Submitted by Claire Gram, population health policy consultant
About 60 per cent of population health outcomes are attributed to the places we live (the physical / built environment) and social and economic determinants. (Source: 2009 Canadian Senate report)
VCH staff on the North Shore are raising awareness and support for building healthy neighbourhoods and communities that support healthy choices:
- Compact communities with mixed land use, so that people can easily choose to walk, cycle, and take transit to various destinations
- A variety of housing choices in a neighbourhood for people with varied incomes and stages of the life
- Infrastructure like sidewalks, bike lanes that keep us safe and send the message that non-drivers are valuable and important!
- Access to healthy food options – local stores with healthy food, opportunities to grow food
- Clean air and water
- Places to gather for a vibrant and connected communities
For more, check out this brief VCH authored article for the City of North Vancouver’s project to update the community’s Official Community Plan (the blueprint for future land use and community): http://www.cnv.org/CityShaping/papers/Discussion Brief – Healthy Neighbourhoods.pdf
This work is a team effort! The North Shore’s local population health team under Sandra Edelman has played a lead role with Breann Specht, Community Developer, working jointly with municipal leaders to further this work. Claire Gram, VCH’s Regional Population Health Policy Consultant has built the framework for this work with assistance from a Community Planner (Heather Evans) to support staff along the way. Dr. Brian O’Connor, the Medical Health Officer has played an essential role in relationship building, and the North Shore Division of Family Practice is also becoming involved in advocating for a healthy community, social housing, active living, etc.
VCH is engaging different parts of the community to raise awareness about how to weave objectives into community planning working with municipal staff, elected officials, community residents, and non-profit groups. Here is a snapshots of a few events this summer, to engage these various audiences:
On June 27, Dr. Brian O’Connor (MHO) presented and engaged in discussion with Cool North Shore, a climate action group about the common objectives of climate friendly and healthy community, and opportunities to work together. (link:
On June 28th, Dr. John Millar (University of British Columbia Public Health, Health Policy, International Health) recently presented to the District of North Vancouver Council about the health benefits of active transportation, to inform the municipal Transportation Plan
On July 19, VCH partnered with the District of North Vancouver and the Heart and Stroke Foundation to organize a dinner and walkabout for the Lower Capilano neighbourhood. 60 Residents went on walking tours with municipal planners to o to look at the Lower Cap neighbourhood through a health lens, and engage them in visioning a more walkable, active place to live.
For more information on our work regarding healthy built environments and community design contact Claire Gram.