Thank you so much for this opportunity to be here to address all of you.

My name is Christina Bisanz. I'm the CEO of CHATS, Community and Home Assistance to Seniors.

We're one of the largest multicultural, non-profit seniors organizations in Ontario, serving some 8,000 older adults and their caregivers in York Region and south Simcoe. Our mandate is to advocate and deliver high-quality, person-centred home and community services to older adults and their family caregivers, providing dignity and choice for aging at home.

I'd like to thank MP Tony Van Bynen for inviting us to present to you today.

CHATS is pleased that this committee is undertaking this study to consider progress towards the goal of building a barrier-free Canada by 2040. All around us, we do see evidence that many municipalities, communities and organizations are addressing elements of this goal.

As of the latest data, over 560 communities in Canada have committed to becoming age-friendly by making changes to policies, services and structures to better support and enable older adults to age actively.

Senior-friendly standards offer numerous benefits to older adults, enhancing their quality of life in several key ways: meeting basic needs, promoting mobility, encouraging social connections and enhancing safety through design elements like non-slip flooring and better lighting to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

While it's important that communities are looking to implement age-friendly standards, I'd also like to emphasize that this committee consider the importance of universal design standards to support older adults to live independently and safely in their own homes.

The aim of universal design standards for housing is to create living spaces that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of age, disability or other factors. Consider that by 2050, 10 years after the time frame of this study, the number of seniors over 65 will be double what it is today. As our population ages, it becomes increasingly crucial to adopt universal design principles that cater to their diverse needs in the near term.

Currently, Canada faces a significant shortage of housing, especially housing that is more affordable. This is compounded by the reality that builders are not constructing enough accessible housing.

We understand that several factors have impeded the housing industry's progress towards adopting universal design standards. They include higher costs and a lack of incentive. Changing building codes and regulations can be slow, thereby impacting accessibility requirements to new developments.

Some builders may also underestimate the demand for accessible housing by assuming it's just a niche market, but at CHATS, we see a growing need for accessible homes, especially when family members are looking to support their older loved ones by living together.

Unfortunately, modifying existing homes, despite various tax credits that have been made available, is often more expensive and complicated than building accessible homes from the start.

With over 93% of older adults preferring to age in the right place for them, it's clear there's a strong desire for homes that can adapt to changing needs. Universal design principles can help create homes that are safe and comfortable for aging in place.

These principles are not just about making spaces accessible but also about creating environments that are usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

The fact that 38% of adults aged 65 and older have a disability underscores the necessity of homes that accommodate various physical needs. As well, the high percentage of older adult renters, at 32.8%, indicates a significant demand for accessible rental housing.

Norway is often considered a leader in universal design, particularly in the context of housing and public infrastructure. They've integrated universal design into national policies and legislation. Accessibility is a legal requirement.

This approach is also supported by comprehensive planning: Municipalities are required to consider universal design in all planning and building activities, essentially making accessibility a fundamental aspect of urban development.

To be successful, integrating housing with essential services is a key aspect of creating supportive environments for older adults. This includes proximity to health care, transportation and community services. These social connections, which are crucial for healthy aging and reducing the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on mental health and well-being, add considerable costs to our health and social care system.

Investing in universal design is not just a matter of convenience; it's a matter of necessity. As we look to the future, we must recognize that the demand for accessible housing and communities will only grow.

At CHATS, we're committed to advocating these changes.

We work tirelessly to support older adults through our programs and services, but we cannot do it alone. We need the support of policy-makers, developers, architects and the community at large. Together, we can create environments where older adults can thrive, live independently and enjoy the quality of life they deserve.

In closing, I urge all of you to consider the options to promote and expand the importance of universal design in our communities. Let's build a future by 2040 in which all citizens, regardless of their ability, can live with dignity, safety and independence.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to this vital cause.

I look forward to your questions and comments.