Seniors’ & Elders’ Guide

to the Westside
of Vancouver
About The Seniors & Elders Mapping Project
In the fall of 2008, over 100 Seniors & Elders on the Westside participated in
workshops to identify and discuss community strengths & resources, using the ‘Finding
Home’ model, developed by Jessie Sutherland. Information collected was used to
create a ‘Guide to the Westside’ for community members, seniors’ organizations &
government agencies.
Seniors & Elders Mapping
Project Goals:
1. Increase respect and under-
standing for Seniors & Elders
2. Explore what creates a
friendly community for
Seniors & Elders
3. Share stories and make new
friends
4. Learn about resources in the
Westside Community
5. Create a valuable resource
guide to the Westside
6. Help to build a
welcoming and inclusive
neighbourhood for all
. communities and strengthen
Mapping Process &
Purpose:
The ‘Seniors & Elders Guide to
the Westside’ was produced by
and for seniors on the Westside
of Vancouver in an effort to
build community and develop
resources. Through both
the community consultation
process and the final guide,
the Seniors & Elders Mapping
Project supports community
development through
meaningful dialogue and
resources on topics that matter.
The Mapping Project brought
together diverse seniors
populations, including Kits
House Seniors Drop-In
Program, Musqueam Elders,
South Granville Seniors Centre
Latin Seniors Outreach Program
and Kitsilano Community
Centre Seniors Committee,
around such topics as:
• What creates and erodes a
sense of home? Why does
belonging matter?
• What is important to you in
your community?
• What personal and
community assets are
available?
• What resources support
a sense of home or
belonging?
• What is your vision for your
community?
Funding for the Seniors &
Elders Mapping Project
is provided by the ‘Building
Welcoming & Inclusive
Neighbourhoods’ Initiative
of the Province of British
Columbia.
The Building
Welcoming & Inclusive
Neighbourhoods
Initiative (BWIN)
The Building Welcoming and
Inclusive Neighbourhoods
(BWIN) project is a 3 year
initiative funded by the Province
of British Columbia that explores
the role of Neighbourhood
Houses in building community
capacity by encouraging
inclusion and building on B.C.’s
cultural diversity. This project
will explore the leadership role
of neighbourhood houses in
the Lower Mainland in building
community capacity to be
welcoming to all and to address
racism and social exclusion in
creative and responsive ways.
Specific Kitsilano
Neighbourhood House BWIN
initiatives include the Seniors
Mapping Project, Community
Potlucks, Youth Initiatives,
Welcoming Communities
Steering Committee, Special
Events and Volunteer & Policy
Development.
Finding Home: Belonging
Meaning and Dialogue
Program
Finding Home: Belonging
Meaning and Dialogue is
a neighbourhood based
dialogue program that
supports communities and
individuals to foster a sense
of belonging, build inclusive
values-based problem solving
skills. From 2007 to 2008,
Finding Home collaborated
with the Environmental
Youth Alliance and Kitsilano
Neighbourhood House on the
Youth Asset Mapping Project.
In 2008 to 2009, Finding Home
collaborated with the Justice
Institute of British Columbia and
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
on program development,
outreach and facilitation for the
Seniors and Elders Mapping
Project. For more information
contact Jessie Sutherland at
jessie@worldviewstrategies.
com
To find out more about the
Building Welcoming &
Inclusive Neighbourhoods
Initiative (BWIN) and the
Seniors Mapping Project
please contact: Jennifer
Longson, Community
Organizer, 604-736-3588,
jenn@kitshouse.org or visit
www.kitshouse.org
 Table of Contents
1 Acknowledgements 9 Emergency & 20 Volunteering
2 About Kits Non-Emergency Resources 20 Faith Groups/Spiritual
Neighbourhood House 10 Medical Services Services
3 How to Create a Seniors 11 Seniors Safety: Priorities 21 Our Vision for the
& Elders Friendly & Tips Westside Community
Community 12 Housing Resources 22 Useful Helplines & Quick
4 Musqueam 13 Transportation Links
6 Latin Seniors 14 Food Security 24 Crisis Services
7 Multicultural & Settlement 25 What Does Home Mean
16 Consumer Tips & Trades
Services To You?
17 Finances
8 Government Information
18 Recreation & Seniors Centres

Acknowledgements
The Seniors & Elders Mapping Project was made possible by the sincere and thoughtful
contributions of seniors residing and/or using services on the Westside of Vancouver. Their
knowledge of their communities, vision for the future and courageous dialogue helped shape
and inform the guide you now hold.
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House would like to thank participants, staff and volunteers from
the Musqueam Elder Centre, South Granville Seniors Centre Latin Seniors Program, Kitsilano
Community Centre Seniors Committee, and the Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Seniors Drop-In
Program for their valuable contributions to making this guide a reality.
Project Team: Kitsilano Community Centre
Jennifer Longson, Community Organizer/Project www.kitsilanoseniors.com
Coordinator, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, Eva Srobotnjak, Seniors Coordinator
604-736-3588 www.kitshouse.org Nona Thompson, Seniors Committee Chair
Jessie Sutherland, Program Development, Outreach Point Grey Secondary School
& Facilitation, Innovator of the Finding Home http://pointgreysecondary.ca
Initiative, Worldview Strategies Bridges Program - Erla Calahaisn, Kimberly Leary
Dialogue Design & Facilitation Coordinator, Youth Artist – Erva Jean Sparrow
Justice Institute of BC, Finding Home Initiative Students - Erva Jean Sparrow, Theresa Joe, Alice
604-879-2402, Stogan, Michelle Stogan, Leo Leppington
www.worldviewstrategies.com, www.jibc.ca Vancouver Public Library
This project was made possible with the www.vpl.vancouver.bc.ca
support of many communities, organizations Renee Chalut, Community Librarian
and individuals. We would like to acknowledge: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Musqueam First Nation www.kitshouse.org
www.musqueam.bc.ca Volunteers - Naz Bahmanighadjar, Susan Carthy,
Larry Grant, Musqueam Elder Lucia Cheung, Jeffrey Doan, Caleigh Garland, Helen
Brenda Campbell, Elder Centre Coordinator Jue, Dellie Lidyard, Janet Mackie, Marguerite Ma-
Dianne Buchan, Associate Director cLennan, Pamela Pobleta, Jeffery Poon, Ben Wilmeth.
Paula Point, Office Coordinator Staff - Catherine Leach, Executive Director; Julie
Alex Wong, Geographic Information Systems Wall, Seniors Coordinator; Raewyn Tudor, Seniors
Coordinator Drop-In Coordinator; Emily Palmer, Volunteer Co-
South Granville Seniors Centre ordinator; Shannon Rees & Megan Raschig, Office
www.southgranvilleseniors.ca Coordinators; Jo Pleschakov, Elders Abuse Theatre
Clemencia Gomez, Executive Director Project Coordinator.
Magaly Varas, Latin Seniors Coordinator Layout & Design: LaPel Consulting & Design; 604 251-9993
Alanna Larson, Program & Volunteer Coordinator realstories@uniserve.com

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 1

 About Kits Neighbourhood House
In partnership and collaboration with other community
groups, we provide inclusive and preventive children,
youth, family, adult and older adult support programs
and services.
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
is a member of the Association of
Neighbourhood Houses of Greater
Vancouver, providing services
on the Westside of Vancouver. In
partnership and collaboration with
other community groups, we provide
We endeavour inclusive and preventive children,
to reflect the youth, family, adult and older adult
diversity of support programs and services.
our neighbours Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
in our is committed to safe, healthy and
membership, inclusive communities for community
our Board of members of all ages and cultures,
Management, serving the Westside community for
our volunteers over 35 years and connecting with
& our staff over 2000 participants each year, 200
of whom are active volunteers. Please
visit www.kitshouse.org for more
information.
KNH Community Vision: The
Westside of Vancouver is a healthy,
safe and vibrant community where
everyone thrives.
KNH Mission: We are dedicated
to strengthening our community
through leadership, its collaboration
and opportunity.
2 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009
Our Statement of Diversity:
• We are children, youth, adults &
seniors of all races, all religions,
all cultures, all abilities & all
economic levels
• We speak many languages
• We are men & women of all sexual
orientations
• We value diversity
• We endeavour to reflect the
diversity of our neighbours in
our membership, our Board of
Management, our volunteers & our
staff
• We respect all our neighbours
• We expect that all who come to
our House, all those who provide
or receive our services, will
extend the same respect to all
those who meet here
• Therefore, we will act to promote
the inclusion of all in our House &
in our community
DISCLAIMER:
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, its
participants, volunteers and staff have
made every effort to accurately represent
the community consultation process and
participant-identified resources within the
‘Seniors & Elders Guide to the Westside’.
PLEASE NOTE: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
does not necessarily endorse the services
provided within this guide.
How to Create a Seniors &
Elders Friendly
Community
This list was compiled in consultation with over
100 Seniors & Elders on the Westside of Vancouver. Please visit Kitsilano
Neighbourhood House to get your own ‘How to Create a Seniors & Elders
Friendly Community’ Reusable Shopping Bag!

Smile
Be Curious Be Happy
Share Food Speak Slowly
Accept Diversity Plant Flowers
Help Each Other Use Large Print
Respect Abilities Respect Yourself
Share Your wisdom Share Knowledge
Respect the Environment
Show That You Care
Recognize Friendly Faces
Create a Loving Atmosphere
Understand Other Cultures
Take Responsibility Make Friends with Someone
in Another Generation

Care for Your Neighbourhood

Provide Encouragement
Be Interested in Seniors
Consider Mobility, Balance, Speed
Learn New Things
Start Conversations
Hold Multicultural Events
Maintain Safe Roads & Sidewalks
Provide Interesting Classes & Activities
Enjoy Your Neighbours
Host a Neighbourhood Party
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 3
 Musqueam
“Home is when you know your language. It connects you to the
spirit of your ancestors and to yourself that gives you a deeper
meaning of your culture, ceremony, and spirituality.”
- Larry Grant
Drawing by Musqueam youth
The Musqueam people have lived in our present Erva-Jean Sparrow who is 16 years old

location for thousands of years. Our traditional

territory once occupied much of what is now
Vancouver and the surrounding areas. The name
Musqueam relates back to the River Grass, the name
of the grass is (m-uh-th-kwi). There is a story that
has been passed on from generation to generation
that explains how we
became known as the
Musqueam – People of
the River Grass.
“It was noted that in
some periods the (m-uh-
th-kwi) grass flourished,
and in some periods it
could scarcely be found.
It was also noted that
in some periods our
“You create a different sense
people would flourish
of belonging when you speak
your mother tongue and a
and in some periods the
very different perspective on population would dwindle,
everything that comes from perhaps by plague or
your community.” war. It was in this way
- Larry Grant we became known as
Musqueam.”
We are traditional (h-un-q-uh-mi-n-uhm) speaking
people and have descended from the cultural
group know as the Coast Salish. Our people moved
throughout our traditional territory using the
resources the land provided for fishing, hunting,
trapping and gathering, to maintain their livelihood.
Today, the Musqueam people still use these
resources for economic and traditional purposes.
Although a metropolitan city has developed in
the heart of Musqueam territory, our community
maintains strong cultural and traditional beliefs.
Our community historians and educators teach and
pass on our history to our people, which has always
been the way of our people, to keep our culture and
traditions strong.
Today our population flourishes and we are a strong
community of over one thousand members. We live
on a very small portion of our traditional territory,
known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located
south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser
River.

What Elders value about Musqueam

• Being Musqueam
• Connection to Neighbourhoods
• My Language: It ties me to all the stories that
are told and all the different areas (land) and
ceremonies that are ours.

Home means:
• Safety • Freedom- For the
• Belonging children to discover
• Comfort their community
• Connection to the land • Know each other
• Kids are safe • Knowing family ties
Musqueam Statement of Intent
Statement of Intent Boundary Area and Reserve Locations
Musqueam Reserve
Property of the Musqueam Indian Band
Water Bodies Produced by the GIS Unit
GVRD Municipalities Updated March, 2009
Not for Redistribution

