PRESS RELEASE FROM DISH May 29, 2010
The Desbarats Independent Senior Housing committee thanks the more than one hundred seniors and nearly seniors who answered the DISH housing survey.
This committee is concerned about the loss of long-time area homeowners when they can no longer handle house and lawn maintenance and need to relocate away from their neighborhood. The resulting exodus of valuable society members leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of small communities.
According to StatsCan 2006 census, there were 1435 people over the age of 50 living in the municipalities of Johnson, Laird, Tarbutt, Bruce Mines and Plummer Additional - 570 were 65 and older. Over half of the people who responded to the survey were 65 and older. Johnson Township alone, according to the 2006 census, had 270 seniors – with 130 being 65 and over.
In addition to answering the survey questions, 54 respondents took the time to make comments. While the majority of comments received were positive, the committee appreciates the honesty expressed in the multitude of opinions. That so many helpful responses were received in short time is encouraging to the committee members. Upon reviewing the results, the committee feels that a 10-unit senior housing complex could easily be filled with local seniors wanting the ease of apartment living while staying near their homestead (98% of respondents own their home).
Therefore, the DISH committee is proceeding to establish a not-for-profit entity by the fall, and beginning to investigate models of building and funding.
It’s never too late to voice your opinion of this project – or to get involved. Just visit the Johnson Township office in person or online at www.johnsontwp.ca for an e-mail link. The results of the survey will also be posted on that site.
Items of Community Interest: