Earlier today, the Town of Pelham received the WALK Friendly Community Designation from Green Communities Canada.
Awarded during the ACT Canada’s Sustainable Mobility and Healthy Communities Summit in Markham, Ontario, Pelham received a Bronze designation for the Town’s progress toward walkability. Pelham joins two other 2014 winners, the City of Mississauga (Silver) and Town of Minto (Bronze)—no municipality has yet attained Gold.
"Council and I are delighted to receive this recognition of our ongoing efforts to make Pelham a more walkable community," said Mayor Dave Augustyn. "Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers and staff that are working to realize the community's vision of a more walkable and active Town."
An expert panel reviewed Pelham’s application which reported on the Town’s progress on more than 200 key walkability indicators, including sidewalk policies, connectivity, progressive design standards, campaigns and promotions, training, and citizen engagement.
“The Review Team was really impressed with the Town of Pelham application,” said program manager Kate Hall of Canada Walks. “We hope that the recognition will inspire further action to create a culture of walking in the community.”
The WALK Friendly Communities designation encourages communities to take practical steps to make walking safe, convenient and enjoyable. Walk friendly environments are linked to higher rates of everyday walking, helping to create vibrant neighbourhoods, and increased retail sales and transit ridership. Walking is also being recognized as a “wonder drug” that boosts health and fitness, and combats chronic diseases like diabetes.
“We’re proud to support our partner Green Communities Canada and the WALK Friendly initiative,” said Michael Coteau, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Congratulations to the City of Mississauga, the Town of Pelham and the Town of Minto for building municipalities that encourage healthy, active living for all residents, young and old.”
WALK Friendly Ontario is a program of Canada Walks, a department of Green Communities Canada.
For additional information, please contact:
Dave Augustyn, Mayor
(905) 892-2607 ext. 317
Darren Ottaway, CAO
(905) 892-2607 ext. 318
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