Milton seniors identify transit as area for improvement

By Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Milton seniors are facing a growing challenge—fewer places to shop for clothing. The closure of Alia-Tanjay in 2020, family-run Peggy’s in 2024, and Northern Reflections last year as part of a restructuring plan has left gaps in local retail options.

Milton is home to 23,521 seniors, representing approximately 15 per cent of the population. Some are struggling to find places to shop.

“I don’t know that there’s a store in town that caters to older women,” said Judi Greenfield Bonnar, who lives alone in downtown Milton and often shops online. She stays active by volunteering with the Legion and the Optimist Club.

For groceries, the Shoppers Drug Mart location in Carriage Square is the only option within walking distance. “I wish there was somewhere within walking distance,” Bonnar said. The last grocery store in downtown Milton, Quality Greens, closed in 2006.

“If we want to buy something, we have to go to Burlington now,” said Rob Hewlett, who describes himself and his wife Brenda as “working seniors.” He believes staying active is key to community engagement.

“The important thing for seniors is to get out and get involved,” said Hewlett, who is a member of the Legion and the Optimist Club. The couple plans to join the Milton Seniors’ Activity Centre, which offers activities such as card games, lunches and live music. “I really believe there’s a lot for seniors to do if they go look for it,” he added.

“I would like to take part in more things in town,” said Diane Miller, who lives in rural Milton with her husband Jim. She believes Milton has changed.

“There’s too much traffic, and drivers aren’t considerate of others,” she said. “People are so impatient, and it makes seniors uncomfortable.” Miller suggests adding pathways or more traffic lights in larger shopping areas.

Affordable housing, transit identified as needs

“Rural seniors have no way of getting into town if they don’t have a car,” Miller said. The town offers transit to rural areas such as Campbellville, Brookville and Moffatt through the Milton Access+ program, which serves residents with disabilities. However, conventional transit service does not extend into rural Milton.

“We need a real investment in our transit system,” Hewlett said. He pointed out that Burlington allows seniors to ride for free, while Milton charges $4.25 for a single ride or $60 for a monthly pass.

“I think the biggest thing for seniors is the cost of living,” Bonnar said. According to a Community Development Halton report, more than 7,000 older adults in Halton live in poverty, defined as an after-tax income of less than $26,503. In Milton, 635 women and 400 men are considered to be living in poverty.