SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Now that the city's streets are white with snow, many seniors are finding themselves without the means of getting around in the cold winter months.

"One of the things I'm starting to notice is it's becoming more and more difficult for me to get around in the wintertime as I'm aging," said city councillor David Wind, while attending the NWT Forum on healthy aging and age-friendly communities in the NWT.

In attendance was Paddy Meade, deputy minister of Health and Social Services, along with recreation co-ordinators from several communities, members of seniors societies, and the public.

Much of the forum focused on encouraging activity for seniors in order to ensure their good health.

Many in attendance said one thing that's impeding the activity of seniors in Yellowknife are the long, cold winter months.

"The city is a little bit spread out and for people who don't have the financial means or the personal support for transportation, there are barriers for them being active in the community," said Sandra Mann, a home care worker in Yellowknife.

"The costing of the bus services is appropriate, and certainly there is the transportation for persons with disabilities, but it's still at a cost and if you have limited income, that doesn't become your priority … if you have doctor's appointments and other things to balance your income on," said Mann.

These sentiments were echoed by Barbara Hood, executive director of the NWT Seniors Society.

"Certainly as weather changes, one of the difficulties at this time of year is accessibility. Being able to get around," said Hood.

"Generally speaking, I think Yellowknife has been very receptive and very supportive of the seniors. The things that could probably improve are ensuring that we have that accessibility," said Hood.

Wind said city council will discuss the issue.

"As we rethink our snow clearing process and procedures, we need to see whether it's adequate for our population and maybe make some adjustments as to how we approach it," said Wind.

Wind said while high traffic "priority" areas of the city get cleared first, other residential areas are waiting for "quite a long time."

"For somebody who has diminished mobility capabilities, it's difficult for them to get around. If you have a sore knee or a sore hip, or a touch of arthritis, it's very difficult," said Wind.

He also noted that an older population needs more access to washrooms, an issue that had dogged the city for some time.