A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STRATEGY FOR VICTORIA COUNTY

Naturally Active for Life Victoria County

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A Physical Activity Strategy for Victoria County

CONTENTS

PageThe Need to Continue A Physical Activity Strategy 2

Vision 3

Principles 4

Values 5

Goals of Strategy

Goal 1: Awareness and Information 6

Goal 2: Partnership and Networks 7

Goal 3: Programs and Activities 8

Goal 4: Infrastructure 9

Goal 5: Policies 10

Partnership and VCAN 11

Branding – Naturally Active For Life Victoria County12

Appendix 13 & 14

Support Letter of Strategy 15Monika Dutt, Medical Officer of Health

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Eastern Zone, NS Health AuthorityThe Need to Continue a Physical Activity Strategy for

Victoria County:

Since 2011, Naturally Active for Life Victoria County has provided a vision and successful evidence-based actions to strengthen Victoria County, by making physical activity & healthy eating an important cultural trademark. We need to continue actions of change, 2016-2021, to describe what Victoria County must do to increase physical activity & healthy eating and reduce sedentary behaviour, thereby reducing risk and achieving the many benefits of a society that is active, eating healthy and is healthy.

Obesity is an epidemic (1 in 4 Canadians) - In NS, 1 in 3 children & youth ages 2-17 are overweight or obese and even more are not leading an active healthy lifestyle

Chronic stress and anxiety are costing dollars in lost workplace productivity annually

Obesity has proven to have serious health impacts (diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancers, asthma) with other health issues in today’s children may have shorter and lower quality lives than their parents

90% amount of time is spent indoors. Knowledge of the natural world is slipping away — our national symbol, beaver, was removed from the Oxford Junior Dictionary (In 2008)

Today’s students (28%) that walk to school, compared to their parents (58%)

90% decline radius of play for a nine-year-old since the 1970’s Screen time has risen to 8 hours/day (Recommended 2 hrs)

leading to poor sleeping habits

Victoria County physical activity levels the past three years shows 48% of residents have maintained their activity. 29% of residents say they have decreased their activity levels, while 22% have increased (Goal of strategy was increase physical activity by 10% over the first five years of the strategy: 2011-2015). This shows there is still work to be done.

Contact with our natural environment is essential in our day-to-day lives. Our overall social and economic well-being is dependent on contact with nature.

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“ IMAGINE A WORLD…

in which all children grow up with a deep understanding of the world around them. Where obesity is reduced through nature play. Where anti-depressants and pharmaceuticals are prescribed less and nature prescribed more. Where children experience the joy of being in nature before they learn of its loss. Where they can lie in the grass on a hillside for hours and watch clouds become the faces of the future. Where every child and every adult has the human right to a connection with the natural world, and shares the responsibility to care for it.”

Richard Louv

(Excerpts drawn from ‘Last Child in the Woods’ and ‘The Nature Principle’)

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Vision

In 2021 Victoria County residents and visitors are fully engaged in a culture and lifestyle that embraces life-long physical activity and healthy eating and enjoys the social, health and environmental benefits of their active lifestyles. Residents and visitors enjoy healthy lifestyles rooted in access to the unique natural resources, lands and waterways that they call home. They benefit from a wide range of accessible programs, facilities and services provided by stakeholders working in partnership to make the best use of available resources

Healthy and active living is reflected in all aspects of community life, including the way we build our community, utilize and celebrate our natural environment, provide programs and services, and allocate resources. Our investment in the infrastructure and services that support physical activity and healthy eating contributes to a strong community identity, cohesive communitiesInfrastructure and services strengthens the economy built on healthy individuals and families with strong ties to the community and visitors who share our enthusiasm for more active healthy lifestyles.

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Principles

Community Design: Future community design aims to increase public green space

Education and Awareness: The benefits of building an active County are communicated to stakeholders supported with education sessions in communities throughout the CountyEvaluation: Strategy will be a living document, regularly monitored, evaluated & updatedEvidence-based: Initiatives will aim to be evidence-based building on data and interventions that have proven successful elsewhereExisting Assets: The Strategy will rely on the existing infrastructure, programs and services to build on strengths in the County. New initiatives will be community-based and not duplicated within that communityInfrastructure: Existing & new Infrastructure will be supported that provides opportunities for physical activity, healthy eating and active transportation. It will support educational activities in the countyParticipation: Residents will be involved in the design, development and delivery of physical activity and healthy eating initiatives. The Strategy is for all residents, and includes a focus for groups with priority needs

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Partnership & Collaboration: Relationships will be developed with multiple and diverse stakeholders from government, health, schools, law enforcement, municipal staff, development/planning, economic development and business, residents, environment, outdoor recreation and accessibility interest groupsPolicies: Policy approaches will promote active living at workplaces, schools, recreation facilities and in community decision-making.

Values

We Value: Physical activity and healthy eating as key factors that

promotes health of our community

An active community that encourages and facilitates social interaction, county-wide planning and action, and local economic development

Taking ownership of our own health

Increasing access to physical activity and healthy eating by addressing physical, social and economic barriers

Participation by all

Safe routes and infrastructure that support community participation in physical activity and healthy eating

Protecting the health of our natural environment and recognizing links between, sustainable environment and a healthy community

Supporting clear, timely and respectful communication

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The quality of life for all residents as a key element of social and economic health.

