The cities of Surrey and White Rock were recognized by the province this week as two of nine age-friendly communities in British Columbia.

The Age-Friendly BC Recognition, which consists of a $1,000 award and congratulatory poster, was awarded to communities "for their efforts to support older residents in remaining healthy and active in the community," according to a government release.

To qualify for the recognition, communities must pass local-government resolutions dedicated to age-friendly improvements, conducted age-friendly assessments as well as act on the results of said assessments. Other communities recognized were Duncan, Esquimalt, Metchosin, Saanich, Revelstoke, West Vancouver and Sechelt.