Despite a stern lecture from a member of the city's seniors advisory panel Tuesday, city council refused to change course on redefining who's a senior.
As part of the 2016 budget process, councillors agreed to change the definition to 65 from 55, which affected discounts residents received when buying municipal services, such as bus passes and memberships at city-owned recreational facilities.
The move was expected to raise about $175,000 in revenue, and was part of the process the city went through to find $6 million to pay for the 2015 tax freeze.
But in her presentation, Mary Michasiw of the seniors advisory panel, said she was upset council didn't think to consult them before making the decision.
“We ensure we provide fact-based information to council,” Michasiw said. “Decisions are being made involving seniors, and no one thought to consult with the seniors advisory panel?”
She has heard “countless” stories of the impact the decision will have on older residents, she said. While the extra $400-$500 in costs may not seem a lot, for low-income seniors it's huge.
“To many of our seniors, it's a fortune,” Michasiw said. “We want our seniors out in the community. We want them healthy.”
She demanded that the definition be restored to 55 effective immediately. Council should admit it made a mistake “and then do what's right.”
“Free rides for seniors on Monday is a joke when you've eliminated so many people,” she said. “I don't think you thought this through … The important thing is when you make a mistake, you listen to people who know.”
Ward 4 Coun. Evelyn Dutrisac agreed she had made a “bad decision” in supporting the change.
“I voted for this and I guess I made a mistake,” she said.
Ward 5 Coun. Bob Kirwan agreed, saying the move won't raise the revenue staff has forecast, and unfairly puts a burden on older residents.
“We're crossing a line that really is dangerous,” Kirwan said. “We've identified a small group of people who have to pay more.”
But Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh said there are existing programs to help low-income residents of any age to get discounts on bus passes and other city services. She asked Michasiw whether she was aware of those programs.
Michasiw said she was, but added that seniors have too much pride to use programs aimed at low-income residents.
But that's who they are intended to help, McIntosh said, adding that the availability of programs to help people in need is why she and other councillors agreed to made the change. It was a tough decision, she said, but it was what they agreed to do.
“It is not a good use of council's time to be second-guessing decisions made last year,” she said.
In the end, only Dutrisac, Kirwan, *Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier and Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann voted in favour of reversing the decision.
*Note: an earlier version of this story incorrectly left Montpellier off the list.