5 Goals of the Strategy

1. Awareness and Information2. Partnership and Networks3. Programs and Activities4. Infrastructure5. Policies

Goal 1: Awareness and InformationEnhance county’s understanding of the life-long benefits of physical activity and eating healthy to support a healthy and active life

1.1: Promote & maintain Cape Breton Connect “Active for Life” website so that residents can access information on physical activity, sport and recreation programs, resources, facilities and services in our communities

1.1.a: Share Victoria County inventory of assets and opportunities (Infrastructure, human resources, programs, activities, events) through social media both electronically and print

1.2: Share physical activity and healthy eating best practices with community organizations and agencies through workshops, presentations, displays and media

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1.2.a: Support leadership development by assisting volunteers and non-profit organizations on topics such as: Grant writing, action plans, board development and organization support

1.2.b Increase awareness and provide information about available funding

1.3: Support capacity of Victoria County Action Network through training, resources, online access to meetings, research and physical activity inventory

1.4: Showcase initiatives that are successful to increase individual knowledge, attitudes and skills by sharing testimonials, successes and yearly accomplishments.

Goal 2: Partnerships and Networks Build cooperative networks & partnerships among agencies, organizations and individuals to develop and deliver practical physical activity and healthy eating opportunities

2.1: Ensure coordination, support & sustainability of the strategy with a full-time funded position responsible to implement the strategy2.2: Ensure linkages with federal, provincial, municipal, First Nation and other agencies that have a policy focus via Naturally Active Partnership

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2.3: Strengthen collaboration and communication across Victoria County among organizations with an interest in physical activity and healthy eating (Victoria County Action Network, community leaders, volunteer organizations, residents, service providers and facility operators)

2.3.a Support specific mechanisms to share information about activities, programs, resources and partnerships among volunteer organizations. Goal 3: Programs and Activities Promote community sustainability through support and assistance to community-based organizations that provide physical activity and healthy eating programs and services

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3.1: Support and strengthen leadership development for physical activity and healthy eating across the lifespan

3.2: Work with communities, leaders and key stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate priority, gender and culturally appropriate, affordable programs and services (i.e. early years, school-aged children and youth, seniors and intergenerational)

3.3: Expand the supply of introductory, “Learn to” and “Try-It” physical activity and healthy eating programs

3.4: Develop programs/events that reconnect groups, individuals and families to outdoor and natural environments

3.5: Support access to safe, comfortable settings that support physical activity and healthy eating in indoor and outdoor facilities.Goal 4: InfrastructureAdvocate for and support natural and built environments that encourages residents and visitors to enjoy an active healthy life

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4.1: Work with Nova Scotia Transportation Infrastructure and Renewal, Parks Canada and other Active Transportation Stakeholders to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle friendly designs in road construction or upgrades in the County

4.2: Work with government agencies such as Parks Canada, Nova Scotia Department of Environment, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Nova Scotia Transportation Infrastructure and Renewal and other stakeholders to develop, maintain and promote year round access to trails

4.3: Promote access to natural waterways (Lakes, rivers, etc.) and other related facilities

4.4: Advocate and support for infrastructure development for growing and preparing healthy food

4.5: Compile and maintain an Inventory of existing physical activity infrastructure

Goal 5: Policies

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Engage and work with federal, provincial, municipal, first nation and community agencies to develop and monitor policies that promote physical activity and healthy eating indoors and outdoors

5.1: Work with Nova Scotia Departments such as Nova Scotia Health & Wellness Active Living Branch, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Nova Scotia Transportation, Infrastructure & Renewal, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Nova Scotia Environment and other stakeholders, including Parks Canada to develop and implement Active Transportation policies

5.2: Work with Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board and Mi’Kmaw Kina’matneway schools to adopt community-use policies that allow increased use and opportunity for the public during, after school, evenings, weekends, in-service, breaks and summer

5.3: Promote re-orientation of existing health services to support “upstream” interventions focusing on physical activity and healthy eating

5.4: Support workplace wellness network and implementation of Municipal Workplace Wellness Policy

5.5: Work with local physical activity, recreation and sports facilities to implement provincial healthy eating guidelines

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5.6: Work with municipality ensuring their investment in the Cape Breton Victoria Regional School Board is also directed towards community access.

Naturally Active Victoria County P A R T N E R S H I P

http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/management/

Environment

Naturally Active Victoria County Action Network (VCAN) Implementation Team

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Community and Professional Representatives

http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/vcan-implementation-team/

Branding of the Strategy moving forward is aligned with the “Active for Life” National, Provincial & Cape Breton Region movement:

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Appendix Physical Activity Citizens Survey November 2015 Victoria County

http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/strategy-review-update-session-june-3-2015/

Physical Activity Strategy – Naturally Active Victoria County (2011-2015)

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http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/strategy/

Strategy Review / