Item - 2024.EC13.4

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1. City Council adopt the approach to community consultation outlined in the report (May 10, 2024) from the General Manager, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care and direct the General Manager, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care to implement the planned consultation approach.

2. City Council request the General Manager, Seniors Services and Long-Term Care to develop the third Toronto Seniors Strategy.

This report provides a response to City Council's request for a plan to develop the third Toronto Seniors Strategy.

Toronto’s senior population is growing, with increasing diversity and evolving priorities for aging in place. Building on the first (2013-18) and second (2018-22) Toronto Seniors Strategies, the third Toronto Seniors Strategy will continue to develop and adapt City programs, policies, and strategic initiatives to better support aging in place, particularly for seniors who are Indigenous, Black, and those who belong to equity-deserving groups.

SSLTC has developed a community consultation process to identify the priorities of seniors in Toronto. The multi-modal community consultation plan was developed based on City engagement practices, best practices for engaging with seniors, and principles of equity and accessibility. The consultation methods are informed by leading practices for the engagement of seniors, as identified in the literature. This community consultation process will enhance the City's understanding of the concerns and experiences of seniors in Toronto, with a focus on equity-informed priorities for aging in place. The consultation results will be combined with sociodemographic data and input from key stakeholders to develop the third Toronto Seniors Strategy.