4 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009


What Belonging Means to Musqueam Elders
Benefits of Belonging
• Connected to family story
• Tied to our history as anchor
• Rooted in understanding
• Comfort, ownership,
belonging
Costs of not feeling Belonging
Disconnection from family, self, culture, ceremony,
spirituality and language leads to:
• Substance abuse and addictions
• Drugs, alcohol, work, gambling, sex etc.
• Not wanting to be who we are
• Denying identity and culture
• Violence against self
What creates a sense of home?
• Caring
• Health support/services
• Environment
• River
• My home by the Fraser River
• Warmness in my heart to
come home
• Space for housing
• Getting our status back
• Being Musqueam
• Being responsible to self, others
and community
What erodes a sense of home?
• Changing environment/terrain
• Destruction, industry impact
• Depletion of resources
• Barriers of access to resources
• Minimizing territory in mapping
info
• Inability to accommodate all our
band members
• Sacrifice own land space to
accommodate people in the
community
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Musqueam
• Pride
• Artistic traditions
• Carving
• Knowing the
traditions
Youth & Elders
sharing their perspectives
Did You Know?
The village of Musqueam has been
lived in continuously for 4000 years
Musqueam Elders Priorities
• Increasing understanding + respect amongst
all people
• Educating newcomers about:
• Musqueam history
• Territory
• Effects on adolescents
• Residential schools
An Invitation to Learn More
about Musqueam
Musqueam Elders would like to invite newcomers
to the free weekly Musqueam 101 Course
sponsored by Musqueam and the UBC Museum of
Anthropology.
Musqueam 101, Wednesdays 6-9 pm
Musqueam Band Administration Office,
6735 Salish Drive, Vancouver BC
Please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca for more
information and current topics.
West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 5
 Latin Seniors
“Si quiere conectarse – cree las oportunidades para
encontrar amigos”
Programas en Español
para el Adulto Mayor
• Spanish Outreach
Program – South
Granville Seniors
Centre, 1420 W. 12th Ave.,
Vancouver, BC, V5H 1M8
Tel. 604 725-0515
www.southgranvilleseniors.ca
El programa es funciona
los días miércoles de 10
a 5 pm. Incluye clases de
inglés, ejercicios suaves,
almuerzo y actividades
informativas y culturales.
• Kiwassa Neighbourhood
House, 2425 Oxford,
Vancouver, B.C.
Tel. 604 254-5401
Ofrece almuerzos los
viernes, salidas en bus
público o particular y
conversación en inglés
• South Vancouver
Neighbourhood House,
6470 Victoria Dr.,
Vancouver, BC, V5P 3X7 Tel.
604 324-6212
Ofrece grupos de apoyo a
mujeres de habla hispana.
• Multicultural
Family Services,
1145 Commercial Dr.,
Vancouver, BC – Tel. 604
254-6468
Ofrece programas en
español, información
sobre inmigración para el
recién llegado, consejería
individual y familiar, y
actividades culturales.
• Minoru Place Seniors’
Centre, 7660 Minoru
Boulevard, Richmond, BC,
6 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
V6Y 1R9, Tel: 604 718-8450.
Ofrece un programa los
días sábados, de 10 a 1pm.
Una Perspectiva para la
Comunidad del Adulto
Mayor Latinoamericano
La Comunidad de Habla
Hispana dispone de dos
Guías Telefónicas con toda la
información sobre consulados,
médicos, dentistas, abogados,
notarios, trabajadores
sociales, agencias
comunitarias en español,
agencias de traductores,
restaurantes, espectáculos,
tiendas de productos
latinoamericanos, salones de
belleza, servicios de mudanza,
etc., etc. Ellas son:
• Guía Telefónica Latina –
1259 Kingsway, Vancouver,
BC, Tel. 604 874-6364
• Directorio Hispano, Tel.
604 936-0977 – info@
elspanglish.com
Además, en el Vancouver
Metropolitano se publican
en español varios periódicos
semanales.
Todos estos periódicos se
distribuyen gratuitamente en
el Vancovuer Metropolitano.
Algunos de ellos son:
• Milenio – P.O.Box 43015,
Burnaby, BC, V5G 4S2, Tel.
604 6824515
• milenio@milenio.ca
• Contacto Directo – 1259
Kingsway, Vancouver, BC,
Tel. 604 874-6364
• La Vanguardia, Tel. 778-
862—1577, Oswaldo@
West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009
lavanguardia.ca
• Revista Spanglish
(publicación mensual),
Tel. 604 936-0977
Información en
Español, disponible
en las siguientes
organizaciones:
• Centro Comunitario
Hispano – 4828
Commercial St., Vancouver,
Tel. 604 872-4431
• Línea telefónica en español
de la Municipalidad de
Vancouver, Tel. 604 871-6464
• MOSAIC – 1522
Commercial Dr., Vancouver,
BC, Tel. 254-9626
• Multicultural
Family Services
– 1145 Commercial Dr.,
Vancouver, BC,
Tel. 604 254-6468
• Biblioteca Central – 350
Georgia St., Tel. 331-3600
- y Sucursales en todo el
Vancouver Metropolitano
• 411 Seniors Centre – 411
Dunsmuir St., Vancouver,
BC, Tel. 604 684-8171
• Kiwassa Neighbourhood
House – 2425 Oxford,
Vancouver, BC,
Tel. 604 254-5401
• Family Services Society
– 202-1193 Kingsway,
Vancouver, BC – Tel 604
874-2938
• Profesionales en Salud
Mental Proporsionan ayuda
a personas con depresión,
seledad, y otros estados
mentales.
 Latin Seniors
Ideas para Programas Inter-
generacionales
• Busque una persona (tutor) que le
ayude a aprender inglés
• Comparta sus tradiciones
culturales/costumbres con gente joven
• Hágase responsable de encontrar
los servicios disponibles en español
• Vaya a eventos con un propósito
Servicios Religiosos
• Iglesia Católica “Our Lady of Sorrows” ¿Qué nos produce la
555 Slocan St., Vancouver, BC
Tel. 604-254-0691 www.sorrows.cjb.net
sensación de hogar?
• Iglesia Pentecostal Hispana Broadway
2700 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC Un lenguaje inclusivo
Tel. 604 951-8645
• Iglesia Evangélica Restauración
Un lenguaje abierto
260 12th St., New Westminster, BC Gente y conexiones
Tel. 604 526-1331 iglesiaasaf1@aol.com
• Iglesias Menonita Hispana Calidez
659 E. 52nd Ave., Vancouver, BC
Tel. 6252-9542 Una comunidad grata para el
• Tabernáculo Bíblico Bautista adulto mayor recién llegado
2551 E.49th Ave., Vancouver, BC, V5S 1J6
Tel. 604 659-4225 Programas en español
www.elredentor.com
Información disponible en
español

Multicultural & Settlement Services

Affiliation of Multicultural MOSIAC Vancouver & Lower
Societies and Service www.mosaicbc.ca Mainland Multicultural
Agencies of BC (AMSSA) Pacific Immigrant Family Support Services
1-888-355-5560, www.amssa. Resources Society Society
org www.pirs.bc.ca 604-436-1025, www.vlmfss.ca
Connection Centre for Progressive Intercultural English as a Second
Francophone Immigrants Community Services Language (ESL)
(CCFI) Society For more information on English
www.vivreencb.ca www.pics.bc.ca as a Second Language Classes,
Immigrant Services Society Resources and Information please
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. contact one of the above agencies
of BC www.success.bc.ca or visit www.elsanet.org
www.issbc.org
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 7
 Government Information

Contact information for the various government departments is included, in

detail, in the Blue Pages of your local telephone directory (Yellow Pages)

City of Vancouver of the Provincial Legislature, government is your Member

City Hall is located at: who represents them in
453 West 12th Avenue the provincial parliament
(corner of Cambie St)
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
Canada
Open Monday – Friday: education, children and families
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
General Enquiries to City Hall:
604.873.7011, more information
info@vancouver.ca
City Government
Vancouver is run by a Mayor
and ten Councillors, who are
elected every 3 years. They
have the authority to “pass by-
laws to regulate such things as
noise and land use, buy and
sell property, collect certain
taxes, approve expenditures,
take on debts, give grants, and
hire and discharge employees.”
(Visit http://vancouver.ca for
more information)
Contact Information:
mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca
Phone: 604.873.7276
Fax: 604.873.7419
Provincial Government
The province of British
Columbia is governed by
the Premier and cabinet.
The province is divided into
electoral districts, and residents
vote for their MLA, or Member
8 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
in Victoria. The provincial
government is responsible
for issues such as health,
and seniors.
Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/ for
Electoral Districts on the
Vancouver’s West Side
include:
Vancouver – Point Grey
Vancouver – Fairview
Vancouver – Quilchena
To find out your electoral
district, and the detailed contact
information for your MLA, see
the Blue Pages in your local
Yellow Pages, call your local
library (604-331-3603), or the
number listed below.
To contact the British
Columbia Provincial
Government:
Telephone: 604 660-2421
Telephone Device for the Deaf:
604 775-0303
Email: EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca
Note: You will be directed
to the proper person or
department
Federal Government
The head of the Federal
Government is the Prime
Minister and the Federal
Parliament is located in Ottawa,
Canada’s capital city. Your local
representative to the federal
West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009
of Parliament (MP). You vote
for your MP based on which
electoral district you live in.
The West Side of Vancouver,
from Oak/Granville westward
is in the riding of Vancouver -
Quadra.
For contact information for your
local Member of Parliament see
the Blue Pages section of the
Vancouver Yellow Pages, phone
the number below or call your
local library at 604-331-3603.
Government of Canada
General Contact/
Information
1 – 800 – 622 -6232
TTY for the Deaf:
1 – 800 – 926 – 9105
Email: sitecanadasite@canada.
gc.ca
Visit http://canada.gc.ca/ for
more information
To find out your electoral
district, and the detailed
contact information for
your MLA or Member
of Parliament, see the
Blue Pages in your local
Yellow Pages, or call your
local library
(604-331-3603)
 Emergency & Non-Emergency
Resources

