Half of Cambridge population to be 50+ in next two decades
Posted Jun 24, 2026 04:03:36 AM.
Last Updated Jun 24, 2026 12:33:59 PM.
Looking ahead to who will be living in Cambridge over the next 25 years, the city is moving forward with an Older Adult Strategy to support its aging population.
A staff report showed that by 2051, around 55 per cent of the city’s population will be 50 and older. That is double the number of individuals in that age group living in the city today.
The strategy was presented to councillors Tuesday night with a focus on community and health services for seniors, housing options (including affordable renting), communication and information on programs and resources, and respect and social inclusion.
Council unanimously approved the document and will now have staff create a phased implementation of the plan and present recommendations as part of future budget plans.
Throughout the process of putting the plan together, city staff heard from over 1,300 people, with affordability and cost of living being the most common concerns.
According to Statistics Canada, slightly more than one-fifth of seniors living in private dwellings in the country are renters.
When it comes to food insecurity, the latest Cambridge Food Bank Community Impact report showed 424 seniors accessing the food bank were aged 65 and older, a 14 per cent increase over the same period in 2024.
The plan also noted that, according to the National Institute on Aging, Canadians aged 50 and older want to stay in their home for as long as they are able.
The Older Adult Strategy addressed this with the city looking to help seniors make that happen in Cambridge and “age in the right place.”
Full details on the plan and the presentation before council can be read here.
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