests if they are to be achieved in a manner acceptable to all.” A rebalancing of planning policy will likely be the norm in order to maintain the Village’s residential character, while accommodating the challenges of lower growth and an aging demographic. Leadership and innovation in planning will be needed to respond to these dynamics. The Community Development Department is being asked to act as a facilitator of the AFCAT, to address a range of issues and suggestions emanating from the Age Friendly Community Plan. With respect to the Parks, Recreation and Institutional policies (Section 3.5), it is noted that assisted living facilities are considered as institutional land uses in one 2009 ruling by the Utility and Review Board9. Assessment of 9 The Parkland on the Gardens URB case in Halifax allowed the assisted living project to be developed as-of- right within the Institutional Zone, the successful argument being that people do not choose to live in assisted living facilities, as they might in apartment buildings. Assisted living provides graduated levels of service to meet seniors needs for care and for assistance with activities of daily living. The provision of these services were deemed to be Institutional in terms of land use. Recommendation: The Community Development Department should expand the use and opportunities for site plan approvals for housing projects that include age friendly units and graduated levels of care. any Institutional properties for seniors housing might therefore be considered on a case-by- case basis. Declining church congregations and / or deferred maintenance has led to redevelopment of Church properties for housing, particularly seniors housing, in other communities. It is noted that seniors housing should be located close to parks, trails and recreational facilities as a matter of good planning practice. With respect to Policing (Section 3.6), it is noted that police are often first responders to a range of issues with seniors, and one issue is safety of the housing they are responding to. Enforcement of minimum standards may assist with this, and in low income cases, some of the Province’s programs for seniors housing might be promoted by the seniors care teams and / or by families. Under Residential Development (Section 4.1) the various 2-unit and 4-unit residential permitted as-of-right are likely appropriate, to the extent they encourage more targeted delivery of services for seniors. Larger units by way of site plan approval is likely an appropriate policy. The question is the more protected single family areas and the role they will play as part of the Municipality’s aging-in-place strategy. It is noted that underground parking and common room(s) are complementary to seniors independent and enriched housing, and the cost of these features may need to be offset by higher density and height. 7.0 Municipal Plan & Land Use Review | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 60 MODC Municipal Planning Strategy It may be useful to define “enriched living facility” and “assisted living facility” in the MPS and Secondary Plan (or within the Land Use By-laws). Much like the discussion above, relating to adaptation of single family homes, it is recommended that the R-1 zoning accommodate some FlexHousing™ design guidelines, and / or, that universal design principles be promoted to developer, builder and homeowner applications. This relates to the policy provisions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2 in the Municipal Planning Strategy. A review of Sections 7.2.4, 7.3.2 and 7.3.4, relating to the controls on multiple unit dwelling units, is recommended, considering that: 1. assisted living facilities are considered institutional uses of land and confirming that residential zoning permits institutional uses. 2. that seniors housing which include graduated levels of care, be exempt from floor size restrictions contained in 7.3.2 3. under the case-by-case development approach proposed, that these policies do not overly restrict options for Opportunity Project #3. 4. a review of the development agreement requirement, under Section 7.3.4, what the policy objectives are for using it, and Chester Village Land Use By-law The Chester Village Land Use By-law contains definitions for nursing homes, but does not include definitions for other housing types, including independent living, enriched living or assisted living. Revisions to the By-law might include adding definitions for these and other relevant terms mentioned in this document. For independent or enriched living, higher densities can allow for greater affordability of the housing itself as well as services being provided to seniors living there. The current Land Use By-aw for Chester Village includes eleven zones that allow for residential buildings containing two or more units. These zones are: ER (Estate Residential) LR (Low Density Residential) CVR (Central Village Residential) SR (Single Unit Residential) MR (Medium Density Residential) CC (Central Commercial) HC (Highway Commercial) SCA and SCB (Special Commercial) RU (Rural) RU-2 I (Institutional) The maximum number of units permitted in any new building is twelve, which can be achieved in all zones listed above except for the ER, CVR, SR and CC zones, provided that a Multi-Unit Dwelling Site Plan can be obtained. Another way of achieving more density is through Residential Conversion (subsection 4.4.14 in the By-law) to a maximum of four units in some zones, and a maximum of two units in others. Nursing homes, including long-term care facilities, are considered Institutional uses which are permitted in four zones including CC (Central Commercial), HC (Highway Commercial), R (Rural) by Site Plan, and I (Institutional). Recommendation: The Community Development Department should integrate, within the land use by-law and zoning, including zoning for the Village of Chester, option for the development of secondary suites in single family homes. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 7.0 Municipal Plan & Land Use Review 61 MODC can create enabling policies in zoning or through site plan approval that will allow for single detached houses to be converted into two or more units. MODC should add relevant terms to the Land Use By Law, including assisted living and other relevant housing types. The following is a suggested definition for assisted living: Assisted Living means an unlicensed housing facility which includes care services, provided by the facility owner or in partnership with a licensed care / service provider, for the tenants who require assistance with activities of daily living. Assisted living facilities include aspects of age friendly / universal design in the majority of the units and include at least one common space, such as a common room, for ancillary services such as recreation supports. Action Team Considerations whether institutional and multiple unit controls elsewhere (parkland dedication, setbacks, building heights) might be appropriate enough to establish an as-of- right opportunity. The site plan approval process (8.0.11) may be an appropriate mechanism for enriched and assisted living facilities, but it is recommended that the facilities in Bridgewater be used as benchmarks to assess the appropriateness of current density, height, and number of buildings on a lot. MODC Land Use By-law Within the Land use By-law for the MODC (outside of Chester Village and Mill Cove) there are four zones: SR (Single Unit Residential) LR (Low Density Residential) RR (Rural Residential) RM (Rural Mixed Use) GB (General Basic) Two-unit dwellings are permitted in both the Low Density and Rural Residential zones and up to four units are permitted in the Rural Mixed Use zone. Within Mill Cove Park, two- unit dwellings are permitted in the MCP-R2 (Multi-Unit Residential) zone, on lots that are 8000 square feet or larger. Buildings containing up to twelve units are permitted by Site Plan within the RM (Rural Mixed Use), and the GB (General Basic) zone. Recommendation: The Community Development Department should establish, in the revised Municipal Planning Strategy, appropriate policies for the designation and support for the Action team and Opportunity Projects. 7.0 Municipal Plan & Land Use Review | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 62 Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 63 8.0INNOVATIVE PRACTICES 8.0 Innovative Practices | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 64 • The Municipality should establish a proactive partnership with the Western Housing Authority, in particular, in relation to the Opportunity Projects, and other projects that might align with Western Housing services. It is noted that Western Housing Authority has an arrangement with Shoreham Apartments to help with independent living rents. The authority recently built two duplexes in Chester, and has advised that the land to do so was expensive. • MODC may be able to mitigate the land cost issue by donating any surplus land, buildings, or securing surplus schools; assessing tax sale properties for seniors housing and / or setting up tax sale proceeds in a fund dedicated to the provision of seniors housing. A community land bank has also been suggested. • Smaller but nonetheless important contributions might include providing services, as in the Middleton example, or waiving development charges / building permit fees for seniors housing. Action Team Considerations The Garden View Proposed Design Innovative practices here are drawn from Nova Scotia, Canada, the United States and Europe. Their selection or inclusion is not prescriptive or necessariliy a model that the municipality will follow; rather, aspects of these various initiatives are considered to have some bearing on agining in place, age friendly community planning and Opportunity Projects. They are provided as a resource for the Action Team’s consideration. 