Building a vibrant and inclusive intergenerational community to nurture well-being and connection
The University-Integrated Seniors Village continues to make progress in its mission to create a vibrant, intergenerational community that integrates seniors and university life. Guided by the principles from the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, the project aims to advance research and teaching opportunities while meeting local needs for seniors living.
Behind the scenes, several key initiatives are underway. Plans are in motion to create new trails throughout the nature area adjacent to the Seniors Village, promoting physical activity and well-being for future residents, staff and neighbours. Trail realignment is slated to commence this summer.
To enhance safety in the area, the City of Peterborough is improving the Woodland Dr. and Water Street intersection. Intersection improvements include permanent traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and left-hand turn lanes. Upgrades will also include a pedestrian sidewalk on the south side of Woodland Drive between Hetherington Drive and Water Street. These additions will make this intersection safer for students and residents.
To bring Trent's vision for the Seniors Village to life, the project is beginning the process of finding a development partner. This process will be informed by the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) report series, a foundational document outlining the project's vision and objectives. Philanthropic and government funding are being sought to elevate the project's standards in areas such as accessibility and environmental sustainability, reflecting the commitment to creating an innovative learning community.
Cultivating learning, discovery, inclusivity, and reconciliation
The Teaching and Research Agreement between Trent and peopleCare will provide experiential learning opportunities for students across most Trent disciplines. A full-time project coordinator will organize experiential learning placements and research projects. Other examples of Trent's academic leadership and training in aging include the new tenure track position in Indigenous Aging, the TCAS-led M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, and Trent's CRC in Aging Dr. Bharati Sethi, a TCAS executive member whose research focusses on the experiences of older first-generation Canadians and immigrants who provide caregiving work.
In advancing reconciliation through the Seniors Village, Trent has worked closely with the local Michi Saagiig First Nations chiefs, land resource consultation officers and the Elders & Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council as the project was first developing to understand their needs and interests, as well as to discuss the Village's location and environmental considerations. Working together, environmental consultants incorporated the shared Indigenous Knowledge into their surveys and reports, resulting in a collaborative agreement on environmental studies and protective measures. Trent also began discussions with Curve Lake First Nation on how to incorporate Indigenous aging support on the site through landscaping and design.
The University-Integrated Seniors Village is guided by the overarching principles outlined in the Trent Lands Plan: Learning and Discovery; Environmental Resilience and Integrity; Economic Resilience, Leadership and Innovation; and Social Resilience, Community and Inclusivity. For a more in-depth look at how the project meets the goals of the Trent Lands Plan, read the latest Trent Centre for Aging & Society newsletter.
