Introduction

As Vancouver’s population ages, the city faces a critical challenge: ensuring that its urban infrastructure meets the needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. A recent project by Simon Fraser University’s Gerontology Department, in collaboration with the City of Vancouver (COV), sheds light on the transformative power of well-maintained sidewalks. This initiative, part of the innovative course Gero 840: Special Topics - Developing Inclusive Urban Streetscape, highlights the vital role of sidewalks in enhancing urban mobility, health, and social inclusion.

An Innovative and Interactive Course

The Gero 840 course, led by Dr. Atiya Mahmood, was designed to provide MA students with hands-on experience in urban planning and community engagement. Working closely with the COV, students evaluated the city’s sidewalk infrastructure through a combination of literature reviews, regulatory analysis, on-the-ground assessments, and community engagement activities. The course’s structure was meticulously planned to deliver real-world impact:

• Thorough Analysis: Students conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature, codes and regulations, comparing Vancouver’s sidewalk standards with those of other cities to identify gaps and opportunities.

• Fieldwork: Using the SWAN tool, they evaluated the functionality, safety, and social aspects of selected street segments, providing a detailed assessment of current conditions.

• Community Input: methods like interviews with people with lived experience and experts in this area captured the needs of older adults and persons with disabilities, ensuring their voices were central to the project.

Executive Summary

Watch our video "The Story of Sidewalks" at this link