8.1 Age-Friendly Housing Models MaGee Drive Seniors Housing Project, Middleton Background: Developed by Housing Nova Scotia in partnership with the Town of Middleton. Description: MaGee Drive Seniors Housing project is a 30 unit independent living project for seniors. It includes a visitable design with possibility of unit conversion for wheelchair accessibility. Federal / provincial cost sharing was used to build the project. Housing Nova Scotia owns the land and the units; and the project is under the administration of the Western Housing Authority for management and tenant placement. The Town of Middleton provided 50% of the cost of servicing (water, sewer) and may have also included lighting standards, power and sidewalks. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 8.0 Innovative Practices 65 The Garden View, Dartmouth Background: Part of Dartmouth’s Main Street redevelopment effort, this mixed use project is conceived to include access to many local health services in the Main St. corridor. Description: The Garden View is proposed as a mixed-use (commercial, market units, age friendly units) project; approximately 92 units in total, 6 storey wood frame building and with innovative energy systems financing. 6168 North Street. Halifax, NS, first home Value program project MODC should explore all opportunities to promote Efficiency Nova Scotia programs to commercial and residential landowners. Options for mixed use buildings (especially residential / commercial) also need to be explored and promoted. Action Team Considerations Home Value Program, Halifax Background: A private initiative created by TEAL Architects in partnership with Credit Union Atlantic that aims to increase population density in the form of low-rise mid-density within urban Halifax with an emphasis on good design at the smallest scale of development. Description: A great deal of density can The residential wings (market and age friendly units) are planned on top of a commercial ground floor. The height of the building, and facades, will be pre-approved in accordance with the innovative form-based code (zoning) that has been adopted for the Main Street corridor. A partnership with a non-profit long- term care service provider and NSCC students completes the vision of this flagship urban redevelopment project. be accommodated in the form of low- rise housing. The Home Value Program is designed with homeowners, small developers, and potential homeowners in mind. TEAL offers design services (partly complementary) for homeowners to discover and develop ‘hidden density’ on their properties, while CUA offers mortgage options that are unavailable through typical banking institutions. This project has revealed an incredible amount of latent value (i.e. “invisible density”) in 8.0 Innovative Practices | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 66 Abbeyfield Canada Abbeyfield offers a warm, family-style House and a balance between privacy and companionship, security and independence, combined with the special caring element provided by dedicated volunteers and the consistency of a single House manager. Age and loneliness are the prime considerations for residency, together with level of health and compatibility with other residents. Abbeyfield focuses on small home solutions: • To involve local Abbeyfield volunteers in MODC can create enabling policies in zoning or through site plan approval that will allow for single detached houses to be converted into Abbeyfield modelled housing. A guarantee of volunteer capacity and on-going engagement will be important. Action Team Considerations the Halifax Peninsula’s low-rise zone (R-2). The Program is currently being expanded to Dartmouth within the Regional Centre. For homeowners, the income generated by second units can enable financing of home improvements that are otherwise not affordable, help avoid deferred maintenance and preserve existing housing stock. Several projects have been completed, with the following outcomes: 1. A house with one occupant and very low energy efficiency was converted into a two-unit house with four occupants with an energy rating of 85%. 2. A family of five was able to renovate and improve their own living space through the addition of a second unit and the income/ equity it produced. Container housing may well be perceived as quite a radical idea, but given some of the innovative designs associated with this new form of housing, design will indeed need to carefully cultivated to overcome perceptions and negative stereotypes, and costing reviews will also be needed to see if the reported per unit cost in Vancouver holds true in Nova Scotia. Dialogue with the Halifax Port Authority and shipping companies may yield interesting partnerships. Action Team Considerations Atira Women’s Resource Society’s Recycled Shipping Container Housing Development Canada’s first recycled shipping container social housing project features 31 self- contained units ranging from 280 to 290 square feet in size. The development meets all building codes, and indeed exceeds code requirements for insulation and sound transference. The construction cost was $82,500 per unit. setting up and managing each house, where the residents will pay their share of the operating costs. • Every household will have its own housekeeper to look after the house, to provide meals and to care generally for the residents. • The residents will have their own rooms, furnished as they wish, where both their privacy and their right to invite visitors are assured. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 8.0 Innovative Practices 67 CMHC’s FlexHousing™ guidelines are included in Appendix 5. Methods to promote this and other universal design goals, should be identified by MODC. FlexHousing™ Background: CMHC developed this concept and offers advice including a guide and checklist for homebuilders to follow when designing housing. Description: FlexHousing™ is a concept of house design that allows for a single home to be adapted easily to meet the changing needs of the owners over their lifetime. Certain design features can allow for affordable alterations that may be needed as the owner’s needs change. Changing needs may be due to age, or physical impairment, or a growing or shrinking household. Flexhousing™ might also be easily converted into two units and back to one, again, depending on the needs of the homeowners. 8.2 Intergenerational/social inclusion Student / Senior Living in Holland Description: University students pay no rent and in exchange spend at least 30 hours a month with some of the 160 elderly who live there. So-called “intergenerational” projects are also springing up elsewhere in Europe, but usually not within retirement homes because of the shortage of rooms. In some schemes, the elderly rent out a room in their own house or apartment, in others, Similar to the Abbeyfield model, but adaption within MODC (i.e. in any of the Opportunity Projects or elsewhere) might borrow from the superintendent model for apartment buildings. Rents for superintendents are often vastly reduced by landlords in order to have 24/7 “eyes and ears” on the functioning of the building. As related to providing graduated levels of care, a training partnership with NSCC’s Continuing Care Assistant program is suggested, for students, who might include able bodied seniors. Action Team Considerations Action Team Considerations Recommendation: The Community Development Department should make necessary policy and land use by-law changes to integrate age friendly and universal design for housing and built environment, and identify non-regulatory methods to promote these design principles to developers and other community stakeholders. housing projects are built specifically to house the young with the elderly. The students in Deventer prepare simple meals for some of the elderly in the evening and offer them activities according to their interests. Student Jordi, for instance, took a group into the garden and gave them cans of paint to spray on cardboard so they could learn about graffiti. Another gives weekly computer lessons to Anton Groot Koerkamp, 85, so he can now “send emails, go on the internet, look up videos and go on Facebook”. 