West Side Community Call 811 for medical advice

Policing Centre British Columbians can now
Office hours dial 811 to get 24/7 health
Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 3:30pm
information, medical advice and
Saturday: 10am – 4pm
6070 East Blvd, help navigating B.C.’s healthcare
Vancouver, BC, V6M 3V5 system. The 811 service can
Tel: 604-717-3434, 604-717-3433 provide assistance with answers
Fax: 604-717-3432 to questions about a variety of
Email: komcpc@shaw.ca health topics, help in identifying
Web: http://www.komcpc.com/ symptoms, and advice on when to
Emergency & seek medical treatment. 811 has
British
Non-Emergency Numbers translation services available in
Columbians
Call 911 for Police or Fire or more than 130 languages. Online,
who are
Medical Emergencies only the service is available at
hearing- or
You can also speak to 911 in 190 www.healthlinkbc.ca.
speech-
languages; pronounce clearly your
impaired
mother tongue, e.g. “Cantonese”, and
they will locate the right interpreter. can access
HealthLink
Deaf and hearing/speech impaired BC telephone
callers can dial 9-1-1 through TTY services from
(telephone typewriter) units. a TTY service
or device by
Call 604-717-3321 for all non-emergency police services dialing 711.

For more information about helplines please refer

to the ‘useful helplines’ and ‘quick links’ section
beginning on page 22

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 9

 Medical Services
A family doctor or primary care physician is often your
first and ongoing point of contact with the health care
system. Not only do they have extensive knowledge
and experience in a multitude of illnesses, diagnostic
tests, and treatment options, but they often serve as a
link to other health care providers.
Pharmacies: Dentists:
Finlandia Natural Pharmacy: Accord Dental Clinic: 2385 4th Avenue West,
www.finlandiapharmacy.com Phone: 604-731-3800
1111 West Broadway, 604-733-5323 Fourth Avenue Dental Clinic: 1905 4th Avenue
London Drugs: www.londondrugs.com West, Phone: 604-736-2505
2230 West Broadway, 604-448-4874 Bayswater Dental Clinic: 2943 4th Avenue West,
Safeway Pharmacy: www.safeway.ca Phone: 604-731-3616
650 West 41 Avenue, 604-263-2575 Seaside Dental Clinic: 1845 4th Avenue West,
90 West King Edward Avenue, 604-733-0073 Phone: 604-733-2777
4255 Arbutus Street, 604-731-5331 Millennium Dental Center: 1762 Broadway West,
2315 West 4 Avenue, 604-737-9803 Phone: 604-738-1782
2733 West Broadway, 604-732-5226 Broadway & Granville Dental Clinic: 1530 7th Ave
4575 West 10 Avenue, 604-224-7200 West, Phone: 604-732-4577
Shoppers Drug Mart: Point Grey Dental Clinic: 3307 Broadway West,
www.shoppersdrugmart.ca Phone: 604-737-1111
2302 West 4th Avenue, 604-738-3138 General Health Information & Referral:
1780 West Broadway, 604-736-6006 8-1-1 : By phone or online at www.HealthLinkBC.
2979 West Broadway, 604-733-9128 ca means easy access to non-emergency health
2947 Granville Street, 604-738-3107 information and services. Speak with a nurse about
4326 Dunbar Street, 604-732-8855 your symptoms, consult with a pharmacist about
your medication questions, or get healthy eating
Walk-in Clinics: advice from a dietitian. You can also find the health
Broadway & Burrard Medical Clinic: services and resources you need, closest to you.
1816 W. Broadway, Phone: 604-736-1888 http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/kbaltindex.asp.
Care Point Medical Centre: 1861 W. Broadway, Translation services are available in over 130
Phone: 604-678-0598 languages upon request.
Carestation Health Centres: 2077 42nd Ave W, BC HealthGuide OnLine www.bchealthguide.org
Phone: 604-261-9494
Carestation Walk-In Clinic: 15-3195 Granville B.C.’s Fair PharmaCare Plan focuses financial
Street, Phone: 604-732-5394 assistance on those who need it most, based on
their net income. 604-683-7151 or Toll free 1 800
Granville Medical Clinic, 2578 Granville Street, 663-7100
Phone: 604-733-4700
Kits Medical Clinic: 206-2678 W. Broadway, Ministry of Healthy and Living Support:
Phone: 604-737-2699 Nutrition Information Service is available from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, from a dietitian
Khatsahlano Medical Clinics: 2689 W. Broadway, who will answer your food and nutrition questions.
Phone: 604-731-9187
Translation services are available in 130 languages.
Maple Medical Clinic: Suite 103-2025 W. Broadway Toll free 1 800 667-3438
Phone: 604-730-9769

How to find a family doctor: www.vch.ca/services/doctor.htm. For

information in Vancouver contact: Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre
2110 W 43rd Ave. Vancouver, BC, V6M 2E1. Phone 604-261-6366
10 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009
Seniors Safety: Priorities & Tips

Choose Sidewalks
without ruts
Implement longer walk signals
at crossings
Know your neighbours
Unsafe areas:
more lights
Isolation in certain areas
Be aware of phone calls:
sales people, no call numbers, winning
enticements
Be careful of
dogs off leash
Watch where you walk
Don’t walk on
endowment lands alone
Minimize
the amount you carry
Learn about
Fall Prevention

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 11

 Housing Resources

“Home
is a place
that you
belong to”
Housing Resources Co-operative Housing
Resources
BC Housing Vancouver:
BC Housing provides rent assistance Over the years, federal and provincial
to seniors and low-income, working governments have funded various
Housing programs to help Canadians create
families in the private rental market.
Applicant/ non-profit housing co-ops. The co-
www.bchousing.org
Rental ops developed under these programs
Housing Applicant/Rental Assistance
Assistance Program/Inquiry Line, 604-433-2218 provide good quality, affordable
Program/ Toll free: 1-800-257-7756 housing. Each member has one vote.
Inquiry Line: As a co-op member, you have security
604-433-2218 Seniors Service Society/Housing: of tenure. This means that you can live
Seniors Services Society is a non profit in your home for as long as you wish
Co-operative agency located in New Westminster if you follow the rules of the co-op and
Housing that provides local and provincial pay your housing charge (rent).
Federation of programs and services that support
older adults to live as independently Co-operative Housing Federation
BC:
of BC: 200 – 5550 Fraser Street
604-879-5111. as possible.
www.seniorshousing.bc.ca Vancouver, BC Phone: 604-879-5111.
Residential 604-520-6621 Toll-free (in BC): 1-866-879-5111
Tenancy Email: info@chf.bc.ca
Steeves Manor: Independent Website: http://www.chf.bc.ca/
Office:
Supportive Living
604 660-1020 Address: 1985 Wallace Street (near Tenant Resources
Seniors’ Jericho Beach). In partnership with Residential Tenancy Office: The
Housing BC Housing, Kitsilano Neighbourhood office can provide Information to help
House provides information and resolve disputes related to tenancy,
Information
referral as well as programs and such as claims for damages, return of
Program: services such as: Osteofit, community security deposits, or eviction notices.
604 520-6621 kitchen, hot lunch, fruit & veggie deal, Phone: 604-660-1020
shopping trips, out-trips, classes and Toll free: 1-800-665-8779
workshops. Website: www.rto.gov.bc.ca
Please contact the Resource
Seniors’ Housing Information
Coordinator for more information.
Program: This non-profit organization
Phone: (604) 224-4302.
provides information on all types
www.kitshouse.org
of housing options and services for
seniors living in or wanting to live in
British Columbia’s Lower Mainland
area. Phone: 604 520-6621
Email: info@seniorshousing.bc.ca
Website: www.seniorshousing.bc.ca

