Cover the Coast Launches Program to Support Seniors Aging in Place

The first Sunshine Coast Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) officially launched in early 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in how our region supports older adults who wish to age in place.

Developed through Cover the Coast, with the support of the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre and Partners in Change Society, this pilot initiative is creating a vibrant seniors’ resident community in Sechelt.

The program’s goal is to enhance quality of life for older adults by fostering connection, inclusion, and easy access to services. By leveraging the natural density of seniors living in one apartment building, the NORC model delivers health, social, educational, and recreational programming efficiently and collaboratively. Importantly, the initiative is designed and led by older adults themselves, ensuring it reflects the priorities of the people it serves.

Inspired by successful models such as Hey Neighbour, Oasis Communities, and the NORC Innovation Centre, this local pilot has gained strong support from frontline workers, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. Recent programming has included scam and fraud prevention workshops, cluster home support services, senior connector programs, and primary care outreach.

This prototype will inform future NORC developments across the Sunshine Coast, helping more older adults remain healthy, connected, and supported in their own homes and communities.