THE MINISTER who heads Canada’s national housing agency has strong personal views about the way seniors will be able to look after themselves in the final de- cade of the 20th century. Hon, Stewart MclInnes, minister of public works and minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, notes that seniors now account for just over 10 per cent of the population. NUMBERS CLIMB That number will climb to 13 ner cent by the end of the century and by the year 2031, when the baby boom generation reaches retire- ment age, one out of every four Canadians will be 65 or older. How the needs of this diverse group, who are in a position to afford a much different lifestyle than any generation before, are met will be the theme of a three-day conference on Housing Options for Older Canadians, to be held in Halifax, Oct. 17-20. “One of our objectives is to find ways that will enable seniors to live in their own homes — if they so choose,’’ said the minister. “VERY INVITING FROM THE BACK!” The solution of taking people out of their familiar surroundings at age 65 is no longer good enough today. We need to explore ail possibilities, whether bring- ing services to them or developing a variety of fi- nancing programs. “Many seniors are asset rich but are often income poor — so we have to exam- ine ways that will enable them to make effective use of these assets,’’ said McIn- nes. “We will be talking not only to seniors but to the people who will become seniors within a reasonable period of time as well as to people of all ages involved in planning for the care of their parents.”’ SENIORS INVOLVED Seniors will be involved in a very meaningful way in the conference — ‘‘so that we can have the benefit of their experience. The conference is intended primarily as a forum where all the various groups involved can get together to develop new ideas — and options — for seniors.” Feedback from developers, builders, lenders, health care professionals and er ae fine Wayne Cleland Res: 929-5484 “UNASSUMING FROM THE others involved in housing and services related to seniors housing has, he said, been ‘‘extremely positive’’ to date. Their presence will be crucial to the success of the three-day conference, which hopes to tap into the leading edge research going on today that will provide a base to create new housing choices that will meet the needs and lifestyles of today’s — and tomorrow’s — seniors. “We have to develop formulae and strategies — not only with respect to housing and construction — but also regarding financing. That perhaps is the key and if we can make a determina- tion of the possibilities and alternatives early enough, we will be able to respond to this challenge successfully. “There’s been a lot of discussion that people are going (to be healthier and wealthier. We don’t really know all the implications this has for society, not to mention the lifestyles, pref- erences and needs of seniors,’’ said McInnes. MANY CONCERNS The conference will deal with a number of main con- cerns. One stream will focus ‘Clifford Stone Res.: 985-0200 _ te FRONT” EXCEPTIONALLY well maintained 4 bdrm. (2 down) tamily home with MAJOR recent renovations 8 H-U-G-E formal dining room, GORGEOUS NEW kitchen with “top-of-the-fine” DELUXE appliances. 8 sunken family room off the kitchen. Separate rec room down with feature wall of brick. Three § bathrooms and three fireplaces. SUNNY fully fenced rear yard with “state-of-the-art’ in-ground fj heated & filtered pool and jacuzzi. on design implications; a se- cond, on the services re- quired in order to facilitate the implementations of some of these options. There will be discussions about financial options and some of the special needs of seniors, such as those living in rural communities or those who become frail or 59 - Friday, September 2, 1988 - North Shore News disabled. Registration fee for the three-day conference is $250 and up — with a discount for seniors who will be able to register for $175. Details are available from any CMHC office or by call- ing the conference secretariat in Ottawa at 613-748-2895, ‘We see ourselves as partners in the housing pro- cess for seniors. CMHC cannot go alone in this area. We require the input and expertise of architects, developers, builders, the fi- nancial community, care givers and seniors themselves, plus government organizations at all levels to make this work.” CROFT TRACEY Off. 986-9321 Res. 985-5498 SAVARY ISLAND Truly a paradise island with san- dy beaches. 3 — 50x150 ft. lots with 300 sq.ft. cabin. This is a flat sunny property only 300 ft. from beaches and moorage at Indian Point. A rare opportunity! Offers in the $20’s. “39 * $299,900 DUNDARAVE Quiet street, beautiful flat lot. Only steps to § seawalk and stores. Like brand new new, totally # rebuilt 1987 2/3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrms., base- § ment, carport & garage. Large private deck, low maint. 50x129 ft. lot. Best value in WV. $290's. t 0 2 WESTHILL RATING x OPEN SAT.—MON. 2-4 2149 SHAFTON PLACE, WEST VANCOUVER NCDANIEL 986-0124 Res. 986-0291 Oifice No labour here — every detail has been plann- ed for maximum view, high style & relaxation on a private professionally landscaped pool- size 12,000 sq.ft. cul-de-sac view lot. Value & detail conscious? Come on buy! See you at the Open or by personal appointment!