This winter, Vaughan is helping low-income seniors with snow removal services

It's for those aged 55 and up or have an 'age-related illness'

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 31, 2019
Dina Al-Shibeeb

In other places in York Region, some low-income seniors are already receiving help to remove snow when blizzards unleash their piles on homes and driveways.

However, this winter, Vaughan is catching up.

The city said its goal is to have about 100 residents receive services or arrangements to support them in snow removal for those aged 55 and up or who have an “age-related illness.”

The idea to bring --Community and Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS) --came about after hearing from residents Mark Lubberts and Gaynor McCredie. Also, Vaughan’s committee of the whole endorsed on Oct. 2 a recommendation from deputy mayor Mario Ferri on “snow removal for older adults project.”

CHATS is a non-profit charitable organization, which provides programs and services to enhance the health, wellness and independence for more than 8,300 older adults and caregivers each year.

It’s also CHATS that’s “responsible for vetting and executing the program in Vaughan,” the city said. “The CHATS program will provide services for a maximum of 100 Vaughan residents.”

When asked about its role, the city said that it “plays an important role in promoting this CHATS program and encouraging citizens to apply for the services.”

In addition, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua is also “donating $5,000 through the Spirit of Generosity initiative towards the execution of this CHATS program in Vaughan.”

Last year, CHATS provided 635 snow removal services to 133 clients in 22 areas in York Region.

Vaughan citizens who are interested in applying for the program can call CHATS directly at 1-866-677-9048, ext. 7669 (SNOW) or send them an email at hamp@chats.on.ca.