8.0 Innovative Practices | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 68 Elementary Students / Seniors Program Invermere, British Columbia Description: Every Tuesday and Friday 18 primary students travel to a retirement home to have class. Seniors are not only Action Team Considerations MODC’s Recreation Department might work with local artists and seniors housing / care providers to initiate programs associated with the arts and intergenerational opportunities. Health Arts Society of Atlantic Canada Description: The Society launched its programme in November 2011 and to date has presented the work of professional musicians in all four Atlantic provinces. HASAC is an emerging force in the field of arts in health care in the region. It is driven by the central idea that people in care, especially in long-term isolation, are in need of cultural engagement. Its Concerts in Care programme addresses this issue. Across Canada, the Health Arts Society has presented 10,000 professional concerts to people in residential care. encouraged to watch, but to participate. An 84 year old resident, who needs a walker and physical therapy to walk, says it’s good motivation to get her moving, walking the 50 metre trek to the students. Recommendation: Council should advocate that the National Research Council and Province integrate FlexHousing(TM) and Universal Design Principles within the Building Code. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 8.0 Innovative Practices 69 It is noted that local schools have been engaged with Shoreham Village - the South Shore Regional School Board should be advised of this study in terms of any additional intergenerational initiatives they may have suggestions for. Hubbards, NS Description: South Shore Helping Hands aims to mobilize volunteers to help people within their homes with tasks that are becoming too difficult, or that can no longer be done safely. Currently serving the Towns of Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and surrounding areas. Volunteers will be set up with individuals on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, depending on the need and volunteer availability. Tasks include, but are not limited to: • Transportation to and from medical appointments and to run errands Helping Hands needs to be engaged on a variety of volunteer needs in the Municipality - but also, when the volunteers are also aging, the challenges of volunteer service delivery need to be understood. Action Team Considerations Action Team Considerations Believed to be the only concept of its kind in Canada, it has been in place in parts of the US which report a kindergarten classroom relocated full-time to a retirement home has boosted students’ standardized test scores in reading, lowered medication rates and improved reported quality of life among its residents. A study in the U.S. found that older adults who worked with children in a school setting • Picking up the Mail • Changing of light bulbs and/or mouse traps • Minor home repair and/or painting • Moving furniture • Yard or shed cleanup • Piling of firewood • Companionship and a friendly visit for those who are alone had less stress and a better quality of life compared to those living at a high-end facility interacting with their peers. And the cost is low: The parent council at Eileen Madson raised just over $2,200 to cover the cost of their intergenerational program. Most of the budget went toward transportation and supplies for the off-site classroom. 8.3 Innovation in care delivery Helping Hands, Mahone Bay and “Home Sharing is Home Caring” Description: A municipal operated homeshare program is proposed in Kitchener Waterloo which matches seniors (adults 65+ years of age) living alone in private residences with students as tenants who exchange services for discounted rent. This program targets a number of social challenges facing municipalities including the aging population, affordable housing needs, and youth unemployment or underemployment. Services will typically revolve around household chores, caregiving, and companionship based on international success stories. 8.0 Innovative Practices | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 70 Healthconnex, Nova Scotia10 Background: Telehealth allows patients to receive medical instruction and care through videoconferencing. This is particularly helpful for people with chronic health issues living in rural areas. • Nova Scotia-based HealthConnex has released a new mobile app that’s designed to revolutionize the doctor- patient relationship. • The HealthConnex mobile app is designed to provide a secure platform where patients can track their healthcare information, engage and collaborate with their healthcare providers, and request services/appointments from those providers. • The HealthConnex mobile app will allow people to book medical appointments, receive e-consults from their doctors and keep track of their health records, medical spending and lab test results all through a secure app that will connect to their smartphones. • HealthConnex is owned by the province’s co-operative and credit union sector through the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council and its affiliate co-operative partners. 10 Telehealth has been in use in MODC, hosted by the Aspotogan Heritage Trust Assuming internet and cell phone connectivity is suitable, a pilot project is suggested, in conjunction with the Nova Scotia Coop Council and local health partners. Similar to Abbeyfield and other live-in concepts, this project proposed in Kitchener-Waterloo is more of a regional approach, as opposed to a housing project or specific location. The suggest for MODC is, as per Abbeyfield, to consider a regional approach. The benefits of such a program are alleviation of long-term health costs as students will assist seniors with tasks that may be physically daunting for them as well as reduce cases of isolation which negatively impact mental and bodily health. A study of Action Team Considerations Action Team Considerations Spain’s largest intergenerational homeshare revealed both seniors and students perceived giving and receiving benefits from each other including emotional support, security, and assistance with personal care. • HealthConnex is a patient-centric healthcare portal that connects patients and doctors in a secure online setting that helps save everyone time. • Besides online appointment booking, e-consultations, and prescription renewals, patients can also use the HealthConnex mobile app to see their integrated personal health records and other features such as health trackers. There’s even a medication interaction tool. • The app has the potential to allow families and individuals to easily and affordably connect with their doctors and other medical staff in a timely manner. • Companionship and a friendly visit for those who are alone Recommendation: Council should advocate for enhanced internet connectivity to private service providers and senior levels of government in order to help enable telehealth solutions. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Housing Study | 8.0 Innovative Practices 71 Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, Social enterprise services for seniors, Eastern Passage Background: Non-profit seniors care groups remain diligent in their efforts to respond to innovative needs in the community. Description: Ocean View Continuing Care Centre is developing a 2-tier membership service, under a new social enterprise The Municipality, along with its seniors housing and care providers, should be kept abreast of innovation within the community governed seniors care sector. Such services, and contact, and ways to expand the reach of graduated levels of care, are likely best expedited through the Shoreham / Northwood partnership in MODC’s case. Ocean View’s approach is unique in that it utilizes a social enterprise mode. New Dawn Home Care, Senior Living, Investment / CEDIF, Sydney, NS Description: In 1988 New Dawn Home Care recognized a need for services to enable seniors to live independently in their homes including meal preparation, transportation, personal care, hospital companionship and blood collection. In 2011 New Dawn Home Care acquired Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Lab Technicians and Housekeepers. Established in 1991 through a partnership with the Department of Community Services, the seven duplex units known as Sydney Senior Home Living (SSHL) are home to individuals with mental, physical, emotional and/or behavioural challenges. While one unit in each duplex houses up to three residents, the other unit is home to a caregiver and their family. A number of our residents and caregivers have called Sydney Senior Home Living home for a very long time. Caregiver Michael Nearing, for instance, has been there for seventeen years Community-based projects, those that turn a profit, are sometimes financed by Community Economic Development Investment Funds. Housing is not eligible for CEDIF funding, however, equity to support the care services delivery, may qualify under the model. It is suggested the Province explore community investment models like CEDIFs for seniors housing and associated care services. Action Team Considerations Action Team Considerations organization called “Ocean View Serving Seniors Society.” Starting this fall in Eastern Passage, the first tier will include access to qualified and reasonably-priced services such as home maintenance; the 2nd tier will include a menu of care services available on a subscription basis. The intention is to extend the reach of the continuing care centre into the community, and facilitate aging-in-place using a social enterprise model. and one of his residents in the adjacent unit for twenty years. Over the last six years, New Dawn Holdings Limited has encountered significant success in terms of meeting its Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) targets. This success speaks, in part, to the desire of investors for investment opportunities within their own community; investment opportunities that allow them to keep their capital here and contribute to the growth and vitality of Cape Breton Island. Recommendation: Council should request that the Province review the use of Community Economic Development Investment Funds for seniors housing with integrated care supports. 