Launched in 2004, the Seniors’ Housing & Support Initiative (SHSI) is a grant and research program administered by the Union of BC Municipalities. It was created though a one-time million grant from the provincial Ministry of Community Services to assist local governments to prepare for BC’s aging population. In 2007, the Ministry of Health provided an additional {contents}.5 million to further support the initiative and to incorporate a focus on Age-friendly projects.

In the initial phases of the project, the emphasis was on information sharing, including workshops with local governments across the province, the development of this website and grants for ‘Seniors in Communities’ dialogue events. Feedback and analysis of these initial grants led to the creation of pilot project funding and UBCM is now in its fourth year of offering dialogue grants and third year of administering pilot project grants.

‘Seniors in Communities’ Dialogue Program

Grants of up to ,000 are available to bring together local government, seniors, senior serving organizations and other community groups in dialogue events to discuss local seniors' issues and responses. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis. The current Program & Application Guide, Application Form, and Final Reports from past dialogue events are available in the Document Library.

Pilot Project Program

The Pilot Project program offers grants of up to ,000 to local governments working in partnership with local organizations. To date, 3 rounds of grants have been offered for pilot projects in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Check the Document Library for current information about grant opportunities and final reports from completed pilot projects.

Research & Information Sharing

UBCM undertakes research on issues facing older adults as they relate to local governments. For example an Environmental Scan of Community Readiness for an Aging Population was undertaken in early 2007.

The Document Library and Links sections of this website also provide numerous documents and resources on plans, projects and programs that have been developed and implemented throughout the province.