The Village of Burns Lake has been helping seniors stay healthy all year round, offering over 20 recreation programs to ensure people over 65 years old can enjoy an active lifestyle.
Because of Burns Lake’s commitment to improving the quality of life of its senior citizens, the provincial government awarded Burns Lake the status of “age-friendly community” in the spring of 2015.
In 2014, village council adopted the ‘age friendly assessment and action plan’ (AFAAP) as a guide to make Burns Lake a more inclusive community for residents of all ages. The plan looked at a variety of topics including housing, outdoors spaces, community support and recreation opportunities.
As a result of the AFAAP recommendations, the village developed the ‘active 365’ program, which includes recreation activities for seniors all year round. Since the beginning of 2015, the programs listed below have been offered, for free, to the seniors by the village recreation department:
1. Fitness 60+ programs;
2. 60+ snowshoes day;
3. Fused glass wall hanger making class;
4. Paper bag mini photo album;
5. Spring card with glass magnet;
6. Soap making demo class;
7. Pickleball program;
8. Squash clinic;
9. Climbing lessons;
10. 60+ nutrition programs;
11. Card making program;
12. Cookie decoration program;
13. Silver sole hike club;
14. Senior’s bonspiels;
15. 60+ canoe and kayak lesson;
16. 60+ free Multiplex drop in program in April;
17. 60+ canoe and kayak rentals during the summer;
18. Curling clinic;
19. Senior’s trip to Nora Lee;
20. 60+ gardening project;
21. Zumba gold/zumba gold toning.
“Most of the programs were successfully completed, and at this moment, we are preparing a parade as a finale,” explained Sheryl Worthing, Chief Administrative Officer for the Village of Burns Lake.
The seniors who have participated in this project are planning to take part in Burns Lake’s Christmas parade on Nov. 28, 2015.
The village has also been working on projects that will indirectly improve the lives of seniors, including the downtown revitalization project.
“The downtown revitalization project not only helps make the downtown more attractive, but provides important features that assist seniors and other residents such as increased number of benches, improved sidewalks and an overall welcoming environment that encourages seniors to walk and enjoy downtown,” explained Krystin St. Jean, Economic Development Officer for the Village of Burns Lake.
Another project that will also indirectly benefit Burns Lake seniors is the upgrade of Eighth Avenue/Center Street corridor.
“The upgrade of Eighth Avenue will include the addition of sidewalks, which will help make the streets safer for all residents to walk along that corridor and have better access to some of the local health care services in our community,” said St. Jean.
In addition, village staff is looking to update the village’s official community plan to include objectives and policies involving the AFAAP recommendations. The AFAAP has also been passed to other organizations in the Lakes District that are interested in developing age-friendly programs.
According to the 2011 census, Burns Lake had over 300 citizens aged 65 years and older.
For more information on recreation activities for seniors, contact the Lakeside Multiplex at 250-692-3817.