We are working to create active living environments where it is easy for children and adults in Alberta to integrate physical activity into their day.
We advocate for:
Workplaces are where many adults spend the majority of their waking hours. Environments that are supportive of active living can create opportunities for employees to easily integrate physical activity into their workday and reduce sedentary behaviour.
Workplace policies that promote active living environments, such as policies that promote physical activity breaks or increase access to fitness amenities, can help to enhance the well-being of employees and contribute to reduced illness costs (lost time, decreased productivity) felt by employers.
For more information, download our issue brief:
Municipal bylaws, land use guidelines, and design standards all play a role in making it easier to be active in our communities. The walkability of your neighbourhood, access to green space, and active transportation options are examples of how community design and zoning policies can either enhance or restrict opportunities to be physically active.
While most municipal policies are intended to maintain the health, safety, and wellness of residents, sometimes they can have unintended consequences. For example, some traffic bylaws may prevent children from playing informal games of road hockey on residential streets, or act as barriers to skateboarding or cycling.
For more information, download our issue brief:
Many young Albertans do not meet recommended daily physical activity levels, in part due to physical and social environments that do not adequately support active living. Given the large amount of time children spend at school, school communities can play an important role in addressing this issue.
One component of a comprehensive approach to promoting physical activity is to encourage active school transportation (AST). Research suggests that when children participate in AST, such as walking or riding a bicycle to school, they incorporate physical activity into their daily routine and achieve higher activity levels than those who travel by vehicle. Development of an Active School Transportation Plan for Alberta could help address barriers to AST and encourage physical activity among young people across the province.
For more information on an active school transportation plan for Alberta, download our issue brief:
Quality, affordable child care is essential to the well-being of children and families. Given the large amount of time many young people spend in this setting, creating environments that nurture physical health through healthy eating and active living is a key aspect of quality care. Increasing investments in affordable, quality child care and implementing child care policies to promote healthy eating and active living environments could help more children thrive in this setting.
For more information, download our issue brief:
Active travel (AT) is movement under human power, such as walking and wheeling. Shifting away from motor vehicles to AT can reduce chronic disease and result in community benefits. Public policies that support compact, mixed-use development and AT infrastructure are key to expanding options for AT in Alberta.
For more information, download our issue brief: