Goals
The following report was presented to Council in November 2009.
It reviews the activities of the HCN for 2009 and identifies its goals for 2010.
Goals - 2010
TO: Chairman and Members of the Development Committee
FROM: The Healthy Community Network
DATE: December 16th 2009
RE: Annual Update and Goals for 2010
Recommendation
- That The Development Committee recommends that Council receive the annual update of the activities of The Healthy Community Network and The Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
- That The Development Committee recommends that Council approve the 2010 goals of The Healthy Community Network and The Active Transportation Advisory Committee
Report
Background
The Healthy Community Network (HCN) was formed in March 2006 as a subcommittee of Council. Its mandate is, "To act as a link between Town Council and the citizens on matters related to healthy living, the natural environment and ecological systems; make recommendations to Council and to increase community awareness and involvement in these areas." Later in February 2007, the Active Transportation Advisory Committee was formed on the recommendations from a citizen's group workshop held in October 2006. Its principal objective is to provide Council with current information on the developments in the field of active transportation, i.e. the use of human, non motorized power to connect communities, promote health and environmentally friendly lifestyles; to identify and undertake active transportation projects and to make recommendations to Council for future action which may be required.
Council subsequently endorsed the Active Transportation Advisory Committee and directed that it be a subcommittee of the Healthy Community Network and report to Council through the Network.
This report briefly reviews the activities of both committees during 2009 and recommends goals for 2010.
Activities in 2009
The following section of this report outlines the activities undertaken by the Healthy Community Network and the Active Transportation Advisory Committee in 2009.
Active Living Show
In the Spring the Network organized an active living show to showcase local organizations which promote active transportation and raise community awareness about the importance of active living. Thirty two exhibitors took part. Approximately 200 people attended the event.
Research
During the year committee members worked with staff to initiate two research projects, one with the University of Guelph the other with the McMaster University Institute of Environment and Health. The University of Guelph project involves a group of 4th year undergraduates who will be developing a draft municipal policy on the use of biomass and solar energy. The McMaster project is a critical review of the reliability, cost effectiveness and safety of wind power as an alternative energy source.
Website
In April Council approved the Healthy Community Network’s new website which went live on Earth Day.
Adopt A Road
In May and October committee members participated in the annual adopt a road clean up campaign.
Market Place
During the months of July and August the Network had a booth at the weekly marketplace at the Recplex. During one of the weeks members worked with the Environment Network to hold a Rain Barrel Workshop where residents and visitors could create rain barrels which they could then purchase for $50. Over 20 barrels were sold with a number of residents adding their names to a waiting list for future events which were held at the Environment Network’s office in Collingwood.
50:50 Draw
During the jazz in the park event held in conjunction with the marketplace members partnered with the Community Policing Committee to hold a weekly 50:50 draw with proceeds being shared between the Network and the Community Policing Committee. Revenue for the Network amounted to approximately $800.
Tobacco Bylaw
During the year the Network partnered with the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit to promote the Town’s tobacco bylaw which was enacted in 2008.
Eco Tourism
In September the Network, in collaboration with Eagle Adventure Tours of Wasaga Beach, organized an environmental / educational canoe trip up the Nottawasaga River to raise community awareness about the history of the river and its flora and fauna. The trip was led by two of the Network’s members, local ecologists Scott Martin and Dave Featherstone. The event was an overwhelming success with 24 boats and 55 people participating.
Active Transportation
In October a local citizen group raised concerns about a proposal arising out of the Town’s Active Transportation Plan which would have resulted in the paving and widening of the Silver Birch Trail. As a result of the issues which were raised, Council referred the matter back to Development Committee and staff to resolve. The Healthy Community Network subsequently formed a subcommittee to work with staff to review the multi use trail proposal in the Plan and to research alternative trail surfaces which might be used.
Healthy Community Funding Application
Committee members worked with staff to prepare a funding application to the Ministry of Health Promotion in order to carry out a wayfinding study to support the recommendations from the Active Transportation Plan. Unfortunately the application was not successful.
Share the Road
In 2009 the Network initiated discussions with the Simcoe County Active Transportation Committee and the local Community Policing Committee with a view to developing a county wide Share the Road program. This initiative will be explored further in 2010.
Map and Information Guide Committee
In September John Fisher, the Superintendent of the local provincial park proposed the establishment of a Map and Information Guide Committee to initially develop a pilot project to establish a design standard and to develop a Wasaga Beach specific Tourism Map and a series of information guides similar to those developed in Tay Township. The Network was invited to participate in this project along with the Town’s Economic Development Officer.
Inter Agency Liaison
The Network continues to participate as a member of the Southern Georgian Bay Healthy Community Coalition whose membership is drawn from municipalities in the Southern Georgian Bay area, the Simcoe Muskoka and Grey Bruce Health Units, the Environment Network as well as local environmental groups. This forum is a useful way to share information and to consider the development of projects of mutual interest, such as the Share the Road Program, which have a multi agency focus.
Local Sustainability Centre
During the Summer the Network took the first steps in what will be a long term project to consider the establishment of a Sustainability / Eco Centre for the Town. With Council’s approval an article was published in the Wasaga Sun to start to raise community awareness about the potential for such a centre. Further initiatives relating to this project will be undertaken in the future.
Bike Rack Survey
During the year members undertook a bike rack survey to identify bike rack locations in Town and areas where bike racks might be required. The survey will be updated annually. Members will also consider approaching local businesses to provide bike racks in the future.
Storm Grate Inventory
Consistent with direction from Council, The Network initiated a storm grate survey to identify areas in town where the grates require upgrading consistent with active transportation design standards. The survey was carried out by Mr. Ray Mickevicius. Very few grates were identified as being below standards. The results of Mr Mickevicius’ survey were conveyed to the Public Works Department.
Schooner Town Loop Trail – Cartographic Mapping
Early in the year The Network received a request from Huronia Trails and Greenways for funding support to complete the cartographic mapping of the new Schooner Town Loop Trail. The new trail map is to be included in a revised trail map for the area. The Network approved $500 for this purpose.
I Can Walk Project
The I Can Walk Project is a province wide initiative whose goal is to promote the development of walkable communities as a way to improve health, the environment and the economy.
In 2009 the Network held preliminary discussions with Worsley Public School to implement a pilot I Can Walk initiative for students as a way of combating the ever increasing concern over obesity in youth. If successful the project will be expanded to include all local schools.
The initial discussions were very positive and will be pursued further in 2010.
Simcoe County Active Transportation Grant
During the Fall, members worked with staff to prepare an application to Simcoe County for funding to support local active transportation initiatives. At the time of preparing this report no decision on the application has been made.
Goals for 2010
The following is a list of goals which The Healthy Community Network and The Active Transportation Advisory Committee are proposing for 2010.
- To support the implementation of the Town’s Active Transportation Plan
- To participate in the implementation of The Mayor’s Green Plan
- To continue to explore the potential for the establishment of a sustainability/eco centre for the town • To have a HCN booth at the Recplex Marketplace
- To hold at least one eco tourism event similar to the canoe trip which was held in 2009
- To develop a Share the Road Program for Wasaga Beach in collaboration with the Community Policing Committee which will have the potential for county wide implementation
- To undertake an I Can Walk pilot at the Worsley Public School
- To coordinate the research projects with McMaster University and the University of Guelph
- To continue membership on the Active Transportation Sub Committee and the Map and Information Guide Committee
- To implement a joint initiative with the Environment Network to promote active transportation, sustainability and a healthy environment
- To explore the potential for implementing a xeriscape garden demonstration project
- To continue to prepare media articles on topics related to active transportation and the promotion of healthy communities
- To complete the anti idling public awareness and signage initiative
- To continue to seek funding opportunities to support local healthy community/active transportation initiatives
- To explore the potential for holding a regional event to promote a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable future for the Southern Georgian Bay area
Georgian Bay
