COQUITLAM, B.C., Dec. 9, 2021 – Activities for older adults are ramping up in Coquitlam, including outreach to isolated seniors and returning activities, volunteers and food services at the City’s 50+ facilities.
The City has been busy over the fall working to bring programs and services for Coquitlam seniors back to pre-pandemic levels, while collaborating with the seniors’ societies at Glen Pine and Dogwood Pavilions to plan future services and address needs identified in the 2018-2028 Seniors Services Strategy.
Agreement Signed with Seniors’ Societies
Coquitlam signed its first service agreements this fall with the Glen Pine 50+ Society and Dogwood Seniors Society, formalizing the role of these two important advisory groups in planning successful programs and services.
A high priority in the City’s Seniors Services Strategy, the new service agreements have already brought about improvements to registration processes for activity groups at both locations. Information about society activities can be found at www.glenpine50plus.com and www.dogwoodseniors50plus.com.
Activities in Full Swing at 50+ Pavilions
Seniors have been resuming their favourite activities at Glen Pine and Dogwood Pavilions, including once again enjoying coffee, conversation and a bite to eat at the cafés. Health protocols are in effect, with masks and proof of full vaccination required where indicated by the Provincial Health Officer.
Both Lemon Tree Café at Glen Pine and Boulevard Café at Dogwood are open weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with hot and cold beverages, baked goods and daily lunch options. Dogwood’s Tea Garden is also open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All drop-in amenities are also back, including Glen Pine’s fitness centre, computer lab, library and lounge and Dogwood’s computer lab, woodworking and lapidary shops, library, lounge and snooker room.
Registration is open for activity groups and other programs, with many free. See what’s available at www.coquitlam.ca/registration and register online, in person at the Pavilions or by phone at 604-927-4386. Learn more about the Pavilions at www.coquitlam.ca/glenpine and www.coquitlam.ca/dogwood.
Volunteers are Back
Dedicated volunteers make the Pavilions the warm and welcoming places they are. Volunteers lead activity groups, assist at the cafés, provide information to the public, connect with isolated seniors and generally help out where needed. Residents interested in enriching their leisure time by volunteering with 50+ adults are encouraged to apply at www.coquitlam.ca/volunteer.
Improving Outreach to Isolated Seniors
To address a need identified in the Seniors Services Strategy, the City’s Meals for Seniors program – launched during the pandemic when the Pavilion cafés closed – will transition in early 2022 to focus on the community’s most socially isolated seniors.
The City has been working with organizations like Fraser Health, SHARE and Seniors Supportive Housing Outreach to create a referral-based outreach program to provide healthy meals to isolated seniors who do not have the opportunity to engage with City programs or visit Pavilion cafés.
The new referral program will include an in-person version of the City’s Social Connections program – in which volunteers chat with seniors by phone – to help reduce isolation through regular meal delivery and person-to-person conversation.
Advance notice of program changes and alternatives will be communicated to existing users and posted at www.coquitlam.ca/meals.
Financial Assistance Available for Recreation
It’s now easier than ever for people of all ages to access financial support for Coquitlam’s recreation services. The City has relaunched a more user-friendly Financial Assistance for Recreation program – formerly known as Get Connected, Get Active – with easier sign-up and income verification plus more flexibility than ever. For details or to register online, visit www.coquitlam.ca/financialassistancerec.
Media contact:
Debbie Clavelle
Community Recreation Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4386
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca