Local region recognized as age-friendly by province

Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford County recognized for collaborative initiatives to support older adults as embedded in community plans

The Ontario government has recognized Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford County as age-friendly communities for their contributions to more inclusive physical and social environments for aging adults.

The recognition was announced at the recent Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto on January 18, where the honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, acknowledged nearly 70 age-friendly communities across Ontario. These join a growing number of communities that have achieved this designation globally.

“We are honoured to recognize and celebrate Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford County as age-friendly communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Through community-led initiatives that promote social engagement and physical activity, you are helping to protect the health and well-being of seniors and demonstrating your commitment to continuing to build a province that is inclusive for Ontarians of all ages and abilities.”

Local initiatives to support an aging population are led by the Elgin-St. Thomas Age-Friendly and the Oxford Age-Friendly steering committees, which are comprised of local older adults, community organizations, and representatives from municipalities, counties, and public health.

“It’s an incredible honour to be recognized by the province in this way,” says Meagan Lichti, Chair for the Age-Friendly committees in Elgin-St. Thomas and Oxford County. “This work reflects our belief that every resident deserves the opportunity to age safely and with dignity while engaged in community life. We are grateful for the commitment of our partners, who continue to champion this initiative locally to ensure aging-related priorities are woven into the fabric of our community.”

According to data from Southwestern Public Health, adults aged 65 and older increased from 16.1% to 20.2% in the region between 2011 and 2021, with the proportion of seniors living in low income on the rise, and one in five seniors living alone. The region also reports a significantly higher rate of emergency department visits for injuries related to falls compared to the provincial average. 

Local age-friendly initiatives have been ongoing for the past several years. In 2017, Elgin-St. Thomas established its Age-Friendly Community Plan, which is currently being updated to reflect a recent needs assessment completed in partnership with Southwestern Public Health. Oxford County established its partnership for aging populations in 2024 and completed a local needs assessment in 2025. Revised age-friendly strategies from both committees are anticipated this spring.

“This recognition really speaks to the strength of our local partnerships, including our municipalities, community organizations, Southwestern Public Health, and the dedicated Age-Friendly committees who work every day to support older adults in our communities. As our senior population continues to grow, this kind of practical planning is more important than ever. I want to thank both committees for updating their strategies based on local needs and for taking real, tangible steps to build safer, more inclusive, and more accessible communities," says Rob Flack, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London.

"Age-friendly communities are built through accessible spaces, supportive services, and a shared commitment to care for one another. Across Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas, these efforts are helping ensure older adults can remain active, connected, and safe in the places they call home. This recognition reflects what is possible when municipalities, public health, community organizations, and residents work together with care and intention," says Dominique Giguère, Warden, Elgin County.

“Community vitality is a strategic focus for Oxford’s municipalities, and the principles of age-friendly communities align with our vision for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future. This designation is possible through the strength of our community partnerships, a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility at the highest levels, and the ongoing work and support of Southwestern Public Health,” says  Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County.

“Being recognized as an Age-Friendly Community is a proud milestone for St. Thomas. It reflects the care we take to ensure people of all ages can live well, stay connected, and enjoy a sense of belonging. This designation is the result of strong collaboration across our community, from local organizations and volunteers to public health partners and residents who continue to shape a city where everyone can thrive, today and for the future,” says Joe Preston, Mayor, City of St. Thomas. 

Age friendly communities make it possible for older adults to live safely, stay healthy, and remain connected to the people and places they value. Learn more about Age-Friendly communities at csah.ca/age-friendly-communities-ontario.