Request for a Report on Opportunities to Develop a third Toronto Seniors Strategy - by Councillor Vincent Crisanti, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson

Seniors are key and valued members of our communities, and the City of Toronto must act urgently to build upon its previous and ongoing efforts to create a city that accommodates the priorities of Toronto's growing community of diverse seniors. It is widely known that the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted seniors and exacerbated their existing priorities and challenges, including social isolation and loneliness, access to services, food and housing insecurity, and financial challenges related to rising inflation. To respond to the impact of the pandemic and the ongoing demographic shift, the City of Toronto has an opportunity to set new goals to better support seniors living in Toronto. Seniors in Toronto are increasingly expressing their desire to age in place in their communities, and often voice a need for community and social supports to do so. The first and second Toronto Seniors Strategy advanced key City initiatives that supported these priorities, as well as the quality of life, social participation, access to services, and well-being of seniors in Toronto. Future iterations of the Toronto Seniors Strategy should respond to the new and emerging challenges faced by seniors in Toronto.