Bruce Peninsula Hospice Leads Dementia-Inclusive Initiative in Wiarton
Wiarton businesses joined Bruce Peninsula Hospice to create dementia-friendly spaces during the “Remembering Wiarton” event.
Downtown Wiarton took on a new look and spirit this week as businesses and community members came together for Remembering Wiarton, a dementia-inclusive event designed to create a safe, welcoming experience for people living with memory loss or dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.
Hosted on Tuesday, October 7 by Bruce Peninsula Hospice (BPH) in collaboration with several community partners, the event offered a mix of informal activities, dementia-inclusive signage and decorations, and the support of trained volunteers.
The goal, organizers said, was to build social connection, community awareness, and inclusion. “This event showed what’s possible when businesses and community members come together to support inclusion and reduce stigma,” said Nancy Forgrave, Executive Director, BPH.
Participating businesses included Angel’s Meadow Boutique, Ashanti Coffee, Bread Bowl, Great Canadian Dollar Store, Great Lakes Hearing, Green Door Café, Home By Design, Josie’s Clothing For Women & Men, LakeHouse Bath & Kitchen, Lloyd’s, The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Sweet Things From DeJong Acres, and Symon Says Gifts | Gallery.
Each committed to creating a dementia-friendly environment by training staff and displaying inclusive signage for the day.
The initiative is part of the Compassionate Dementia Inclusive Communities (CDIC) project, funded by Health Canada and developed from the research-based Nav-CARE program at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan. The local rollout was led by Bruce Peninsula Hospice in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce and Home and Community Support Services Grey-Bruce.
“This is truly an initiative thought up by the community, done by community, in the community, for community,” said Gloria Puurveen of the University of British Columbia. “Often this can be the aspiration, but it is hard to make it the reality—and you folks are really doing that.”
Local business owners said the event highlighted the power of small communities to make change through awareness and compassion.
“I’m so proud to be part of a business community that committed to training themselves and their staff for this wonderful event,” said Josie Myles, owner of Josie’s Fashions in Wiarton. “I see this day as a kickoff to greater things for Wiarton and the area.”
Carolyn Laitinen, Executive Director of Home & Community Support Services Grey-Bruce, said the event reflected a growing commitment to inclusivity across the region.
“It’s inspiring to see local businesses joining forces to create safe and welcoming spaces for people living with dementia,” Laitinen said. “Their commitment to learning and understanding makes a difference and shows the strength and compassion of our entire community.”
With an estimated 4,400 people in Grey-Bruce living with dementia, organizers emphasized that community-based efforts like Remembering Wiarton are essential for reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and ensuring that individuals and their families feel supported and included.