8.0 Innovative Practices | Age Friendly Housing Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 72 Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Executive Summary 73 Appendices Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 74 This table provides a summary of the population of the MODC, Lunenburg County and Nova Scotia. All data were collected from Statistics Canada Census Profiles and National Household Surveys (NHS). The global non-response rates (GNR)[1] for the NHS for each area were: MODC – 36.8%, Lunenburg County – 25.0%, Nova Scotia – 28.8%. Appendix 1. Community Profile MODC Lunenburg County Nova Scotia Population and Migration 2011 Population 10,599 47,313 921,727 Population under 20 years (2011) 1,900 8,700 195,660 ...as a percent of total population 18% 18%21.2% Population over 65 years (2011) 2,325 10,205 153,370 ...as a percent of total population 22% 22%16.6% Population Growth, 2006-2011 -1.3% 0.3% 0.9% Total Census Families, 2011 3,425 14,960 270,065 Couple Families, 2011 2,960 12,970 223,330 Lone Parent Families, 2011 465 1,990 46,730 Immigration, % of Total, 2011 6.7%6%5.3% % who moved in past 5 years, 2011 25% 8%31.9% moved within municipality 9% 4%18.2% moved from other municipality within NS 10% 3%6.0% moved from other province 5% 1%5.7% moved from outside Canada 1% 0%1.9% Income Median income for Individuals with income, 2010 26,526$ 24,645$ 27,570$ Median family income, 2010 61,788$ 59,735$ 68,102$ Unemployment Rate, 2011 8.0% 9.4%10.0% Low Income Households, 2010 18% 19% 17% Low Income 65 years and over, 2010 19% 21% 18% Housing Tenure and Value % Who Own Their Home, 2011 85% 82% 71% % Who Rent, 2011 15% 18% 29% Median Home Value, 2011 179,270$ 179,046$ 174,743$ Average Home Value, 2011 223,227$ 208,784$ 201,991$ Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 75 Current Stock of Senior Housing and Care Units Serving MODC residents Facility Year Established Location Independent or Retirement Assisted or Enriched Living LTC Beds or Units Respite FT PT Casual Nursing CCAs Dining / Food Prep Transportation Rec Programming Notes Shoreham Village 1974 Chester 89 1 28 81 30 ✓✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Shoreham Village Apartments Chester 58 Drumlin Hills 2007 Bridgewater 72 24 12 2 ✓ Cleaning, Liaison with families. All services are contracted out. Ridgewood Retirement Bridgewater 52 30 3 meals per day, full time LPNs, rec & leisure staff on site. Company van used for outings. Hubbards Manor / Metro Housing 1978 12 Bonny Lea Farm 1973 District of Chester 36 45 25 36 See Opportunity Projects section for description. Western Region Housing Authority 1980+ Western Shore 15 Oeanview Apartments 1985+ New Ross 10 Charing Cross Manor Heart to Heart In Home Care Chester 9 33‐40 Assisted living services are provided by In Home Care, serving Lunenburg County. Chester Rent supplement being provided at 9 Shoreham Apartments Stanford Lake 4 These are affordable housing units, not necessarily targeting seniors. 11 All maintenance and client services are provided out of Bridgewater, and also cover Shelburn, Quens and Lunenburg Counties. TOTALS 171 121 89 1 115 119 66 Number of StaffType and Number of Units Primary Services Scope of Seniors Housing and Graduated Care Serving Residents of the Municipality of the District of Chester Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 76 Appendix 2. ASHRA Study Information The Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance (ASHRA), which is affiliated with Mount Saint Vincent University, has produced projected numbers of adults aged 50 and over for specific geographic areas within Atlantic Canada. In addition to projecting population, the study also projects level of health and net wealth. While a number of other factors must also be considered to identify all gaps and opportunities for an age-friendly community, these projections can provide valuable insight into the need for seniors housing in the MODC in terms of both the level of care required and level of affordability that is needed. Description of study (from ashra.msvu.ca) This Community Profile model has been created to help users gain a better understanding of the possible future housing needs of the aging population in Atlantic Canada. Three factors are considered to be most important in determining our living accommodation choices as we age; our health, our wealth, and, the distances to our children. This model uses two of these, health and wealth, as likely predictors of housing need. The underlying assumption is that the healthier and wealthier you are, the greater number of possible housing options you may consider. The implications for community planning are that those in a healthier state, with access to moderate wealth will find housing solutions along the continuum from their own home, to seniors’ apartments, condominiums, assisted living complexes. Those in a less healthy state, with limited wealth resources will rely on public or subsidized housing solutions. Elements of the Model The Community Profile Model provides the opportunity to obtain information in relation to six (6) key variables, as described below. Year: In addition to being able to examine the 2001 census count of males, females and the total population in each age cohort, you can see the projections of these FSA populations for the years 2006, 2011, 2016, 2021 and 2026. FSA: You MUST enter the 3-digit FSA code in order to proceed. The total population of the selected FSA will always be displayed as a reference point. You will only be able to enter and display the results of one FSA at a time. Gender: Results are always reported by gender, not by the total population. Age: The 2001 Census count of persons aged 50 and over in each FSA forms the demographic base of the model. The model allows searching using the following eight (8) age cohorts: 50-54; 55-59; 60- 64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; and 85+. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Appendix 77 Health H1 Dependence free Good Health Individuals who do not need assistance, with the possible exception of heavy housework, and who generally live in single family or multiple-unit housing, either rented or owned. H2 Moderate Dependence Individuals who need assistance with meal preparation, shopping, or everyday housework. Home care may be provided within the residence by family caregivers and/or paid care providers. H3 Severe Dependence Individuals who need a high level of support, including assistance to move about or for their personal care. They may continue to live in their own home with significant support or may move into an assisted living facility or senior’s retirement residence. H4 Institutionalized Individuals whose very high level of required assistance usually dictates that they reside in a nursing home or other institution where they can receive extensive support and specialized care. Wealth The 1999 Survey of Financial Security provides our second factor, wealth. The survey asked a sample of Canadian families and individuals about the value of their assets and the amount of their debts. The total value of assets less debt is an individual’s net worth. Our model uses the net worth of each age cohort of Atlantic Canadians to develop four (4) wealth states, as follows: W1 Well off More than $301,000 net worth W2 Moderately wealthy Between $151,000 and $300,000 net worth W3 Limited Resources Between $151,000 and $300,000 net worth W4 Very Limited Resources Less than $50,000 net worth Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 78 Scaling ASHRA Projections to MODC Deriving a factor to apply to ASHRA projections was done by scaling the B0J FSA (forward sorting area) to MODC. ASHRA projections are based on geographic areas that are the same as Canada Post’s Forwarding Sorting Areas. The area that MODC lies within is the B0J FSA, which is much larger than the MODC. In order to address this issue, it was necessary to identify a factor that could be applied to the B0J projections to produce numbers that would be more reflective of the MODC population. A factor of .219 was identified through a comparison of the total population of people over the age of 55 in both MODC (Stats Canada) and the B0J area (collected from ASHRA, where data had also been collected from Statistics Canada), for the year 