Supporting Seniors in Our City at the Municipal Level

When we talk about services for seniors, most people think first about health care or pensions which are areas managed by provincial or federal governments. But at the local level, the City of Edmonton plays an important and often overlooked role in ensuring that seniors can age in place, stay connected to their communities, and live with dignity.

During my university years and as as a newcomer in late 2000s and early 2010s, I did a community service placement at a seniors home, and also had a student co-op work placement in one of the largest seniors housing providers in Edmonton. That is where I learned so much about the different systems, norms and supports in place in Canada and Edmonton when it comes to caring for seniors at a broad level.

As someone running to serve on City Council, I see seniors not just as recipients of services but as active, engaged residents who deserve a city that adapts to their changing needs. Whether it’s through infrastructure, local programs, or policy design, there is a lot our city can, and should do to support older adults.

Municipal Matters That Affect Seniors Daily

Affordability and Property Taxes

Seniors who own their homes can struggle as property taxes continue to rise. Those on fixed incomes may face tough decisions about whether they can afford to stay in the communities they’ve called home for decades. The City can support seniors by advocating for greater uptake and awareness of the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, and by ensuring its own processes are easy to navigate. As a councillor, I would pay close attention to how future budgets impact fixed-income households and support any local tools that help seniors stay in their homes longer.

Housing and Densification

The current conversations around zoning and densification may seem distant or abstract, but they matter deeply for older adults. When done well, infill and diverse housing types like duplexes, fourplexes, and low-rise apartments can provide seniors with options that are smaller, more affordable, and easier to maintain, while still being close to their original neighbourhoods. I support housing policies that offer real choice, not just for first-time buyers or families, but for seniors looking to downsize without moving far from the people and places they know.

Accessible Neighbourhoods

Too many parts of Edmonton are built in ways that assume people will drive to access basic services. For seniors who don’t or can’t drive anymore, this limits independence and quality of life. We must prioritize walkability, accessible design, and transit-friendly development so that every neighbourhood is age-friendly. This includes safe sidewalks, public benches, shaded areas, well-marked crosswalks, and slower traffic speeds on residential streets.

Mobility and Local Transportation

The City of Edmonton provides important services like the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) with discounted fares for seniors, and DATS (Disabled Adult Transit Service) for those who need door-to-door support. Snow clearing, especially on sidewalks and bus stops, is another municipal issue that disproportionately impacts older adults. I would continue to advocate for well-funded programs like the Assisted Snow Removal Pilot, and improved timelines for clearing priority pedestrian routes.

Access to Recreation and Community Life

Staying active and socially connected is vital to healthy aging. Edmonton’s recreation centres offer discounted admission for seniors, along with programming tailored to older adults. Community gathering spaces like the community league halls that many of us love play a major role too. Unfortunately, many newer neighbourhoods lack these types of gathering places. I would push for continued investment in these social and civic hubs, especially in parts of the city that are underserved and are rapidly growing.

A City That Ages Gracefully

Our city’s Age Friendly Edmonton initiative has made important progress, but we must ensure that this work continues. Being “age-friendly” can’t just be a slogan—it has to be a guiding principle in how we design infrastructure, allocate budgets, and shape the future of our communities.

As a councillor, I would continue to track how seniors are affected by city policies in housing, transportation, infrastructure, recreation, and public engagement. I would work with local organizations, seniors' councils, and neighbourhood groups to ensure that no one is left behind as our city grows and evolves.

To learn more about the services and supports currently available for seniors in Edmonton, I encourage you to visit the City’s official Seniors Services page.

Let’s build a city where everyone can age well—where seniors feel valued, heard, and at home.