Representatives from the Walk the Talk CIHR emerging team were invited to participate in a Café Scientific entitled “Take Back your Sidewalks: Creating Pedestrian-Friendly Communities for Seniors”, in Qualicum Beach, BC, November 2010. The café drew local seniors, city engineers, the Mayor of Qualicum Beach, researchers, accessibility advocates and Dr. Anne Martin-Matthews, CIHR Institute of Aging, Scientific Director.  Drs. Vicky Scott and Joanie Sims-Gould, members at the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility and the Walk the Talk team, presented research on the built environment and seniors mobility and assisted in the facilitation of small group discussions.

Qualicum and nearby Parksville are among the oldest communities in Canada with an active and vocal senior’s organization committed to creating and sustaining pedestrian friendly environments.  There was representation at the Café from both communities. Throughout the day a range of topics were discussed in a lively and passionate manner. Topics included the need for a greater understanding on behalf of the public for competing demands for municipal resources, mechanisms for seniors to have their concerns heard, elements which facilitate and impede the walkability and age friendliness in a community and  the complex decision making process experienced by city engineers and parks employees in prioritizing city projects. The café provided an excellent forum for seniors and city decision makers to ‘hear’ each other’s point of view while contemplating safe pedestrian environments.