2001. Beyond 2001, ASHRA data is projection only. To derive a factor that can be applied to the ASHRA projections, two methods were used. For the first method, the following steps were taken: 1. Collect population information a. Calculate total population recorded in ASHRA study for the B0J area (aged 55 and over b. Calculate total population cited by Statistics Canada for MODC (age 55 and over) 2. Determine portion of B0J area population over 55 who live in MODC a. Calculate: total population over 55 in MODC ÷ total population over 55 in B0J FSA, to determine factor 3. Apply factor to all projections for B0J area to reflect scale of MODC Total population (55 and over) for the B0J area (2001) as cited by ASHRA is 14,527. Total population (55 and over) for the MODC (2001) as cited by Statistics Canada is 3,180. The Factor to be used to scale the ASHRA projections is 0.219. For the second method, total population for MODC was compared to the total population of the B0J area and produced the same factor of .219. This implies that the proportion of the population that was over 55 within MODC was similar to that proportion in the broader FSA area. Total population for the B0J area for 2001 as cited in the ASHRA data was 49,173. Total population for MODC for 2001 as cited by Statistics Canada was 10,781. The population of MODC made up .219, or 21.9% of the total population of the B0J FSA in 2001. Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Appendix 79 Appendix 3. Health Profile On April 1, 2015, District Health Authorities in Nova Scotia came together to create the Nova Scotia Health Authority1. Previously, the South Shore District Health Authority had jurisdiction covering Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Statistics in this community health profile generally relate to Lunenburg County.2 In 2011 the Municipality had a population of 10,599 or approximately 22.4% of Lunenburg County’s total population. It is noted that Lunenburg and Queens County have many of the same health and health care issues: people living on the South Shore experience higher rates of chronic disease than the provincial and national averages. The region has high rates of obesity and physical inactivity. Poor nutrition, high rates of alcohol and tobacco consumption, and high unemployment all fuel health issues for the communities. Many recommendations in various health studies and reports over the last 5 years speak to the need for creating social opportunities, building a stronger sense of community, supporting collaborative care models, and collaborative partnerships among healthcare professionals, public sector and community organizations. Scope of Health Services Prior to the amalgamation of the District Health Authorities as the Nova Scotia Health Authority, South Shore Health provided community and hospital-based services to 60,000 residents in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. More than 1,100 employees and 100 medical staff work within the organization to provide health care. In 2006, 10.6% of the labour force in Lunenburg County was employed in Healthcare and Social Services (11.8% in Queens County) which is slightly lower than the provincial average (11.6%)3. The Municipality is served by Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg and South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater. Services include several community-based programs, including Addictions, Mental Health, Public Health, Rehabilitation, Palliative Care Services, and Continuing Care. Specialist health services not available at these hospitals are available in Halifax. Fishermen’s Memorial is an acute care community hospital with six Acute Care beds, two Observation Beds, 12 Alternate Level of Care Beds, 12 Restorative Care beds, 10 Addiction Services beds and a 23-bed Veterans’ Unit. South Shore Regional is a primary and secondary care hospital and designated District Trauma Centre with 80 Medical, Surgical, Intensive Care, Obstetrics, Pediatric and Mental Health inpatient beds. 1 The number and role of Community Health Boards in Nova Scotia were not affected by this re-organization. 2 The 2011 Community Health Planning report used focus groups to generate its qualitative data. 3 South Shore Health’s Collaborative Community Health Plan, Phase 3, Community Health Profiles, August 2011. Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 80 Chronic Disease Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis) is the number one cause of death in South Shore Health and Nova Scotia. It accounts for 36% of all deaths each year in the Province. Nova Scotia rates second for the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in Canada4. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Nova Scotia and the South Shore. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer on the South Shore is much lower in both males and females than in Nova Scotia and Canada. South Shore Health mortality rates from cancer in men are lower than provincial rates. South Shore Health had the second highest prevalence of diabetes in Nova Scotia in 2008. Approximately 11.9% of the population aged 20+ on the South Shore has diabetes. The Nova Scotian prevalence is 9.9% (or 77,015 people). Diabetes is more prevalent in males and in those aged 50+ (Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia, 2011). Food and Nutrition According to Feed Nova Scotia, in March 2010, 22,573 Nova Scotians were using food banks across the province. In addition, 134,940 meals were served at soup kitchens and meal programs. On the South Shore (Shelburne, Queens County, Lunenburg County), 1,245 individuals used food banks during the month of March 2010. Of those receiving assistance from food banks, 33% were children and youth (age 18 or younger). Fruit and vegetable consumption is a good indicator of whether someone is eating healthy. When it comes to fruit and vegetable consumption, only 1⁄4 of people over the age of 12 in South Shore Health are meeting the recommended daily consumption of fruit and vegetables. South Shore Health has the lowest rates of fruit and vegetable consumption in Nova Scotia. Healthy eating contributes to overall health and wellbeing by reducing the risk of chronic disease, improving mental health and decreasing stress, improving maternal and fetal health, and early childhood development. Similar to physical activity, healthy eating and the choices we make are often considered to be an ‘individual lifestyle choice’, however, our eating practices are shaped by many factors including where we live, our social and physical environments, income and employment, housing and transportation, social status and more. Health and Social Services Service providers noted that Shoreham Village Nursing Home and Chester Area Middle School Grade 9 students collaborate on an intergenerational program designed to teach youth about the elderly, and this program was said to be “very positive”. In addition, since many seniors in the nursing home did not have family close by, friends sometimes “adopted” a resident. Service providers flagged issues associated with isolated seniors: while there are events and opportunities, getting isolated seniors to them is difficult, especially for seniors. Everything from topography (hills) to inaccessible venues and parking spaces could create barriers. Some residents from Shoreham Village noted that while there are two handicapped parking spaces at the bank, the Shoreham Village bus was unable to fit into these spaces. 4 Source: South Shore District Health Authority, Shaping our Future, 2013 Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Appendix 81 The VON Friendly Visitor program was said to be helpful, as well as the Check-In call system; however, it was felt that few seniors were accessing these services. Service providers also felt that information about social events was not well communicated, especially since the demise of The Clipper. The need to provide affordable, accessible, and safe recreational activities for seniors has been noted in several reports, including the Active Living Strategy (2008), and Aging Matters (2005). Related health and social service issues include: • Problems accessing specialists and having to travel to Bridgewater, Kentville and Halifax, and difficulties encountered in trying to get to appointments. This was especially true for the frail elderly, even when service providers, such as GPs or dentists, were available locally. • The retraction or loss of services (e.g., the Alzheimer’s support group, a geriatrician, and Care for the Caregiver program). • The need for a strong palliative care system was also discussed. • With more seniors living longer and remaining in their homes, issues of home maintenance, poverty, safety, elder abuse, a backlog of seniors needing care, plus a high turnover of Continuing Care Assistants and lack of other care professionals, all combine to create barriers to care. • Seniors need to be better informed of the services they could be accessing. Health and Transportation Transportation issues have been raised in a number of reports, consultations and community- based forums. From the Draft 2012 Age Friendly Community Report, these include: • Seniors fear losing their ability to drive their cars. For those living in rural areas, this implies uprooting their local social networks, and moving to more urban centres in order to access services. Inevitably, this aggravates existing gaps in housing and graduated levels of care between independent living and long term care. • There is general awareness of the services offered by Community Wheels; however, in some instances there are questions related to the details of the service. There is a general perception that the service is inadequate to meet needs, however, some seniors who don’t drive depend on Community Wheels, and/or helpful neighbours and friends in order to get around. Taxis are apparently only available in Chester and not outlying areas; the cost of taxi service can be beyond the reach of many seniors. • Some service providers have concerns with crosswalk lights, and the lack of time for seniors to cross the street, as well as the dangers presented by untrimmed foliage at the corners of streets in Chester. Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 82 Seniors Services 1. Hospitals: South Shore Regional Hospital, Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital 2. Medical Clinics: Hubbards Medical and Dental Clinic, Chester Medical Clinic, Chester Family Practice, Chester Clinic and Dental Practice, walk-in clinic for patients with non-urgent medical problems, located at the Ambulatory Care Unit on the Third Floor of South Shore Regional Hospital. 3. Addictions Services (administered by South Shore Health). An office is located in Chester. 4. Information and Referral: Be Well Connected, a free, confidential information and referral service. A partnership between the Lunenburg County Community Health Board, South Shore Health, South Shore Regional Library and the Nova Scotia Health Network, Be Well Connected helps area residents access a wide range of community, health, social and government resources. 5. Mental Health Services: provides both in and outpatient clinical and mental health promotion programs to residents of Lunenburg and Queens Counties. An office is located in Chester. 6. Public Health Services: works with communities, families and individuals to identify health needs and assets, and supports individual and community action to prevent illness, protect and promote health, and achieve well-being. The three core services are Communicable Disease Prevention and Control, Non-Communicable Disease and Injury Prevention, and Health Enhancement. An office is located in Chester. 7. The Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program: a mobile van visits 26 sites in 7 counties in the western region of Nova Scotia. 8. VON volunteer service: Frozen Favourites, On the Move Assisted Transportation, Breakaway Adult Day Program, Friendly Visiting, Safety Check, Foot Clinic 9. Independent living, assisted living and long term care services 10. Seniors’ Community Health Team: A group of community-based health care professionals with specialized knowledge in the care of the elderly. The service is available to South Shore seniors living at home. The Seniors’ Community Health Team conducts comprehensive in-home assessments, provides education to seniors and their families, and recommends appropriate interventions that enable seniors to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible. By promoting health and safety, the team supports healthy aging and independence. The team works closely with existing community-based services (such as Continuing Care (formerly called Home Care), Mental Health and Palliative Care). 11. Senior Safety Program: includes Vial of life, Safety Check-in Program, Crime prevention presentations, Home Visits, Senior Police Academy, Senior Friendly Program. 12. Aging Well Together Coalition (Community Links) - promotes strategies to help seniors age well 13. Geriatric Assessment Service: Assessment service utilizing visiting geriatric specialists and a multidisciplinary team. 14. Chester Community Wheels: accessible transit service which provides transportation within the Municipality of the District of Chester, and monthly service to Bridgewater and Halifax (not specific to seniors but is available). 15. South Shore Health & Red Cross equipment loan service for seniors in their homes. 16. Care for the Caregiver Workshops 17. Lunenburg County Senior Citizens’ Council, Chester Basin Over 40 Club, Golden Age Club (New Ross), and the Seasiders (Blandford). Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Appendix 83 Appendix 4. Interview Guides A consultation process was undertaken as part of the study and planning process. The Municipality’s Planning Department submitted a list of stakeholders and the consultants made contact with these groups and individuals in two different ways. Some stakeholders were added in response to suggestions from those being interviewed. Consultations were divided into 2 streams: a focus group which included a survey and meeting; and stakeholder contact which included an interview through personal contact. The reason for this differentiation was to focus on the available seniors housing, those providing it, and associated care services, to take a “snapshot” of the type and number of units available and the employment being generated through the associated housing and care services (see Table 2 in Appendix 1). Surveys were administered through phone calls, face-to-face, or in small group sessions. Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 84 3 Age Friendly Housing Plan Focus Group Interview Guide 1) Facility / Organization Name ________________________________ 2) Year established ________ 3) Number of facilities in the Municipality of the District of Chester ______ 4) Number of beds (units) LTC or Continuing Care _______ Assisted Living / Enriched Living _____ Independent / Retirement Units _____ Other ____ 5) Number of Staff (a) Full Time _____ (b) Part Time ______ 6) Primary staff services Nursing / LPN ____ Continuing Care Assistant ___ Dining / Food Prep ___ Transportation ____ Recreation Programming ___ Other care services (please list) 7) Do you receive regular requests for enriched / assisted living accommodations and services? 8) Do you have land available or have you considered the market for Enriched / Assisted Living services? 9) What are the largest barriers you would face, or that any service provider might face, in providing additional enriched / assisted living units? 10) What thoughts do you have about the potential role of community-based partnerships? Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Appendix 85 1 Age Friendly Housing Plan Stakeholder Interview Guide 1. Tell us a bit about your organization, its mandate, history and your role in relation to seniors or special needs populations. 2. What services need to be linked to age friendly housing? Please rank the following from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest rank. Transportation Recreation, opportunities for socialization Healthcare, including home care, nutrition, etc. Family supports Safety and security 3. In terms of your understanding of the physical attributes of age friendly housing, what do you think are the greatest needs? Please rank the following from 1 to 6, with 1 being the highest rank. Energy efficiency Design (i.e. limited stairs, counter heights, accessibility) Maintenance Location / access to other services / part of a walkable community Affordability Ability to interact with others Appendix | Age Friendly Study | Municipality of the District of Chester 86 2 4. Age friendly housing is sometimes considered as a ‘spectrum’ or a ‘continuum’ where a progression of care services helps in the transition between independent living, assisted living and long-term care. What comments do you have about this transitioning process, for example in terms of need and demand, the availability of housing or the integration of care services in the municipality? 5. The Municipality has experienced a decline in the number of residents aged 44 years and less and an increase in those aged 45 years and older. In addition, the Municipality has an older housing stock – about 76% of housing was built before 1990. For seniors living independently, and for those needing only modest levels of assistance (home care for example), what type of independent housing do you think the Municipality should support, for example, through zoning? Please select four only. Single detached homes Semi-detached homes, including duplexes Townhouses, including linked slab-on-grade or ‘garden homes’ Mini-homes / mini home parks Apartment buildings Residential mixed use (combining residential with retail or office uses) Other 6. Do you have any general comments about age friendly housing and what needs to be done to help support aging in place and become an age-friendly community? Municipality of the District of Chester | Age Friendly Study | Appendix 87 Appendix 5. CMHC FlexHousing™ To learn about this innovative practice please visit http://www.cmhc.ca/flex/en/lemo.cfm for more information. MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER REQUEST FOR DECISION REPORT TO: Warden Webber and Municipal Councilors SUBMITTED BY: Matthew S. Davidson, P.Eng, Director of Engineering and Public Works Department DATE: June 28th, 2016 SUBJECT: Results of tender and award recommendation ORIGIN: T-2016-004 – Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT SITUATION: On April 28th, 2016, Municipal Council approved the 2016-17 Capital and Operating Budget. The Capital Budget included the rehabilitation of Foxwood Drive, Mill Cove. The budget for this project was estimated at $303,000, net HST. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that Tender T-2016-004 Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation – Phase 1 be awarded to Dexter Construction Company Ltd for $137,080.00 including HST. Furthermore, it is recommended that staff proceed with negotiation with the lowest compliant bidder, Dexter Construction Company a Change Order for the completion Phase 2, as long as the entire project remains within the Capital Project Budget of $303,000 Net HST, reporting to Council if an exceedance is anticipated, for further direction; and further that this Change Order be subject to confirmation from legal counsel as to ability of MODC to do so. BACKGROUND: Last fiscal year, the Engineering & Public Works Department, through the assistance of our Engineering Consultant, SNC Lavalin Inc (SLI), completed an assessment of all municipal roads. Of the roads, Foxwood Drive scored the lowest overall score, which lead to the decision that the best course of action would be to resurface the road, as well as replace the curb, gutter and storm water system. SLI completed a tender package complete with estimate, in preparation for the 2016-17 Capital and Operating Budget. DISCUSSION: Following the Municipality’s Procurement Policy, P-04, the project was tendered during the month of June, closing on June 24th, 2016. Three (3) tender submission were received and reviewed for their conformity to the specification, completeness and mathematical accuracy. The lowest bidder, Dexter Construction Company Limited, has demonstrated experience in the area of work specified in the Tender, and with whom the Municipality has worked with on past projects (i.e. Duke Street Sidewalk – Phase 1). IMPLICATIONS: 1 Policy: Tender T-2016-004 followed Policy P-04 - Procurement Policy. 2 Financial/Budgetary: When referring to the attached detailed Tender recommendation, the budget for this project is $303,000, Net HST. The Engineering fees for the inspection and project management were quoted approximately at $8,730, Net HST by Hiltz & Seamone. Given the amount of remaining budgeted funds, approximated at $170,000, staff are further recommending to complete Phase 2 of this project. Staff estimate, based on the tendered prices for both Engineering and Construction, that even with completing Phase 2, the project will be still be under budget by approximately $37,000, which should leave sufficient contingency funds for unexpected items. Hiltz & Seamone have been contacted and they are in agreement with the above recommendation, see attached, and noted they are prepared to extend the same unit rates for Phase 2, and that they will not require additional time for Contract Administration for additional Phase (i.e. cost savings) Staff have also contacted the Municipal Solicitor regarding the legal viability of the proposed plan. Due to vacations, we were not able to obtain legal opinion at the time of writing this memo. However, staff feel that since it is a unit price contract, there is a significant gap between the lowest two (2) bids, and that we followed a similar course of action on Duke Street Sidewalk - Phase 3; we can proceed with the proposed plan without legal ramifications from the other bidders. 3 Environmental: 4 Strategic Plan: 1. Maintain a high level of fiscal responsibility; 2. Continually improve public satisfaction with municipal services; 3. Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses; 5 Work Program Implications ATTACHMENTS: 2016-06-28_Tender T-2016-004 Detail Tender Recommendation Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation 2016-06-28_Hiltz & Seamone Tender Recommendation 2016-06-28_Hiltz & Seamone Schedule of Quantities and Unit Prices 2016-06-29_Email Correspondence to Hiltz and Seamone Regarding Additional Work OPTIONS: 1. Award work, as recommended 2. Not award work, and wait until next fiscal year to retender 3. Defer any decision on the matter and direct staff to bring back further information as identified by Council. Prepared BY Date Reviewed BY Date Authorized BY Date MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER FOR INFORMATION REPORT TO Warden Webber and Members of Municipal Council SUBMITTED BY Tammy S Wilson, MURP, MCIP, Chief Administrative Officer DATE June 27, 2016 SUBJECT Award of Tenders/Quotations- Low Value Procurement over $10,000 ORIGIN 2016-17 Capital Budget ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT SITUATION Section 4.1 of the Procurement Policy (P-04) defines Low Value Procurement as contract with a value of less than $100,000 for construction and a value of less than $50,000 for services. Contracts for Low Value Procurement are to be awarded by the Chief Administrative Officer with a report to Council advising of all awards with a value of over $10,000 Foxwood Drive Rehabilitation – Engineering Services The 2016-17 Capital Budget includes $303,000 for Foxwood Road Rehabilitation. These funds include Engineering, Project Management and Construction. Request for Quotations have been received from the Pre-Qualified Engineering Firms for Engineering/Project Management. Hiltz and Seamone is the lowest compliant bid at $8,370, pre HST. While Section 4.1 of the Procurement Policy only requires notice to Council when the value is in excess of $10,000 for Low Value Procurement, Council is being notified in the event of a Change Order that could result in the work exceeding $8, 370. Heavy Equipment- Municipal Properties As per the Procurement Policy, MODC contracts on an annual basis Heavy Equipment services for Municipal Properties. Tenders for this service closed on June 17, 2016. Three Bids were received (George Zinck, Gerhardt, and R. Schnare & Son) .An award for an estimated value of $13,160 was made to R. Schnare & Son, whom had the highest evaluation score (Price; Technical; Quality) Heavy Equipment – Trails As per the Procurement Policy, MODC contracts on an annual basis Heavy Equipment services for Trails. Tenders for this service closed on June 17, 2016. Three bids were received (George Zinck, Gerhardt, and R. Schnare & Son). An award for an estimated value of $30,410 was made to George Zinck who had the highest evaluation score (Price, Technical ; Quality) RECOMMENDATION: (Not Applicable- Information Only) Report is submitted as per Section 4.1 of the Procurement Policy for all Low Value Procurement contract awards in excess of $10,000. IMPLICATIONS: 1 Policy: Procurement Policy P-04 2 Financial/Budgetary: Project award is in compliance with 2016-17 Capital Budget. Trail Upgrades $ 78,00; Foxwood Drive $ 303,000 3 Environmental: n/a 4 Strategic Plan: 1. Ensure sufficient infrastructure is available to best serve our residents and businesses 5 Work Program Implications Within 2016/17 Work Program. 6 Consultation/Communications (External v Internal)- N/A ATTACHMENTS: None: OPTIONS: None Prepared BY Tammy Wilson, CAO Date June 26, 2016 Reviewed BY Date Authorized BY Date MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER GRANT APPLICATION FORM Council and Tourism Grant Requests Council Grants are provided at the discretion of Council for non-profit organizations benefiting the residents of the Municipality of the District of Chester. PLEASE NOTE: 1. Organizations are only eligible for ONE grant from the Municipality per fiscal year which is April 1 to March 31 in any given year (that ONE grant could be from Council, the Recreation & Parks Department, or Tourism). The Recreation & Parks Department has its own application form. 2. You must be a non-profit, volunteer organization. 3. Your primary purpose must be to operate, sponsor or encourage programs, activities or facilities within the Municipality of the District of Chester. 4. A group that does not fit items 2 or 3, but are the only group in the area providing the service may be considered. S. Financial assistance should not be anticipated on an annual basis. 6. Royal Canadian Legions located with the Municipality may apply for grant funding to support programs and events which are open to the public. General operating expenses or capital improvements will not be considered. Name ofOrganization Applying C • j GS SF R j rjLU. ,jC a c : fZ e C11 F e7 PA (Z ` Contact Person Position with Organization Mailing Address Ro &)K C, LA e S` R 113 lr_ a0, E i :so Incorporation Number and date of Incorporation date with Registry ofJoint Stocks oS 3 S 9 G, N UV '2_cj ; S_ /03 2 Phone: q l) L- 2-1 -75 - S 113 Fax: A01- ,-_,S I l -> $ Email: C/ 0 1 t vuc0,Ck 1 GS'je(z C,,) Date: + 2_ Type of Grant (see page 3) Council Grant 7 OR Tourism Grant C43ciG e UJN,CNLa i--Pr,,, VUsC Signature of Signing Officer(s) and their position with Organization: ` 6/ Name Si osition Pagel of 3 ORGANIZATION AND/OR EVENT INFORMATION: 1. Purpose or objective(s) ofOrganization (i.e. mission statement): i v a eac r -s i — PC—, 6.3 y & 9viP': Cd"F t=3 f?E vs,j N2%_A& 2. Written outline of the project and its benefits to residents (please attach separately if insufficient space). Mow L ay_6 go 'Fr: PLG SLv, itA V^12•s G• i, ' 43 , 3' a ' as-Jal.+-tea[ 'e! C: F r ' 3 l.. C- ' e=:i i A L T 3. How much money are you requesting? 4. What portion/percentage of your budget do you expect to be fund raised? 1 t6 t-,D>1=till '_3 LL_ f2—J%t A t J"!u CB,1 : f?< TSCELULIJy e5v v—:\i B&— Cr u 5. How do you plan to spend any Council Grant dollars received? Please attach a project budget if requesting more than $1,000.00. IV d_%` ' T3 c-o, PWt t4% lea V_-> 7. Is there a deadline for your grant request or a date of an event to be considered? 6. NC—rV AI, 'DAY i'IP:CiJs N , C I ta43 L " i fs j7i 8. Is there additional information that may support your grant application? Please attach letters of support, etc. S e C- F&C %J es' i ss ) A`,_,Ac cid 9. Did your organization receive funds last year from the Municipality ofthe District of Chester? Yes _ Council Grant _ OR Recreation Grant _ OR Tourism Grant _ No _ Ifyes, howmuch? Attach copy of report) DID YOU INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION: A written outline of the project and its benefits to residents "-- it- Project budgetincluding Revenues and Expenses (for requests exceeding $1,000.00) b Financial Statements (for projects exceeding $5,000.00) Ancorporation Number (ifapplicable) List of Directors Application signed by signing officer(s) Copy of report regarding previous year's grant (if a grant was received lastyear) If you require assistance, please contact the Director of Recreation & Parks at: Phone (902) 275-3490 Fax (902) 275-3630 Page 2 of 3 Email chauahn0chester.ca REPORT TO COUNCIL - HOW WAS YOUR EVENT AND HOW WERE THE FUNDS SPENT? Following your event or upon the completion of your project it is requested that you provide a very brief report regarding the project and how the Grant money was spent. If a follow-up report is not received future requests may be affected. Please forward the report to the following: Director of Recreation & Parks Grant Report" Municipality of the District of Chester PO Box 369 Chester, NS BOJ 1J0 TYPES OF GRANTS Council Grant: If your organization falls within one of the following, you would apply for a Council Grant: Essential Services Regional Services Local Non -Profit Community Halls National, Provincial, Cultural, or Health Services Tourism Grant: if your organization contributes to an increase in visitation while sustaining the unique cultural and natural environment of the Municipality, then your application will be considered under a tourism grant. ATTENTION LEGIONS: Royal Canadian Legions located with the Municipality may apply for grant funding to support programs and events which are open to the public. General operating expenses or capital improvements will not be considered. OFFICE USE ONLY Cssential Services 0 Regional Services Local Non -Profit 1 Community Halls I:1 National/Provincial, Cultural/Health Services 7 Report Received Page 3 of 3 Registry,ofJoint Stock Companies https://r se.gov.ns.ca/rjsc/search/viewProfile.dc gov.ns.ca Government of Nova Scotia Government of Nova Scotia Nova Scotia, Canada Francais Government Home > Service NS Home > Access NS > Services for Businesses > Registry of Joint Stock Companies > Search our Database > Name Inquiry Results List > Profile Profile oa- Printer Version New Search Back to Inquiry Results Profile Info 3 People Info 3, Activites Info > Related Reg's Info PROFILE - CHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT - as of: 2016-06-28 11:17 AM Business/ Organization Name: CHESTER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Registry ID: 3033377 Type: Society Nature of Business: Status: Active Jurisdiction: Nova Scotia Registered Office: 149 CENTRAL STREET CHESTER NS Canada BOJ 110 Mailing Address: PO BOX 564 CHESTER NS Canada BOJ IJ0 PEOPLE Name Position Civic Address Mailing Address 37 STANFORD LAKE ROAD HAZEN FREDERICK EMMS Director CHESTER NS BOJ 110 4045 HIGHWAY #3, BARRY DOUGLAS SCHNARE Director CHESTER NS B01 110 305 OLD TRUNK #3 LEO DANIEL CHAFE Director CHESTER NS B03 130 230 QUEEN STREET EXTENSION WILLIAM ZINCK JR. Director CHESTER NS BOJ 110 of 3 6/28/2016 11:34 AM Registry, ofJoint Stock Companies https://rjsc.gov.ns.ca/rjsc/search/vieWProfile.dc ACTIVITIES Activity Date 41 OLD TRUNK #3 2015-08-28 DAVE RICHARDSON Director Annual Renewal 2014-08-21 Annual Statement Filed 2014-08-20 CHESTER NS BOJ 1J0 2013-08-16 Annual Statement Filed 2013-08-16 305 OLD TRUNK #3 305 OLD TRUNK #3, RR#1LEODANIELCHAFERecognizedAgent Annual Renewal 2011-08-16 Annual Renewal 2010-09-02 CHESTER NS BOJ 1JO CHESTER NS BOJ 1J0 ACTIVITIES Activity Date Annual Renewal 2015-08-28 Annual Statement Filed 2015-08-28 Annual Renewal 2014-08-21 Annual Statement Filed 2014-08-20 Annual Renewal 2013-08-16 Annual Statement Filed 2013-08-16 Annual Renewal 2012-08-23 Annual Statement Filed 2012-08-23 Annual Renewal 2011-08-16 Annual Renewal 2010-09-02 Annual Statement Filed 2010-09-02 Annual Statement Filed 2009-09-15 Annual Renewal 2009-09-01 Annual Renewal 2008-09-08 Annual Statement Filed 2008-09-08 Annual Statement Filed 2008-09-08 Annual Renewal 2007-09-18 Annual Statement Filed 2007-09-17 Annual Statement Filed 2007-09-17 Annual Renewal 2006-10-05 Annual Statement Filed 2006-10-05 Annual Renewal 2005-08-25 Annual Statement Filed 2005-08-25 Annual Renewal 2004-10-04 Annual Renewal 2003-10-30 of 3 6/28/2016 11:34 AM Registry of Joint Stock Companies https://rjsc.gov.ns.ca/rjsc/search/viewProfile.do Annual Renewal 2002-08-21 Annual Renewal 2001-09-11 Annual Renewal 2000-09-12 Incorporated 1999-09-13 Show All Collapse RELATED REGISTRATIONS There are no related registrations on file for this company. New Search Back to Inquiry Results Crown copyright ©2016, Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved. Come to life - Discover Nova Scotia 3 of 3 6/28/2016 11:34 AM Bruce Blackwood From: Everett Hiltz <ehiltz@fireschool.ca> Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 5:09 PM To: Bruce Blackwood Subject: Mutual Aid Training on the MBU Afternoon Bruce, I've been crunching numbers regarding the potential use of the MBU while it is in Chester for a mutual aid training event. So far the past 2 training sessions have been well attended by firefighters from 5 of the 7 departments. I'll estimate that we will have over 30 participants for the live fire day. At the normal NSFS cost of 125.00 a head it's near $4,000.00. I'll request that the Municipality provided $2,000.00 as we previously discussed to fund this training event utilizing the Nova Scotia Firefighters School, Mobile Burn Unit. It would be a flat fee with no minimum or maximum on the participants able to attend and open to all 7 of the fire departments. We will be doing several stations focusing on interior fire attacks, dumpster fires, vehicle fires, hose handling, attack techniques, forcible entry, and sprinkler control. Chester Fire Department will be providing an apparatus, dumpster rental and acquisition/removal ofthe vehicle providing lunch to all participants Please advise if the municipality is willing to contribute to this mutual aid training event. EH Please note my email address has changed. Everett Hiltz Senior Instructor Nova Scotia Firefighters School 48 Powder Mill Rd. Waverley, NS 132R 1E9 902)861-3823 Ext 262 902)860-0255 Fax 1-866-861-3823 Toll Free 1-866-399-3473 Toll Free Fax ehiltz@fireschool.ca www.nsfs.ns.ca Bruce Blackwood From: Everett Hiltz <ehiltz@fireschool.ca> Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 12:07 PM To: Bruce Blackwood Subject: Re: Mutual Aid MBU Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Hi Bruce, The typical pricing for what we want to do would be near $4000.00. I'm offering it to the area on behalf of NSFS at a discounted rate of $2000.00 total. I'm splitting the cost based on the fact that Chester has booked 3 separate days oftraining and the other departments will hopefully be booking a day for department specific training. If i did not have the commitment from the area t6 use it other than these days we would be at a higher price. Chester Fire will be providing the remaining logistics for the event including lunch for the participants. Essentially yes, the training day will be free for the departments pending grant approval. EH On Tue, Jun 28, 2016 at 11:47 AM, Bruce Blackwood <bblackwood a,chester.ca> wrote: Hi Everett, I will go to Council on July 7 for the $ 2000 training grant. I have filled out the request form but if you have a chance perhaps you could drop by and sign it on behalf of CVFD. I show CVFD as making the request as it is the non profit organization that is hosting, better than showing NSFS as the group receiving the funds. Just to clarify the numbers, are the total costs expected to be $ 4000 as mentioned in your email as the regular costs in which case the FDs would still have to pay at 50% fee or are you planning on total cost of $ 2000 in which case we would offer the training essentially free of charge to the FDs for that particular day. Thanks Bruce Bruce Blackwood