Strategy 1.1
Land use designation
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Locate primary services within the range of around 500 metres from home (such as groceries, post offices, pharmacies, transit)
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Locate secondary services within 800 metres from home (such as shopping malls, community centres, parks, medical services).
These distances are community-specific, and often depend on zoning and street grids.
Provide walkable access to primary services
1.1.1
A corner grocery store in a residential neighbourhood in Vancouver. Photo: Emma Avery / Happy Cities
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Include ground-level shops to aid with wayfinding and provide opportunities for social interaction along the street.
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Integrate small-scale, local shops in residential neighbourhoods to provide convenient and familiar services for people living with dementia.
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Consider implementing a dementia-friendly business recognition program, which can increase awareness and provide safe neighbourhood destinations for people living with dementia.
Provide access to local commerce and small shops
1.1.2
A walkable street in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Photo: TristanCleveland / Happy Cities
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Prioritize access to community centres, which can provide programming for people living with dementia and their care partners.
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Provide free-to-use, flexible, indoor or weather-proof spaces, which offer essential, safe spaces for people living with dementia and their care partners to maintain social interaction.
Prioritize access to community spaces
1.1.3
The Shipyards in North Vancouver offers a weather- proof, free community space. Photo: Happy Cities
Land use designation determines which land uses—such as housing, business, or parks—are permitted within the neighbourhood. Designing complete, walkable communities benefits older adults and people living with dementia by providing access to core services and social opportunities within easy walking distance.
Actions under this strategy:
Age- and dementia-inclusive principles:
Accessible: Mixed-use areas provide easy access to score services within walking distance of home
Distinct: Mixed-use areas provide diverse building forms and recognizable businesses to help navigation and wayfinding.