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Connect, Learn and Innovate to Build a Healthier Community
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Governments and organizations across BC are addressing health and well-being in their communities. The stories below are examples of how they are taking action, such as Burnaby’s Social Sustainability Strategy and accessible recreation provided for low-income families through the L.I.F.E program in the Capital Region. We are seeing an incredible range of healthy planning initiatives in the work resulting from HCCB grants and capacity building.
The PlanH Learning Community supports these kinds of practices and commitments that lead to change. Recently, the PlanH team facilitated two workshops on Building Partnerships for a Healthier Community in Delta and Collaborating on a Healthy City Strategy for Kelowna.These events focused on enhancing understanding of local health trends, navigating change, and working towards strengthened collaboration for increased health and well-being outcomes.
Find more ways to connect, learn and innovate below and online at www.planh.ca.
photo courtesy Mara Zanette
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Burnaby’s Award Winning Social Sustainability Strategy Endorses Community Based Solutions
Burnaby has faced challenges head on and prioritized strong community planning to tackle economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
The dedicated staff and elected officials earned Burnaby’s Social Sustainability Strategy two awards in 2012 in recognition of their innovative strategies to enhance the lives of all community members.
Click here to learn about the positive outcomes and impacts of the Strategy.
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Innovations in Capacity Building
In May 2014, the PlanH team administered 48 Healthy Communities Capacity Building (HCCB) grants, sponsored by the Ministry of Health. All of these communities are undertaking incredible initiatives.
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The Township of Esquimalt is hosting a Healthy Housing Forum on April 30th (Register here).
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Mission's Collaborative Youth Health Practices Initiative targets issues like youth homelessness.
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Smithers is gathering input for the Newcomers Recreation and Healthy Eating Accessibility Project (Find out more).
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The North Shore Table Matters group is working to reduce food waste: Learn how.
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Creston is building on their Cultivating Creston Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) and the Age-Friendly Plan. More about their journey here.
Find out more about HCCB grants here.
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Learning Events
Renewable Cities
Global Learning Forum, Vancouver | May 13-15
Participate in a Global Learning Forum about energy efficiency strategies in communities. The Global Learning Forum will highlight jurisdictions leading in renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency in their electricity, heating and cooling, or transportation sectors. Register today!
Creating Connections, Building Bridges
Local Government Management Association Conference
Prince George Civic Centre | June 16-18
Each year a local organizing committee works with the LGMA to prepare a program that provides numerous educational sessions on current issues and thought-provoking keynote speakers, as well as, networking opportunities for members. Read more here.
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Connect
The Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund is receiving applications from local governments for projects that improve accessibility in the workplace and the community. Read more here.
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Community Story: L.I.F.E. Flourishes in Recreation Facilities
For nearly 15 years, the fee-subsidy program entitled Leisure Involvement For Everyone (L.I.F.E.) has reduced barriers to leisure activities and recreation programs for low-income families and individuals throughout the Capital Region.
This program is especially unique because it crosses municipal boundaries; all thirteen local governments within the Capital Regional District are involved in operating this program across fourteen parks and recreation facilities.
Click here to discover the possibilities of affordable, accessible recreation.
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Did you know loneliness is a serious risk factor for early mortality?
After analyzing data of more than three million people from studies that included information on loneliness, social isolation and living alone, researchers found that these three factors increased a person's risk of premature death by 26%, 29% and 32%, respectively.
"The effect of this is comparable to obesity, something that public health takes very seriously," lead author Julianne Holt-Lunstad said.
"We need to start taking our social relationships more seriously."
Read the study Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic here to learn more.
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Read the New Tool Kit for Healthy Rural Communities
Healthy Rural Communities Tool Kit - A Guide for Rural Municipalities identifies land use and development strategies that can help enhance the rural built environment and contribute to positive quality-of-life and health outcomes.
Rural communities are faced with challenges, such as: a low density population, aging citizens, youth out migration, and an economy that is significantly different from that of urban areas. This tool kit provides best-practices and key examples for rural communities to model.
Check out the new Tool Kit now!
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How Cities Make us Sick
Over the last century, cities have been designed to accommodate the automobile. So, how do we redesign them to benefit people?
This CBC report outlines how urban design and more walkable neighbourhoods can improve the health of the population and reduce health costs. Watch it here.
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