PlanH: Planning a healthy community starts here.
 
 
Two girls walk down a pier in Summerland BC
 

Two children walk down a pier in Summerland, BC. Photo: Province of BC/Flickr

 

FEATURED ACTION GUIDE

Social connectedness

 

How can local governments support social connectedness in their communities? People choose to connect in different ways, so offering different opportunities and approaches for social connection is important in creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Our Social Connectedness Action Guide, updated in 2018, offers community examples, case studies and resources to help foster strong social environments. Read the Action Guide.

 
The report cover for the social connectedness action guide
 
 

COMMUNITY SUCCESS STORIES

Tofino empowers youth leaders

 
A group of teens participate in a Craft Night in Tofino
 

Youth in Tofino lacked opportunities to connect with peers, so a team from the District of Tofino, the West Coast Resource Society, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation collaborated to create a micro-grant program for youth-led projects that promote social connectedness. Supported by the PlanH Cultivating Connections stream, the program gave grants to nine different projects. Read more about this initiative.

 
 

Hey Neighbour! builds community in high-rises

 

When Francis Heng moved to Canada, they were shocked at how little neighbours interacted with each other. Heng had previously lived in Singapore where, despite the large population, apartment neighbours were part of a strong community. Now, as part of the City of Vancouver's Hey Neighbour! Initiative (funded in part by PlanH), Heng helps to organize activities to bring neighbours together. Learn more about the program.

 
 
A picture of Francis Heng with BC Healthy Communities staff member Diana
 
 

NEWS & ARTICLES

B.C.'s Active Transportation Strategy released

 
The cover photo from CleanBC's Active Transportation Strategy report
 

The provincial government released B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy in June. The report details the province’s commitment to fostering active transportation across the province, with the specific goal of doubling the number of trips taken with active transportation by 2030. It also outlines specific initiatives planned for implementation over the next year, including more grant opportunities for local governments. Read the full report.

 
 
 

On PlanH.ca: Social connectedness primer

 

Did you know? Social connectedness can significantly impact health, playing a role in a range of issues including alcohol and tobacco use, mental well-being, and even availability of job opportunities. In 2012, 32 percent of British Columbians did not feel a strong connection to their local community. Since then, numerous communities have started initiatives to strengthen community bonds between their citizens. Learn more.

 
A picture of the social connectedness webpage on Planh.ca
 
 

The UBCM resolutions process, explained

 
On a desk, two pairs of hands holding pencils atop a piece of paper with notes. Two laptops sit in back and foreground.
 
 

Each fall, local government leaders across BC meet to discuss and endorse resolutions from their members. These resolutions, which act as 'requests' from local governments  to other levels of government, have the potential to change legislation, direct support, or determine levels of funding. The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has developed a guide to the resolutions process, from concept to Convention to conveyance. Learn more about the process on UBCM's website.

 
 
 

REPORT

Designing built environments to support well-being

 

Healthy neighbourhoods support social connection, one of the many dimensions of social well-being. The BC Centre for Disease Control recently released a new report on the role of built environments in facilitating mental health and well-being. The document explores how to effectively balance the need for population density and affordability with the need to offer spaces for socialization, as well as opportunities for personal space and access to green spaces. See the report.

 
 
Cover of the BCCDC's report, Mental health and well-being: Considerations for the built environment.
 
 
 
Image of a cohousing complex.

LEARN

How we design housing in our community can promote social connectedness. The National Collaborating Centre for Environment Health explores the potential health benefits of communal housing in this recent article.

Vancouver Foundation's On The Table logo.

CONNECT

On September 26, 2019, people across BC will gather together for food and conversation. Vancouver Foundation's On The Table aims to build deeper connections between neighbours. Learn more or host an event in your community.

A youth group dances onstage at a festival.

INNOVATE

What's the best way to share public health knowledge with local governments? The Collaborating Centre for Healthy Public Policy interviewed local government staff to get their perspective. See their advice on how to collaborate.

 
 
PlanH | Healthy People
 
PlanH | Healthy Society
 
PlanH | Healthy Environments
BC Healthy Communities Society

Province of BC
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PlanH is a partnership between BC Healthy Communities Society and the British Columbia Ministry of Health.

BC Healthy Communities Society
300-722 Cormorant St.
Victoria BC
V8W 1P8
T: (250) 590-8442    E: info@planh.ca

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