Miramichi

The City of Miramichi began its age-friendly community journey in 2017 when council committed to the principles of the provincial Age-Friendly Community Initiative. A steering committee was formed with representation from seniors and key stakeholders across the World Health Organization’s eight domains. Through surveys, assessments and community engagement, the committee developed an action plan that was formally adopted in 2020.

• April 2017: City staff were tasked with making Miramichi an Age-Friendly Community and identified key stakeholders and seniors to form the City of Miramichi Age-Friendly Community Steering Committee.
• May 2017: The Age-Friendly Community Initiative was presented to Miramichi City Council, along with the newly formed Steering Committee. Council passed a motion committing to the principles of becoming an Age-Friendly Community.
• May–December 2017: The Steering Committee completed a Community Profile and initial assessments on the city’s age-friendliness.
• February 2018: With support from the NBCC Business Administration Management Program, the Steering Committee launched the City of Miramichi Age-Friendly Community Survey. The results highlighted gaps and provided direction for the creation of a comprehensive action plan.
• April 2020: City staff and the Steering Committee presented the Age-Friendly Community Action Plan, which was accepted by Miramichi City Council.

Highlighted actions taken by the municipality include :

• the City of Miramichi has added more crosswalks and bike lanes in the downtown core
• crosswalk and Sidewalk maintenance has increased annually
• additions of more sidewalks, multipurpose lanes and multipurpose trails
• the City of Miramichi adoption of goals and objectives from the 2021 City of Miramichi Active Transportation Plan
• implementation of Active Transportation plan including the Northern Spine and paved trails. 
• increase of seating areas in public parks, including accessible seating
• increase of access to public washroom facilities in public parks
• shade structures added in public parks and playgrounds
• increase in funding to the City of Miramichi's asphalt paving program and road maintenance. Increases in affordable housing options
• hiring of seniors for part-time job opportunities in Recreation Facilities Development of City of Miramichi Accessible Municipal Recreation Policy Launch of 211 service
• adoption of City of Miramichi Age Friendly Steering Committee Terms of Reference