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John Doyle, CEO of the Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors, stands outside Aven Court -- cottages for seniors. YACCS is hosting two focus groups this month to discuss the housing needs of seniors. - Katherine Hudson/NNSL photo

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The demographic landscape in Yellowknife and throughout Canada is changing, with the number of seniors increasing dramatically. The Yellowknife Association of Concerned Citizens for Seniors (YACCS) is looking to future plans on housing needs of seniors in the city now.

According to Statistics Canada, the number of seniors in Canada is projected to increase from 4.2 million to 9.8 million between 2005 and 2036. A consultant's study commissioned by YACCS in the spring of this year states the number of seniors in the city is expected to more than double in the next 15 years: from 7 per cent to 16 per cent in 2025.

YACCS is preparing for what could be an influx of seniors ready to move to a seniors' facility or have care resources available in their own homes as they require more assistance day to day. The association is hosting two focus groups this month: one for those between the ages of 50 and 59, and one for community members over the age of 60. The focus groups will mostly deal with independent housing and the needs of seniors requiring minimal support. The 50-59 age focus group is established for YACCS to get a sense of what Yellowknifers' plans are who are going to be seniors in the future.

"We're in desperate need of housing, big time. There's not a lot here," said Vivian Squires, executive director of the Yellowknife Seniors' Society. "In the next couple of years, it's going to be critical."

John Doyle, chief executive officer of YACCS, said the group discussions will focus on what kind of housing is needed in Yellowknife and how big the need is.

"We know that there's a need out there, it's just putting a finger on what exactly that need is and how we address it and that's why we need to have focus groups because we need to ask those questions," he said. "Whether we need more market housing, possibly a seniors' complex, or whether there's a greater need for public housing for seniors or what kind of supports we could be providing to allow them to stay in the home they're living in right now."

Currently, YACCS offers accommodation for about 40 seniors in independent living through Aven Court and Aven Ridge.

There are between 30 and 40 individuals on the wait list for both YACCS facilities and about three or four people waiting for seniors' accommodations through the Yellowknife Housing Authority, which offers one-bedroom units in the downtown area as well as the Mary Murphy Home.

Through an influx of baby boomers and an increase in life expectancy, the wait lists will continue to grow.

According to the City of Yellowknife's General Plan Background Report, the demographic shift is already taking place, with the percentage of people 60 and above in Yellowknife increasing considerably from 2001. In 2001, about 4 per cent of the population was above 60 while in 2010, the percentage jumped to close to 8 per cent.

Doyle said those looking to build housing as well as others who are selling property near the seniors' association have contacted YACCS to detect any interest levels in development and expansion.

"So we have a waiting list, we have people who are interested in providing property or even housing, but really before the board makes a decision ... they need to have more information. What's the real need? What are peoples' desires for housing?"

Jim White, chief executive officer for the Yellowknife Housing Authority, echoed that a long-range plan is critical and that the authority is developing its own.

"We anticipate a growth, as well. More people are staying in the North as they get older and retire," he said.

The housing authority deals with family living as well as those with physical disabilities, which he said goes hand-in-hand with ageing.

"There's a lot of crossover between seniors and physically disabled because, through ageing, there is a decline in health," said White.

He said the authority offers 70 units in total that are designated for seniors and physically-disabled individuals.

"We anticipate minor, controllable growth in both those areas."

The focus groups put on by YACCS will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Baker Community Centre.

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