12 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009

 Transportation
Translink, the board of local public transport, provides an
integrated transport system which consists of
public buses, metro (SkyTrain), ferry (SeaBus) and the
West Coast Express, a city passenger train. Translink also
offers Concession Fares for seniors of 65 years old; proof
of age is necessary to be eligible.

HandyDART Custom Transit

TransLink call: 604 575-6600 Website www.translink.ca
HandyDART is a shared-ride public transit service. It uses specially
equipped vehicles designed to carry passengers with physical or cognitive
disabilities who are unable to use public transit without assistance.
Passengers may telephone their local HandyDART operator to request a trip.
HandyDART passengers are picked up at the outside door of their residence
and dropped off at the outside door of their destination. For more
Concession fares information
  Zone Adult Concession contact Transit
Regular Fares 1 Zone $2.50 $1.75
Customer
Weekdays from start of service to 6:30pm 2 Zone $3.75 $2.50
Information:
  3 Zone $5.00 $3.50
Discount Fairs Weekdays after 6:30pm and all day (604) 953-
All zones $2.50 $1.75
Sat/Sun/Hol 3333, 7 days
DayPasses Zone Adult Concession a week, 6:30
All day, 7 days a week All zones $9.00 $7.00
am to 11:30
FareCards Adult Concession Commute Savings* pm or visit the
1 Zone $73 $27
2 Zone $99 $42 $51 web site
3 Zone $136 $64 www.translink.
bc.ca
Taxi Saver Program
BC Transit and TransLink offer a Taxi Saver Program for handyDART
registrants living in Vancouver, Victoria, and other B.C. municipalities.
Taxi Saver is a service for people with permanent disabilities who have a
HandyCard. This program provides a 50 per cent subsidy toward the cost of
taxi rides. You will need a HandyCard before you can buy and use the non-
transferable Taxi Saver coupons to pay for taxi rides. Coupons are sold in
books in $1, $2,and $5 increments by Access Transit office.
For more information contact: Greater Vancouver Phone: 604 453-4634
Website www.translink.bc.ca
Driving Miss Daisy: “Our service Taxi Cab Companies
improves the quality of life for Black Top & Checker Cabs:
seniors and those with disabilities”. 604-681-2181
For Dunbar/Cambie contact: Susana Vancouver Taxi Ltd: 604-871-1111
at 604-723-7247, Yellow Cab Co Ltd: 604-681-1111
for Kitsilano/Downtown contact
David at 604-290-8874

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 13

 Food Security
Food security is a broad concept, encompassing the safety, quality
and sustainability of our food supply, and access to a healthy diet.
Check out www.vch.ca/population/food.htm for more information.

Low-Cost & Free Meals 3) Casalinga Meal Service: Fresh frozen

in the Community meals, gourmet freezer products, fresh items.
Phone 604-435-1994. Free delivery. Fruit and
1) Arbutus Village Shopping Centre
Veggie Deal: For $12 or $17 you get a box of
4255 Arbutus St.
fresh fruit and veggies right from the wholesaler.
Lunch and speaker, Monthly Cost: $3 Call 604-
Delivered once a month. Contact Sally at
731-7727.
778-371-4664.
2) Brock House Society
4) Kerrisdale Seniors Centre
3875 Point Grey Road, Phone: 604-228-1461
5851 West Blvd Phone: 604-257-8109
Hot meals. Monday - Friday. Cost: $5, extra $3
Hot Lunch, Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 1
with soup.
p.m. Membership required, $8 per year.

6
2 15 16
10 11
14
21
17 18 5 20 8
12

19

To find resources and to get involved in 4

developing food security in your community
please visit: 13
www.kitshouse.org/foodsecurity/html
Contact Catherine Leach to find out
more about the Westside Food Security
7
Collaborative at
604-736-3588, catherine@kitshouse.org

14 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009

5) Kitsilano Neighbourhood House: 16) Granville Island Public Need help with
“Toonie Tuesday”, hot soup and Market your shopping
refreshments, cost: $2.00 + $5.00 1661 Duranleau Street
annual membership. Contact Raewyn Phone: 604-666-6477 or errands?
Tudor at 604-736-3588. Call Vancouver
17) Lavender Lotus Cafe Ltd: Coastal Health
6) A Loving Spoonful 3770 10th Avenue West Central Volunteer
#100 - 1300 Richards Street Phone: 604-221-7088 Services,
Phone: 604-682-6325
604-709-6402
Free meals. Marketplace IGA:
7) Marpole Place www.marketplaceiga.com
1305 West 70 Avenue 18) 2286 Broadway West
Phone: 604-266-5301 Phone: 604-731-5750
Breakfast, 8:30 - 9:45 a.m. Cost: $2.
19) 3535 41st Avenue West
8) South Granville Seniors Centre Phone: 604-261-2423 “Good
1420 West 12th Avenue
20) 2020 - 2030 Broadway West soup makes
Phone: 604-732-0812 Phone: 604-738-4004
Weekly low cost meals, lunches
21) Young Brothers Produce Ltd.
home!”
9) St. Paul’s Anglican Church
1130 Jervis Street 3151 Broadway West
Phone: 604-685-6832 Phone: 604-732-7088
Part of the Vancouver Food Bank;
Free delivery.

