County will be asked to join ‘Healthy Communities’

Prince Edward Counnty will be asked to sign a “Healthy Communities Declaration” to symbolize a commitment to incorporate health in all municipal policies.

The Healthy Communities Partnership of Hastings & Prince Edward Counties will make a presentation to the County’s Committee of the Whole, Thursday. The City of Quinte West was the first to declare a commitment earlier this week.

Susan Kiley Mullaly, public health dietition with the health unit, is expected to present recently completed research on what the citizens of the County want to see in municipal policy that supports transportation, recreation and healthy eating.

“We would also like to share some strategies and best practices for building a healthy community that are working in other parts of the province.”

The declaration agreement seeks increased investments in active transportation and safe cycling, improved access to healthy local food; more recreation space and affordable, accessible and engaging recreation programming.

“We know that municipalities have the power to make communities healthier through policies that have been proven in other jurisdictions,” said Cathy McCallum, Chair, Healthy Communities Partnership. “We look forward to working with council to implement some of these strategies to help improve the health and well-being of our community.”

The Healthy Communities Partnership is calling on all municipalities in the two counties to adopt the declaration before the 2014 municipal election in October.

The Healthy Communities Partnership, representing local organizations, is part of a province-wide initiative funded by the government of Ontario which aims to provide greater opportunities for organizations and citizens to work together to build communities that make healthy eating and active living easy.

Its strategic leadership committee includes: the Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre, Bridge Street United Church, Canadian Cancer Society, Community Development Council of quinte, Health Unit, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Limestone Advisory for Child Care Programs and Township of Tyendinaga

A copy of the declaration below: