About 250 anglophone seniors took part in consultations Monday afternoon concerning the city's action plan to address their needs.
Held at the Cummings Centre in Cote-des-Neiges/Notre-Dame-de-Grace, the event was created after an outcry; initial consultations omitted anglophones.
“Unfortunately the city is often in reactive mode on a lot of dossiers, not just listening to seniors, as you can imagine. It's a big machine. It can be hard to turn around,” said Projet Montreal city councillor Peter McQueen.
Some issues still remain, including the timing of these consultations. Many would like to see the consultations taking place when the weather is not a barrier to mobility.
“The sidewalks are a mess out there. It's been cold, it's been icy. The sidewalks are treacherous, so it’s very dangerous for people,” said Shannon Hebblethwaite, the spokesperson for the Centre for Research on Aging.
Technology is also a factor, she said.
“We're concerned that older people don't all have access to computers. They can't all afford devices or internet access,” she said.
Those taking part in the consultation hope the city continues to include anglophones.
“Well it's a beginning. All beginnings are good. They just have to stay with this don't they? Don't do this to sort of like giving a dog a bone to keep us all quiet,” said resident Roz Levy.
A second English consultation is expected to be held in March in Pierrefonds.
People can also participate online, and get support by contacting Eric Steedman by calling 438 320-1298 or writing to eric.steedman@coopinterface.ca
Montreal is hoping to adopt the action plan in May.
