After a peek at proposed plans for enhancing Oak Bay’s age-friendly values, council accepted the strategy in principle while sitting as committee Feb. 15.
“This is a document that we can realize as we move forward to implement the OCP. This is a planning tool that will serve us very well,” said Coun. Tara Ney.
An abundance of caution created the “in principle” to council’s consideration.
“I think it captures the essence,” said Coun. Kevin Murdoch, who sought clarification on whether accepting the draft Age Friendly Action Plan would be a strict policy or a guiding document. Murdoch, also chair of the Greater Victoria Regional Library board, noted one suggestion is to have a second small library in the community, something not in the GVPL 15-year strategic plan.
Coun. Eric Zhelka shared concern that the plan holds significant impacts on budget and staff time. The age-friendly plan is not part of council’s current strategic plan, but references some implementation options alongside the official community plan.
Council reviewing and accepting in principle was enough to cover the grant requirements, staff said. Staff applied in late 2014 for a grant from the Seniors’ Housing and Support initiative to develop of a District of Oak Bay Age-Friendly Action Plan. The project included surveys, open houses and plan development.
Motions made at committee are recommendations to council for discussion at a future meeting.
Read the draft plan online at oakbay.ca.
