Riverview Receives Age-Friendly Community Designation

RIVERVIEW (N.B.) – The Town of Riverview has been designated as the province’s 15th age-friendly community.

“Age-friendly communities play an integral role in ensuring New Brunswick seniors age in comfort and with dignity in their own communities,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch. “I am pleased to see another community join this important network.”

Fitch spoke on behalf of Kathy Bockus, minister responsible for seniors.

The recognition program, administered by the Department of Social Development, encourages communities to take sustainable action to become welcoming places for all ages and to encourage healthy aging and wellness.

Communities across the province have been receiving this designation since the program was launched in 2017, and many others are in various stages of the process.

“We are so proud to be designated an age-friendly community,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew J. LeBlanc. “Seniors have helped strengthen our community since amalgamation 50 years ago, and we are pleased to continue to make great strides toward the well-being of our older residents.”

The Age-Friendly Community Recognition program provides support to communities in their efforts to become age friendly. This often involves making improvements to infrastructure to increase accessibility for seniors, including with transportation, outdoor spaces and housing. Efforts are also made to promote social inclusion, intergenerational opportunities and active living for all residents.

Communities that receive this recognition are required to continue their approach and reapply every three years to maintain their status.

To receive recognition, communities must have completed four milestones, which have been adopted from the World Health Organization. These are based upon community engagement and taking sustainable action and include passing a resolution; establishing an advisory committee; assessing the community; and developing and implementing an action plan.

More information about the program is available online.

Riverview Town Council Members attended today's announcement.