When are your golden years? Locals react as Richmond gets set to bump up age for seniors’ discount

RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – It looks like 65 is the new 55, at least in Richmond.

That will be the case when the city bumps up the age for its seniors’ discount, starting on July 1.

The increase in the age of eligibility for seniors’ pricing will apply to all City of Richmond facilities, like rec centres and pools.

One frustrated resident — Rory Sutter — is planning to present an online petition against the increase at Monday night’s city council meeting.

“We only started on June 14th and this is fantastic,” the petition reads. “We will show Council that people in our community really care about this issue.”

Sutter is calling on others concerned by the increase to join him when he speaks to council, saying he wants councillors to see the faces of those impacted when he gets his five minutes, which he’s calling the “five for 55+.”

The petition has struck a chord with some in the community, who say they want to see the city keep the seniors’ discount where it is.

“I believe 55 is really good for people who have worked so hard, and probably there’s benefits for them to start at 55 years,” Romeo, who lives in Richmond says. “Waiting for another 10 years is kind of too long for those who work so hard for their money.”

Others agree, and say waiting another decade to 65 years old is just too long.

“I think 55 is a good time to get a break,” another local says.

“Just because you already worked, and all the necessities are very, very high every day — the cost of life is going up,” Noah adds.

Richmond is increasing the seniors’ pricing age to help fund a subsidy program for low-income adults.