Re-positioning of the Squamish Seniors’ Centre aims to attract greater participation from Squamish adults

 The newly-named 55 Activity Centre expands programming on evenings and weekends to cater to a diverse adult population with a wide range of interests and cultural backgrounds

The Squamish Seniors’ Centre is being re-named The 55 Activity Centre, with expanded hours, new décor, and a broader programming focus to better serve Squamish’s diverse adult population. The objective of the newly-positioned 55 Activity Centre is to increase participation from a greater number of Squamish adults at this under-utilized facility.

While daytime programming will be focused on continuing to meet the needs of the 55+ population, evening and weekend programming will broaden the scope of offerings, and subsequent interest in the centre for adults of all ages, across a wide range of interests and abilities.

“We have an incredibly active and vibrant population of aging adults in Squamish, many of whom don’t yet self-identify as being a senior,” says District of Squamish Acting Mayor Doug Race. “Changing the name and expanding new programming into the evening and weekend hours will aim to reach a new audience to help us increase the use of the facility.”

The 55 programming will have a focus on health and wellness, visual and performing arts, social opportunities and events, education, and intergenerational connections.

“It is important for us to ensure that The 55 continues to offer a welcoming and inclusive space for Squamish seniors to meet and connect socially and emotionally with other locals who are sharing that same stage of life,” continues Race. “The 55 will continue to provide those connections and support through programs, trips and social gatherings.”

The changes are a result of the Squamish Seniors' Centre Revitalization Project, whose recommendations were endorsed by Council in July. The recommendations generated by a project team of 13 community members stemmed from substantial public engagement which involved meetings, group interviews, a survey, and an open house, which provided feedback on a range of topics such as programming ideas, vision for the facility, food service, marketing, and physical space improvements. Over 2,100 individual survey comments from 437 surveys were generated. 71 percent of respondents were aged 50 years or older.

Programs offered at The 55 Activity Centre, located at 1201 Village Green Way, will begin in September. A list of programs is available in the online Fall Program Guide, or via a brochure available for pickup at The 55, or at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Residents should also stay tuned to the weekly District Recreation Services advertisement in the Chief Newspaper and the “What’s Happening” monthly e-newsletter for programming highlights and event features.

Further information about the revitalization project is available on the District’s website. 

August 18, 2017