February 22, 2012

Home > Seniors Services and Programs – City of Vancouver

Seniors Services and Programs – City of Vancouver

A person over 65 is usually considered to be a “senior.” Each of the three levels of government is responsible for different programs or services that seniors may use. In Vancouver, the Federal government is responsible for the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security. The BC government is responsible for health, transportation, and income assistance. The City government supports many recreation and social programs.

Vancouver’s community centres offer seniors’ courses and classes on fitness, health and wellness, arts and crafts, drop-in programs and excursions. Neighbourhood houses and independent seniors groups also provide services and
activities for seniors. Contact the Seniors Worker at your nearest neighbourhood house or community centre for more information.

Other useful sources of information about services for seniors:

  • The 411 Seniors Centre (411 Dunsmuir St., Tel: 604-684-8171) has a Seniors Information and Referral Service. It also offers many drop-in services and programs for seniors.
  • A booklet titled “When I’m 64” describes pensions, Old Age Security and how to apply for Medical Services Plan among other topics of interest to seniors. This booklet is available free from the Legal Services Society office
    (#1500-1140 West Pender St., Vancouver)

The following are some local seniors organizations and services that may be of interest. Call to find out more about their programs or services.

  • Britannia Community Centre Vietnamese Seniors Program (Tel: 604-718-5815)
  • Chinese Community Library Seniors Outreach Program (Tel: 604-254-2107)
  • 411 Seniors Centre (Tel: 604-684-8171)
  • Japanese Community Volunteers Association (Tel: 604-687-2172)
  • Jewish Family Seniors Outreach (Tel: 604-257-5151)
  • Marpole Oakridge Seniors Council (Tel: 604-266-5301)
  • Renfrew Collingwood Seniors Society (Tel: 604-430-1441)
  • The SFU Seniors Program provides high quality low-cost non-credit courses to seniors 55+ at SFU’s downtown campus at Harbour Centre. There are three semesters annually, starting in January, September and May of each year. For more information, please check their website at: www.sfu.ca/seniors. (Tel: 778-782-5212)
  • South Granville Seniors Centre/Spanish Outreach (Tel: 604-732-0812)
  • South Vancouver Seniors Network (Tel: 604-324-3670)
  • SUCCESS Seniors Outreach Project (Tel: 604-684-1628)
  • Vancouver Second Mile Society (Tel: 604-254-2194)
  • Westend Seniors Network (Tel: 604-669-5051)