PRRD approves three year funding extension for Seniors Aging in Place

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The board of directors at the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has authorized a three-year extension on a contract for the Seniors Aging in Place Support Services Program.

The contract between the PRRD and the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living provides essential services to seniors wishing to age within their homes. 

The program currently assists around 200 seniors, most of whom utilize housekeeping and snow removal support visits. The service also offers meal delivery services, but according to Area E Director Dan Rose, those are less often utilized. 

The contract extension is estimated to cost the PRRD $6,253,509 and will now expire on December 31st, 2027, rather than January 1st, 2025. 

The annual costs for meals through the program are projected to increase by 2.79 per cent in 2025 and 3.5 per cent in 2026 and 2027. Housekeeping and snow removal costs are also expected to increase 3.5 per cent each year. 

The program is expected to cost approximately $1.65 million in 2025, $2.05 million in 2026, and $2.54 million in 2027.