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29| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,July 5,2018 theifp.ca Recent census data shows that the largest age group of residents in Halton Hills are between 45 and 55, meaning in the next 10 years, the region is expect- ing a large influx of senior citizens. With that, the town of Halton Hills is taking on a study of the Hillsview active living centres in Acton and Georgetown in order to as- sess the needs of this incom- ing population. At a recent community and corporate affairs com- mittee meeting, council heard from Sylvia Mitchell, the president of the Hills- view Active Living centre in Acton, and Rick Chambers, the past chair for the Georgetown location. "Our members constant- ly voice their appreciation for the services," said Mitch- ell, who recounted a num- ber of testimonials where residents explained how the centres vastly improved their quality of life. "I now consider the cen- tre a home away from home," she read. "The cen- tre gave me meaning. It gave me reason to get out of the house and not be isolated." While both Georgetown and Acton facilities have been upgraded following the 2008 space needs study, the speakers told committee that a steady growth in the use of the facility has lead to further needs. While the enrolment rates have not risen drasti- cally over the past decade, daily usage rates have sky- rocketed. Seniors are more engaged with the facilities than they have ever been. "At the Georgetown cen- tre, we still have a need for additional parking," said Chambers, explaining that parking can become a seri- ous issue for visitors when there are popular events. They also explained the challenges they face in re- cruiting volunteers, and fi- nancing the programs. The Georgetown facility currently requires $90,000 annually to fund opera- tions, which comes from membership fees, event fees and other fundraising. Chambers explained that as the organization ca- ters to seniors, many of which live in fixed incomes, the price of membership and user fees can become costly. "The fundraising aspect becomes a challenge," he said. The study will be under- taken by town staff in 2019, and will analyze census da- ta, and service needs in or- der to come up with a report. "We want to be able to do a real in-depth senior ser- vices review," said Terri Forbes, recreation supervi- sor of the Georgetown facil- ity. She explained that the goal is to analyze how to ex- pand what the facilities pro- vide now, to accommodate the bubble of 45 to 55-year- olds who will be using the centres in the next decade and beyond. The report is expected to come to council by the end of 2019. NEWS Hillsview centres brace for influx of seniors ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com Jill Evans looks over at Alice Wilson while at the crafting table in the Hillsview Active Living Centre in Georgetown. Alexandra Heck/Metroland Please call for a tour 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Accredited by: R.R. 2, Guelph 519-856-4622 www.edenhousecarehome.ca 130 Mill Street East, Acton 519-853-0079 Full & Partial Dentures Implant Retained Dentures Precision Dentures (BPS® Certified) Relines, Additions & Repairs Dental Lab On Site No Referrals Needed To advertise on this page call Kelli: 905-234-1018 or email kkosonic@theifp.ca Buy 1, Get 1 Hearing Testing, Hearing Aids • Accessories ARE YOUR EARS 60 YEARS? It's TIME to get them TESTED! Ph: 289-891-8833 120 Mill Street, Georgetown Hearing Testing, Hearing Aids Accessories