news

Cranbrook, BC (Thursday, March 16, 2023) – The City of Cranbrook is proud to share that it has been recognized as a member of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities. This important milestone was preceded by recognitions in 2019 by the Province of British Columbia and in 2020 by the Federal Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

“The City of Cranbrook very much appreciates being formally accepted into the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities,” says Mayor Wayne Price. “This designation would not have been possible without the dedication and advocacy of the Cranbrook Age-Friendly Committee and numerous volunteers throughout the community. Thank you to those who have worked so hard for our community to earn this recognition.”

Through the efforts of the Cranbrook Age-Friendly Committee, made up of community partners, volunteers, and staff, the City has been working towards the WHO designation since 2017. Through a Community Assessment, Action Plan and Communication Plan, completed in 2019, the City has undertaken key steps to improving communication and information on age-friendly activities, resources, and news in the Cranbrook area.

“I knew from personal experience the Age-Friendly Community Recognition program was something that could greatly benefit communities large and small. The Age-Friendly concept was a great fit for Cranbrook given its smaller, big city feel, its abundance of volunteers and organizations that work together to make Cranbrook a great place to live for young and old alike,” says Doug Newberry, Cranbrook Age-Friendly Committee. “The City and Age-Friendly Committee embraced the philosophy of Strollers to Walkers. Meaning what works for us when we are young will also work for us as we age. This idea continues to guide the City of Cranbrook and Age-Friendly Committee as we move forward into the future.”

Since its inception, Cranbrook Age-Friendly has helped develop several outreach programs and has advocated for seniors’ interests on a variety of City initiatives. Important work continues through Cranbrook Age-Friendly to promote and inform the community about the City’s age-friendly programs.

“I would like to thank a great group of people that came together to form this committee and the support from the Mayor, Council, and staff of the City of Cranbrook,” says Newberry. “Now we can all proudly say, welcome to the Age-Friendly City of Cranbrook. “

For more information and resources on Age-Friendly Communities, please visit:

• WHO’s Global Network - https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/network/cranbrook/
• Cranbrook Age-Friendly - https://www.cranbrookagefriendly.ca/