The Safe Step for Seniors project aimed to identify poor sidewalks and road infrastructure in Vancouver’s West End while working with community members and planners to address unsafe conditions. The project adopted the Stakeholder’s Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhoods (SWAN) tool, developed by Simon Fraser University, to systematically assess the neighbourhood’s built environment. It addressed the urgent need for safer mobility for seniors and people with disabilities, while offering a model for community engagement and participatory problem-solving.
Safe Step for Seniors focused on addressing safety challenges experienced by Canadians with disabilities, particularly those aged 65 and older. As of 2017, approximately 2.6 million Canadians (9.6% of the population) experienced mobility restrictions, highlighting the need for improved accessibility and inclusion (Government of Canada, 2022). This need was particularly pressing in British Columbia, where seniors made up 19% of the population in 2020 and are projected to reach 25% by 2041. For many older adults, walking remains a primary mode of transportation, especially since more than half of those over 85 do not hold a valid driver’s license (Office of the Seniors Advocate British Columbia, 2018).
In the West End, 37% of residents reported limitations in daily activities—significantly higher than the citywide average. These challenges were especially acute for seniors, underscoring the importance of designing accessible and age-friendly environments.
Through the SWAN tool, Safe Step for Seniors systematically assessed walkability and mobility barriers in the neighbourhood. The assessments identified problematic intersections and inadequate sidewalk infrastructure where improvements were needed to enhance pedestrian safety. Aligned with Vision Zero principles, the project addressed the safety needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities in the West End. Community input—including personal stories and concerns shared by seniors—shed light on ongoing issues with sidewalks and intersections. These concerns were addressed through audits, analysis, and collaborative planning.
The project also supported the City of Vancouver’s Active Mobility Plan and Curb Ramp Priorities 2023–2027, with a particular focus on improving pedestrian infrastructure. Curb ramps, a key area of focus, play a critical role in ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users, mobility aid users, and others. These efforts contributed to the city's broader goal of creating an inclusive, walkable community.
The Safe Step for Seniors project began by engaging older adults from the West End to better understand the pedestrian safety concerns they regularly encounter. Through focus groups, interviews, and informal conversations, seniors shared their lived experiences navigating the neighbourhood. These insights highlighted a range of issues—such as cracked sidewalks, poor lighting, inaccessible curb ramps, and confusing intersections—that impact their ability to move safely and independently.
Building on this input, the project team trained seniors and community volunteers to use the Stakeholder Walkability/Wheelability Audit in Neighbourhood (SWAN) tool, a structured method for assessing the walkability of public spaces. Participants conducted audits at key intersections throughout the West End, observing the environment through the lens of older adults and people with mobility challenges. This hands-on approach not only produced rich data but also empowered seniors to take an active role in identifying and analyzing the barriers in their community.
Detailed notes, photographs, and audit scores were collected and compiled into a report that documented the conditions observed during the walks. The findings revealed specific areas that posed safety risks—such as uneven pavement, obstructed sidewalks, and long pedestrian wait times at signals. This evidence formed the foundation for follow-up advocacy and planning.
In response to the findings, the project team submitted multiple service requests to the City of Vancouver, calling attention to urgent issues requiring repair or redesign. In parallel, a series of policy-level recommendations were developed to guide long-term improvements, aligned with the City’s Active Transportation Plan and Curb Ramp Priorities. These recommendations emphasized the importance of accessibility, visibility, and consistency in pedestrian infrastructure.
Throughout the process, the project strengthened community capacity by involving seniors not just as informants, but as co-leaders in the work. Many participants expressed a sense of empowerment and increased awareness of how the built environment affects their daily lives. The connections formed during this project—between seniors, community organizations, and city staff—will continue to support advocacy and action beyond the life of the project.
Safe Step for Seniors demonstrated that when seniors are actively involved in identifying challenges and proposing solutions, the result is not only more accurate data but also stronger, more inclusive communities. The project has laid the groundwork for sustained efforts to make the West End a safer, more accessible place for people of all ages and abilities.
Safe Step for Seniors contributed to a more informed and connected community, empowering older adults to identify and advocate for changes in their neighbourhood. By working in partnership with seniors, local organizations, and city staff, the project strengthened community-led approaches to mobility and accessibility.
The project’s final report, including both thematic and location-specific recommendations, has been shared with municipal partners and will inform ongoing advocacy efforts. The tools and methods used—including the SWAN tool—remain available for future neighbourhood assessments and engagement efforts.
