1. ACTIVE COMMUNITIESSupporting Local Government in Building Active, Healthy Communities Suzanne Allard StruttCEO, BC Recreation and Parks AssociationChair, BC Healthy Living Alliance

2. BCRPA The provincial voice for the parks, recreation and fitness sector

3. BCRPA • Inspires and supports community leaders and practitioners to build and sustain healthy communities • Membership is involved in community-based parks and recreation services, programs and facilities • Chair, BC Healthy Living Alliance

4. Affiliations The BCRPA has strong affiliations with provincial stakeholders: • health • education • sport • justice • multicultural • anti-poverty • social service sectors

5. BCRPA • Implementation agency for Active Communities • Part of our mandate in community development and active living

6. Active Communities • Part of a much larger wellness initiative being planned and supported by the Province • Target – to increase the physical activity levels of British Columbians by 20% by the year 2010

7. Definition • An Active Community is one that promotes and supports a way of life in which physical activity is valued and integrated into daily life • Requires a coordinated strategy

8. Objectives • Support communities to develop an Active Communities plan • Increase local awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity • Create opportunities to increase activity levels by 20% by the year 2010

9. Objectives • Strengthen community partnerships • Link with other strategies under ActNow BC and 2010 Legacies Now

10. Target Populations Inactive: • Children and youth • Girls and young women • Older adults • Aboriginals • Persons with a disability • Economically disadvantaged

11. What is an Active Community? An Active Community is not defined by geographical location – for example, a community can be: • a municipality • an aboriginal community, or • a wellness coalition

12. Communities • There may be more than one Active Community within a geographical boundary • Linkages and partnerships within geographical communities are encouraged

13. Active Community Partnerships • Health Districts/Authorities • Health promotion organizations • School Districts • Related community organizations • Community sport organizations • Spirit of BC Community Committees • Local businesses

14. Tool Kit • Workbook • Fact Sheets • Self Assessment Checklist and Planning Guide

15. Workshops • One-day workshops will be conducted on a regional basis to cover the basics of rolling out an Active Communities plan

16. Evaluation Tool Baseline Data Template • Communities can measure physical activity levels and monitor physical activity improvements • Resources and recommendations on how communities can administer the tool will be provided

17. Website • Register online - free • Access resources • Share successes

18. Registration Criteria • City council must officially pass a motion to accept the 20% Physical Activity Challenge by the year 2010 OR • A letter of intent is required from the registering community to establish an Active Communities committee, develop a plan, and commit to working toward the 20% target

19. Registration Criteria • Must identify an Active Communities leader (i.e. main contact) • Must provide annual status reports on community progress • Must be willing to share plans, success stories, and recommended practices

20. Grants • Designed to assist communities with the development of an Active Community Plan, or deliver a component of an existing plan • Will be made available to registered communities starting November 2005

21. Menu of Resources • HIGH FIVE • Everybody gets to play™ • Active Workplace Strategy

22. Get Involved • Move for Health Day • SummerActive • Bike to Work Week • Spirit of BC Community Committees • 20% Challenge • Way to Go! School Program

23. Get Started • Make a commitment • Register as an Active Community • Create an Active Community team • Develop an Active Community plan …take up the 20% Challenge!

24. Contacts Trina Sporer Program Manager, Active Communities BC Recreation and Parks Association 604-629-0965, ext. 24 tsporer@bcrpa.bc.ca Curtis Atkinson Program Coordinator, Active Communities BC Recreation and Parks Association 604-629-0965, ext. 38 catkinson@bcrpa.bc.ca