Burns Lake and Mackenzie are two of 18 recipients of government funding for age-friendly community planning project grants.
In total, $343,430 was delivered to a variety of communities as part of a grant program in a partnership between the province and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
Burns Lake got a seniors housing assessment grant for $10,500.
A housing study is being planned for the Lakes District, which includes Burns Lake, six First Nations communities and six unincorporated communities.
With 20 per cent of the 8,000 residents in the area being 55 years and older, the project will enhance the efforts of Burns Lake to retain current and future seniors while improving their quality of life.
The District of Mackenzie got $20,000 for seniors housing and health services assessments to increase accessibility and see if they can increase home care and assisted living options while working with BC Housing to start programs to help seniors age in place.
"This long-standing program has provided funding for close to three hundred projects in B.C. communities," said Prince George city councillor Murry Krause, the current UBCM president.
"We appreciate the continuing provincial support for local age-friendly initiatives."
Since 2007, age-friendly communities grants have funded 286 projects throughout British Columbia, totalling $3.75 million.