Favourite Local food spots:

10) Aphrodite’s Pie Shop
3594 4th Avenue West
Phone: 604-733-8308.
11) Arbutus Coffee & Real Food
Market
2200 Arbutus Street
Phone: 604-736-5644
Choices Market
www.choicesmarket.com
12) 2627 16th Avenue West
Phone: 604-736-0009
13) 1888 57th Avenue West
Phone: 604-263-4 Westside Seniors Links Program
14) Evelyn’s Coffee Shop Get connected with a university student to help
2176 West Broadway with grocery shopping and household chores. Cost
Phone: 604-731-7117 is $10 / hour for a minimum of 2 hours.
15) Golden Land Produce Contact Leanne Bird
1900 1st Avenue West at 604-736-3588,
Phone: 604-738-8612 leanne@kitshouse.org,
www.kitshouse.org

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 15

 Consumer Tips & Trades
The following information has been gathered from the
Better Business Bureau, BC Centre for Elder Advocacy
Support and BC Builders Association.
Hiring A Contractor
Red Flags:
• If it sounds too good to be
true, it probably is.
• Beware of quick estimates,
high pressure tactics, and
requirements to pay every-
thing upfront.
• If they cannot provide you
with a written estimate and
written job quote with total
cost with a breakdown of
labour, material charges and
a payment schedule – all on
company letterhead.
How to find a good
contractor:
• Ask friends, family and
neighbours about contrac-
tors they have hired to work
on their homes.
• Contact your local Home
Builders Association or other
trade association for a list of
professional contractors in
your community.
• Check with your local Better
Business Bureau to find out
if a contractor is a member.
Tips to Keep Safe:
• Do not leave purse or per-
sonal belongings unattend-
ed or with someone you do
not know
• Do not give personal or fi-
nancial information over the
telephone
16 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
• Get estimates and contract Information
in writing and don’t pay the Phone 604-682-2711
total bill upfront Online information available at:
Who to call for www.mainlandbc.bbb.org
Complaints must be made in
Preventative Tips:
writing to: #404 – 788
Better Business Bureau of Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC
Mainland B.C. V6B 2M1
Consumer Services
DIAL-A-LAW - For trades/
9:00am – 3:00pm
Phone: 604-682-2711, contract information, call (604)
1-888-803-1222 687-4680
Fax: 604-681-1544 Kitsilano Community
Email: contactus@mbc.bbb.org Policing office 604-717-3434
Contact the above to get your
RCMP 604-543-4940
copy of the BBB’s Consumer
Guide
Online verification of business Senior Citizens’ Repair
or charity available at: http:// Service
mbc.bbb.org/check-out-a- 604-529-1100
business-or-charity Provides low-cost minor
Link to the Better Business house repairs, renovations,
Bureaus Consumer Tips for and maintenance for
dealing with contractors: http:// seniors 55+, and for
mbc.app.bbb.org/tips?id=2 people with disabilities.
Services include: plumbing,
BC Centre for Elder carpentry, electrical, gas
Advocacy Support fitting, appliance servicing,
ABC’s of Fraud presentation. painting, wall papering,
Contact Seniors Reaching out minor roof repairs, yard
to Seniors Program at work, housekeeping and
604-688-1927 ext 232 general handyman services.
Who to call to Report a All services are offered
by retired or semi-retired
Fraud or Scam:
experienced tradespeople,
Better Business Bureau of and guaranteed for 30 days.
Mainland B.C. The Greater Vancouver Area
Consumer Services is served.
To report fraudulent business
practices – home repairs, Office hours are 9am-12pm
Monday-Friday.
charities, Contracts, etc.
West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009

A person who has attained 65 years of age is generally
considered to have reached “the third age.”
Old Age Security /
Pension Information
In Vancouver, the federal
government is responsible for
the Canada Pension Plan (CCP),
the Elderly Assistance (OAS)
and Veteran’s Benefits. Canada Revenue Agency
For information contact Legal
Service Society, 604-601-6000
There is a brochure entitled
“When I’m 64” describing
pensions, Social Security
program and how to
apply the
Medical
Services
Plan among
other issues
of interest to
the elderly.
This brochure
is distributed
free to the
Legal Services Society office,
located at # 1500 to 1140 West
Pender St., Vancouver.
Resources
Low Income
Tax Assistance
The South Granville Seniors
Centre offers income tax
assistance to low income
seniors. Phone: 604.732.0812.
Canada Pension Plan
www.sdc-gc-ca/en/isp/cpp/cpptoc.shtml
Old Age Security Program
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Finances
Kitsilano Neighborhood Canadian Western Bank Group
House: Low Income Tax www.cwbank.com
Return Program. Phone: 604- 3190 West Broadway
736 3588 in February and Phone: 604-732-4262
March to make an appointment.
CIBC
By donation
www.cibc.com
2896 West Broadway
Tax Information Phone Service, Phone: 604-665-6191
call: 1-800-267-6999
Delta Capital Corporation
Banks & Financial www.deltaequities.com
#201 - 2065 West 4th Avenue
Services
Phone: 604-731-8177
Bank of Nova Scotia –
Scotiabank HSBC Bank Canada
www.scotiabank.ca www.hsbc.ca
2735 Granville Street
2798 West Broadway Phone: 604-668-4715
Phone: 604-668-3775
RBC Royal Bank
1801 West Broadway at Burrard www.rbcroyalbank.com
Phone: 604-668-3768 2395 West 4th Avenue
2804 Granville Street Phone: 604-665-0199
Phone: 604-668-3771 3076 Arbutus Street
BMO Financial Bank - Bank Phone: 604-665-0155
of Montreal 2490 MacDonald Street
www.bmo.com Phone: 604-665-0342
2315 4th Avenue West TD Bank Financial Group
Phone: 604-718-222 www.td.com
2106 Broadway West 2801 Granville Street
Phone: 604-665-7148 Phone: 604-654-3775
VanCity Credit Union
www.vancity.com
2233 West 4th Avenue
Phone: 604-877-7113
Government Benefits
Veteran’s Benefits
www.vac.acc.gc.ca/clients
West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 17
 Recreation & Seniors Centres
The Vancouver Park Board operates, along with com-
munity-based associations, a community centre in
each of our 23 neighbourhoods. These centrally
located facilities serve all ages and offer a wide range of
resources that focus on recreational, social and cultural
pursuits.

P
rograms can include fitness, arts and Swimming pools
crafts, culture, dance, swimming, skating, Kerrisdale Indoor Pool,
child care and a multitude more. Residents 5851 West Boulevard
use these centres of activities as meeting places Phone: 604-257-8105
to exchange ideas and meet new friends. Kitsilano Outdoor Pool,
Community Centres 2305 Cornwall Avenue
(http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/index.htm Phone: 604-731-0011
Dunbar Community Centre Lord Byng Pool and Weight,
Phone: 604-222-6060 3990 West 14th Ave
False Creek Community Centre Phone: 604-222-6090
Phone: 604-257-8195 Maple Grove Outdoor Pool,
Kerrisdale Community Centre 6875 Yew Street Phone: 604-266-9512
Phone: 604-257-8107
Kits Community Centre
Phone: 604-257-6989 / 604-257-6976

