The Ontario Seniors' Secretariat (OSS) is promoting the Age-Friendly Communities model through seven regional forums that will be delivered in partnership with the Ontario Coalition of Senior Citizens' Organizations (OCSCO) and other OSS Liaison Committee members in the fall of 2009. An eighth forum, delivered by the OSS and la Fédération des aînés et des retraités francophone de l'Ontario (FAFO) was held for the francophone community leadership on June 18th in conjunction with the FAFO annual general meeting.

• Raise awareness of the AFC framework;
• Serve as a "Call to Action" for people to take leadership in their community; and
• Continue to build a community of people who can learn from and support each other in making their communities age-friendly.

• Kenora- September 15
• Sault Ste. Marie- October 1
• Ottawa- October 15
• Barrie- October 29
• Windsor- November 10
• Toronto- November 18
• Hamilton- November 25

The forums will include presentations and many opportunities for interactive participation through dialogues and related activities. These regional dialogues will also provide participants with ideas of how to turn the information shared at the forum into concrete action in their communities.

1. Outdoor spaces and public buildings are pleasant, clean, secure and physically accessible.
2. Public transportation is accessible and affordable.
3. Housing is affordable, appropriately located, well built, well designed and secure.
4. Opportunities for seniors to participate in leisure, social, cultural and spiritual activities with people of all ages and cultures are provided.
5. Older people are treated with respect and are included in civic life.
6. Opportunities for employ-ment and volunteerism that cater to older persons' interests and abilities are provided.
7. Age-friendly communication and information is available.
8. Community support and health are tailored to older persons' needs.