Grey County has received official recognition from the Ontario government as an age-friendly community.
The designation was awarded during a ceremony organized by the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility on Sunday, January 18, at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.
The event took place alongside the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference and brought together municipalities from across the province that are working to better support residents as they age. Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs attended the ceremony on behalf of the County.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as an age-friendly community. Grey County has a clear vision of being a safe, healthy, and supportive place for people of all ages, and this recognition affirms that commitment. Whether someone is eight or 80, we want them to thrive, feel connected, and be happy to call Grey County home,” said Warden Andrea Matrosovs.
Grey County is an active participant in the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Network and is also affiliated with the World Health Organization’s Global Age-Friendly Network. The County supports age-friendly initiatives locally through its Age-Friendly Communities Committee and by administering the Joint Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Work on age-friendly planning formally began in 2021 with the launch of Grey County’s first Age-Friendly Communities Strategy and Action Plan. Implementation of the plan is ongoing, with a progress update scheduled to be presented to Grey County Council later this year. The strategy addresses eight key areas designed to foster inclusive, livable communities for residents of all ages.
Grey County also acknowledged the Town of Hanover, which was similarly honoured with age-friendly community recognition at the ceremony.
