September 25, 1998

To:Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee

From:City Clerk

Subject:International Year of Older Persons (IYOP) 1999 - Proposed Projects.

The Seniors' Task Force on September 15, 1998 had before it a report (September 1, 1998) from Edna Beange, Ruth Brown, Bill Campbell, and Dorothy MacKinnon providing information on proposed projects for the International Year of Older Persons.

The Seniors' Task Force recommended adoption of the aforementioned report containing the following recommendations:

(1) an effective system of street signage for the entire City of Toronto;

(2)walking program with kick-off walk to be held at 1:30 p.m. on October 4,1998 from the St. Lawrence Centre to the McKenzie House, guided by members of the Toronto Historical Society; and

(3) involving all media sources to seek out retired seniors in order to identify and publicize seniors' activities, needs, and to develop and utilize effective lobbying techniques on behalf of seniors.

The Seniors' Task Force also received a communication (July 14, 1998) from the City Clerk advising of recommendation (2) that a staff group, comprised of representatives of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Department, Healthy City Office, Public Health Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and any other interested parties involved in seniors' issues, including the Advisory Committee on Homes for the Aged and the Seniors' Task Force, be established to ensure that an integrated plan for events is in place for the 1999 United Nations International Year of Older Persons, and report thereon through the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee; as contained in Clause No. 13 of Report No. 6 of the Community and Neighbourhood Services Committee, which was adopted, without amendment, by the Council of the City of Toronto at its meeting held on July 8, 9, and 10, 1998.

City Clerk.

Betty Gattoni

Attachment

1 (a)INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF OLDER PERSONS (IYOP) 1999

Edna Beange,Ruth Brown, Bill Campbell, Dorothy MacKinnon

(September 1, 1998)

The following are proposals for projects celebrating the International Year of Older Persons (IYOP) 1999:

1.Develop an effective system of street signage for the entire City of Toronto.

A total commitment is required to develop a system of world-class signage for street identification throughout the entire City. We recognize that major intersections must be addressed first. However, there must be an acceptance of the completion of the project to encompass the entire City as soon as possible.

This project, celebrating the International Year of Older Persons, will benefit everyone and will be useful in assisting tourists and business travellers generated by the many world class conventions held in our City. This could lead to better street signage throughout the world.

Traffic engineers and emergency staff should be involved in the review, design, and implementation of an effective signage system.

The following existing problems will have to be addressed:

(a)Major intersection signs are not effectively placed; and

(b)Signs are obstructed by trees, or other signs detract from street signs.

Suggestions:

(a)Uniform locations for signs;

(b)Consideration of identification of north, south, east, and west at major intersections; and

(c)Consider the possibility of improving street lighting to highlight signage.

As an off-shoot to the signage project, it might be worth considering a campaign to encourage every resident to install a house number that is visible from the street. This would also assist emergency responses. Commercial operations, particularly stores, should also be targeted.

2.Develop a program of walking involving inter-generational activity to explore all areas of the City beyond one's immediate neighbourhood. Our kick-off walk will be held at 1:00 p.m. on October 4, 1998, commencing from the St. Lawrence Centre to McKenzie House, guided by members of the Toronto Historical Society.

3.Involve all branches of the media (radio, T.V., news, etc.) to use their communication skills to seek out retired seniors in order to identify and publicize seniors' activities and needs. Further, to develop and utilize effective lobbying techniques, using all these skills on behalf of seniors.