Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council
Since its inception in 2005, the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Council (ESCC) has led coordination and collaboration among seniors serving organizations in Edmonton. We improve outcomes for older adults through systems-level planning: we bring people, information, and ideas together to build collaborative approaches to services, supports and circumstances impacting older adults.
What issues do you care about in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
ISSUE 1— Service changes that do not consider accessibility needs of the community.
Most importantly, the transition from physical transit tickets to ARC cards, and the removal of parking pay stations in favor of the E-Park app.
These changes not only create barriers for older individuals, but anyone who can’t read English, does not have access to a smartphone or debit/credit card, or has trouble navigating digital platforms and QR codes. Additionally, needing support to access and navigate systems like transit is a top presenting issue seen in Hello Seniors and Social Prescribing programs. Fewer places to buy ARC cards mean accessibility has been reduced— 75 sites compared to over 300 where transit tickets used to be sold.
ISSUE 2— Lack of safe, affordable, and accessible housing for seniors.
Many seniors feel unsafe in their current housing situation and cannot afford to stay where they have lived for years.
Changes in urban planning are part of the challenge in many neighbourhoods. There are long waiting lists of up to two years for affordable supportive living and subsidized housing options. City Council’s role in setting zoning policies, approval processes, and the delivery of social housing has direct impacts on the affordability and accessibility of housing.
ISSUE 3— Funding social connection and community engagement opportunities for seniors.
Social isolation is a major health issue in the seniors population. Often, financial barriers prevent older adults from being active.
Community-Based Seniors Serving (CBSS) organizations play an important role in addressing this by providing low-cost programs and services that support lifelong learning, life enrichment, health and wellness, but many CBSS organizations are worried about being able to keep their doors open.
Without these CBSS organizations, older persons have limited access to information, programs, and services that promote engagement.
To read our full 2025 Municipal Election Primer, please click here.