Kingston mulls ending seniors' discounts

Seniors' discounts are one of the perks of getting older, saving recipients money at shops, restaurants, movie theatres and banks, and on public transit.

Now Kingston, Ont., is looking at doing away with age-based discounts onmunicipal programs and services, and replacing them with discounts based on income level.

There are quite a number of seniors that are doing well, and there are still some living in poverty, and those seniors will continue to get a discount when we make the change.- Cheryl Hitchen, City of Kingston

Cheryl Hitchen, Kingston's manager of social policy and strategic development, toldCBC Radio's Ontario MorningMonday that based on census data,seniors aren't the local demographic most in need of a financial boost.

"[Seniors']average median income is about the same as it is for the community as a whole," Hitchensaid. "There are quite a number of seniors that are doing well, and there are still some living in poverty, and those seniors will continue to get a discount when we make the change."

Discount unchanged in decades

Hitchen said the seniors' discountis an outdated extrathat hasn't been looked at in decades.

"Back in the 50s and 60s we started to give seniors discounts in most communities across the province and across the country because there was a very high percentage of seniors post-World War II living in poverty, and there were a lot of seniors not living as long as they're living now."

Determining whether someone gets city discounts will be based on the low income measure, or LIM, which changes every year. Single residentswould need an annual income below$22,000 to qualify, shesaid.

It's expected the change will save the city money over time.

"But really, the impetus is to help those most in need," Hitchensaid.

The change, if implemented, would affectdiscountsthe city gives on things like bus passesto seniors as well as discounts for adults aged 18-24, Hitchensaid.

Kingston is asking for public input on the issue by filling out asurveyon adopting income-based discounts. The survey will be onthe city's website until Dec. 15.