Westside Classes/ This volunteer organized walkers and horseback-riders

Groups/Activities walking group meets every The Park comprises 763
Tuesday in the lobby at hectares of forest and foreshore
1) Dunbar Community Centre 9:30am. Phone: 604-257-6976. immediately west of Vancouver.
4747 Dunbar Street Vancouver, The park’s forests stretch across
Table Tennis, Bridge Drop-in, 5) Kitsilano Neighbourhood
Point Grey separating the city
Carpet Bowling. Dunbar Walks! House: 2325 West 7th Avenue from the University of British
9:45am-11:30 am Cost Free Vancouver. Toonie Tuesdays
Drop-In & Hot Lunch, Yoga, Columbia. West end of 16th Ave.
2) False Creek Community Osteofit, Knitting Group, Lunch- 8) UBC Botanical Garden:
Center: 1318 Cartwright Street time Meditation, Community Main Garden to see alpine,
Vancouver. Pilates, weight Potlucks, Special Events and Asian, medicinal and culinary
training, dragon boating, Good more… Phone: 604-736-3588. plants, and towering BC
Sleep Hygiene and others. False coastal forest tress. 6804 S.W
Creek Walking Club: Monday 6) South Granville Seniors
Centre: 1420 West 12th Marine Dr. Vancouver Phone
mornings. 604.822.5087. Open daily,
Phone: 604-257-8195 Avenue. Bingo, Book Club,
Computer Lessons, ESL seniors: $6.00. Website:
3) Kitsilano Book Club: Classes, Yoga, Hair Care, www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org
Kitsilano Community Centre, Spanish and other activities. 9) Vancouver Maritime
2690 Larch Street, Vancouver Phone: 604-732-0812. Museum: Come aboard for
BC V6J 4K9, Phone: 604-257- fun and knowledge. Discover
6976. Westside Recreation
Highlights the rich maritime history and
4) Kitsilano Community traditions of the Pacific Coast.
Centre, 2690 Larch Street, 7) Pacific Spirit Regional 1905 Ogden Avenue.
Vancouver, Kitsilano Walkers: Park: hikers, bikers, dog- Phone: (604) 737-2621.

18 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009


Seniors $ 7.50, Annual
Museum Memberships
for Seniors $35.00. www.
vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
10) Vanier Park: Kitsilano
is home to the Vancouver
Museum, the Maritime Museum
and the H.R. MacMillan Space
Centre. Park Boar: 604-257-
8400, www.vancouverparks.ca
Senior Centres
15) 411 Seniors Centre, 411
Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver,
BC, V6B 1X4 604-684-8171,
www.411seniors.bc.ca
16) Ask Friendship Centre,
2733 West 41st Avenue,
Vancouver, BC, V6N 3C5.
604.263.7333, www.adultdaycentres.org/chown
www.askcentre.ca
17) Barclay Manor Seniors
Centre, 1447 Barclay Street,
Vancouver, BC, V6G 1J6. 604-
257-8349, www.barclaymanor.ca
8 4
7
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Recreation & Seniors Centres
Westside Theatre 13) The Ridge Theatre: 3131
Highlights Arbutus Street, 24 hour info
11) 5th Avenue Cinema: 2110 line: 604-738-6311
Burrard 24 Hour Info line: 604-734- 14) Stanley Theatre: Now
SHOW (7469), Seniors (65+) $8.00 beautifully updated, this 650-
12) Hollywood Theatre: seat theatre has been home
3171 W. Broadway, Phone. to musicals such as My Fair
(604) 738-0905 Mon-Fri 9am Lady, Swing and Sweeny
– 6pm. Sat 9am-5pm. Tuesday Todd, revitalized classics,
– Sundays: Seniors & children and comedies. 2750 Granville
$5, matinees: seniors & Street. For more information,
children $4.00 please phone Liz Wilton at 604-
731-4687.
18) Brockhouse Seniors 21) Kits House: Seniors
Centre, 3875 Point Grey Road, Programs, 2325 West 7th
Vancouver, BC, V6R 1B3. 604- Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6K 1Y4.
228-1461, 604-736-3588,
www.brockhousesociety.com www.kitshouse.org
19) Chown Adult Day Care 22) L’Chaim Adult Day
Centre, 3519 Cambie Street, Centre, 950 West 41st Avenue,
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2W9. 604- Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2N7. 604-
879-0947, 257-5111, www.jccgv.com/
senior/lchaim.htm
20) Cross Reach Seniors 23) South Granville Seniors
Centre, 3348 West Broadway, Centre, 1420 West 12th
Vancouver, BC, V6R 2B2. 604- Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H
732-1477, 1M8. 604-732-0812,
www.crossreachseniors.com www.southgranvilleseniors.ca
17
15
9 10
18 21 2
11
20 12
3 5 6
13 14 23
19
1
16 22
West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 19
 Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your
community, to connect people with their neighbours
and to build a caring tolerant society - a society
where volunteerism is an integral part of life.

Some Places to Volunteer South Granville Seniors Centre:

on the Westside Volunteer positions include cooks
and servers, morning and afternoon
Dunbar Community Centre:
receptionists, bingo callers, and
747 Dunbar Street, Phone: 604-222-
many others. Contact the Volunteer
Volunteer 6060, www.dunbarcentre.ca
Coordinator, Alanna Larsen, at 604-
Vancouver Kerrisdale Community Centre: 732-0812, or visit
offers a variety 5851 West Blvd, Vancouver, BC, 604- www.southgranvilleseniors.ca
of services to 257-8111, www.kerrisdalecc.com
Volunteer Grandparents:
help you find
Kitsilano Community Centre: Older adults are playing a role or
the perfect
2690 Larch St., Vancouver, BC, 604- making a contribution to the younger
volunteer generation and this emotional bond
257-6976, www.kitscc.com
opportunity. promotes self esteem and breaks
1183 Melville Kitsilano Neighbourhood House: social isolation. Phone 604-736-8271,
Street, Contact Emily Palmer, Volunteer www.volunteergrandparents.ca
Vancouver BC, Coordinator at 604-736-3588, or visit
604.875.9144 www.kitshouse.org to find out about West Point Grey Community
current volunteer opportunities. Centre:
or visit www.
4397 West 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC,
govolunteer.ca Seniors Services Society: 604-257-8140,
Volunteer opportunities include www.westpointgrey.org
grocery shoppers; meals on wheels
drivers; dining club hostesses, income
tax preparers and office volunteers.
For more information about any of
these programs call 604-520-6621.
www.seniorshousing.bc.ca

Faith Groups/Spiritual Services

With so many people living in Vancouver, it is not surprising to find many
places of worship. You will find these places anywhere a concentrated
community is located.
For resources on churches and spiritual
centres on Vancouvers’ Westside, such as: Please visit :
Anglican Churches, Baptist Churches, Buddhist www.virtualvancouver.com/religion.html or
Temples, Catholic Churches, Christian Churches, relocatecanada.com/vancouver/church.html
Islamic/Moslem Mosques, Non-Denominational
Places of Worship, Orthodox Churches, Sikh
Temples, United Church of Canada, and more.

20 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009

 Our Vision for the Westside Community
Community Visioning Activity: ‘200 Year Present Moment’ - We asked
participants to write a letter to the youngest child they know about their vision
for their neighbourhood by the time this child is 80 years old – Some samples of
their writing follow…

“I
Community Vision Letters hope your
Written December 16, 2009
Letter Excerpts: neighbourhood is

“I
one that values all
often enjoy taking pictures, its citizens regardless
and even using water colours of age. I hope
to paint the feelings I have. that you live in an
These visions of my neighbourhood inter-generational
are of people getting along, helping environment where
each other, respecting and enjoying people share their
contact with each other. We can strengths and experiences, where
learn so much from each other, your needs are met in a dignified,
and many people want to hear respectful manner. May your
about our experiences.” neighbourhood be green, culturally

“A
diverse and stimulating. I hope your
s you read this in 2092 lifestyle remains physically, mentally
please know that “Auntie D.” and emotionally challenging and if
was thinking about the kind and when you do need support your
of world you would inherit and wanted community comes out with resources.
you to know what she prayed for you: Most importantly I hope you are
that understanding came through happy and the world is at peace.”
better communication, that sharing
of wealth had eliminated poverty, and
that respect for one another allowed
people from various cultures to
overcome their differences…”

“I
wish a cleaner, greener world
for you. A world that’s more
inclusive and more caring: a
neighbourhood where everyone can
gather together and not be separated
by all kinds of artificial barriers like
age, colour and creed. In essence,
a world more welcoming, more
tolerant and more accepting.”

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 21

 Useful Helplines
for Seniors & Elders

Useful Helplines services for British Columbia agencies and programs across
seniors. The Line also provides the Lower Mainland.
BC Bereavement Helpline the public with information www.communityinfo.bc.ca
CALL 604-738-9950 or Toll-free about health services and the Community Information for the
1-877-779-2223, Mon – Fri, health care system. Lower Mainland:
9:30am- 3:00pm Tel: 604 875-6381 (collect calls
BCBereavementHelpline.com Crisis Centre 24/7 Distress accepted)
The BC Bereavement Helpline Line Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a
provides the public and Distress Line Numbers: week.
particularly the bereaved with Greater Vancouver 604-872-3311 For deaf and hard of hearing
information on how to seek Toll Free - Howe Sound and callers: TTY 604 875-0885
help and assistance through Sunshine Coast 1-866-661-3311 (collect calls accepted)
their grief. TTY: 1-866-872-0113
Services include helpline Legal Services Society
for referral and support, BC-wide In Greater Vancouver, call: 604
community network of support 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) 408-2172
and resource information. The Distress Line provides Toll Free, call: 1 866 577-2525
BC Centre for Elder confidential, non-judgmental,
free emotional support 24 Personal Supports
Advocacy and Support (BC
hours a day, 7 days a week Information Line
CEAS)
for people experiencing Toll Free: 1-888-818-1211,
In Greater Vancouver, call 604-
feelings of distress or despair, PersonalSupportsInformation@
437-1940
including feelings which may gov.bc.ca
Toll Free, call: 1-866-437-1940
lead to suicide. We are here Telephone Device for the Deaf,
BC Health and Seniors for you if you’re worried about Toll Free, call: 1-800-661-8773
Information Line something, feel upset or Information & referrals to
Toll-free line across Canada: 1- confused, or just want to talk government programs that
800-465-4911, In Victoria call: to someone. You don’t have may provide equipment and
250-952-1742 to be suicidal to call us. We’re assistive devices.
Hours of operation: 8:30am more than just resources.
– 4:30pm PST, Mon-Fri We’re help. PharmaCare, Health
Visit www.gov.bc.ca/seniors for Insurance BC
more information & resources. Inform Vancouver In Greater Vancouver, call: 604
Translation services available in Inform Vancouver is a 683-7151. Toll Free, call: 1 800
over 130 languages. comprehensive information 663-7100
The Health and Seniors and referral service for the
Lower Mainland. Our Certified Senior Services Society
Information Line is a “one stop” Information & referral, Seniors
location to obtain information Information and Referral
Specialists know about, and Housing Directory of BC
on both health and non-health www.seniorshousing.bc.ca
related federal and provincial have access to, information
government programs and on thousands of community,
government, and social service
22 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009
 Quick Links
For loads of information for seniors and elders
in one place!
“Home is
Adult Day Programs (ADP): Seniors Service Society: being with
Programs provide a range of health, 209-800 Mc Bride Blvd good friends &
social stimulation and therapeutic (Royal Square Mall)
recreational programs in support New Westminster, BC family”
group settings. Phone 604-520-621,
Website: http://www.vch.ca/seniors/ www.seniorshousing.bc.ca
programs.htm. Contact Support Programs”
support@seniorsservicessociety.ca.
Association of Neighbourhood
Houses of Greater Vancouver: Vancouver Coastal Health:
203-3102 Main Street 200 – 520 W 6th Ave
Vancouver, BC, V5T 3G7, Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604-875-9111 Phone: 604-736-2033
Email: central@anhgv.org Toll free 1 866 884-0888
Website: www.anhgv.org Website: www.vch.ca

How to find a family doctor

www.vch.ca/services/doctor.htm.
For information in Vancouver contact:
Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre
2110 W 43rd Ave.
Vancouver, BC, V6M 2E1.
Phone 604-261-6366

Government Benefits
Canada Pension Plan Veteran’s Benefits
www-sdc-gc-ca/en/isp/cpp/cpp- www-vac-acc-gc-ca/clients
toc-shtml
Old Age Security Program
www-hrsdc-gc-ca

Housing Information
Housing Applicant/Rental Residential Tenancy Office:
Assistance Program/Inquiry 604-660-1020
Line: 604-433-2218
Co-operative Housing Seniors’ Housing Information
Federation of BC: Program:
604-879-5111 604-520-6621

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 23

 Crisis Services

Elders Abuse/Advocacy Services

Elder abuse is surprisingly common, 1 in 12 seniors in BC is abused. Elder
abuse includes intimidation, humiliation, physical assault, sexual assault,
overmedication, lack of medication, censoring of mail, invasion of privacy, and
denial of access to visitors. The local health authorities are where to report
abuse or neglect of an adult. To contact your local health authority, call the
Health Information Line at 1-800-465-4911 (toll free) and ask for your local
health unit
BC Coalition to Eliminate Abuse of seniors:
411 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC Phone: 604 437-1940; Toll free: 1-866-
437-1940 Email: info@bcceas.ca

“Home is
connections to
other people”
Crisis Services
24-Hour Distress Line Toll free in B.C.
1-866-661-3311
B.C. Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service:
24-hour services can refer you to counseling and resources in your community.
Call free in B.C. 1-800-663-1441
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House: Seniors Peer Support Program:
Offers confidential listening support and information to enable seniors to help
themselves. Contact Selina Chew Phone: 604-736-3588 ext 46 or email selina@
kitshouse.org
Seniors Service Society Support Calls: Support Calls are friendly telephone
calls made on a weekly, twice weekly or daily basis by a volunteer to a senior
who may be lonely or isolated. For more information or to register for this
program please call 604-520-6621 or e-mail: info@seniorsservicessociety.ca
Suicide-Related Crisis
Toll free in B.C. 1-800-784-2433
Translation services are available. Website: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca

24 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009

HOME IS …
What does HOME mean to YOU?

“Home is connections to other people”

“Home means eating together”
“Canada is my home now, for 35 years”
“Home is a place where I have neighbours I trust”
“Home is a place that you belong to”
“My sister creates home for me”
“Home is being with good friends & family”
“Good soup makes home!”
“Home means safety, security
and people I can rely on”
“Home is being recognized and
respected by the community around you”

What are the BENEFITS of having a

sense of HOME?
Happiness
Contentment
Contribution to Society
Feeling Worth While
A Sense of Safety
Trusting Your Neighbors
Being Helpful
Feeling Supported

Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009 25

 How can we create
a loving environment in our
community?
Smile

Act with concern and compassion

Show courtesy on the road

Hold Positive regard for self

and others

Share Food!

Trust myself and others

Build closeness with each other

Know Friendly Faces

Listen from the heart

Remember people who have

passed away

Provide access to information about

resources, services, etc.

Be curious and “see” who is here on the Westside

Express consideration for others

www.kitshouse.org
26 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House West-Side Seniors & Elders Guide 2009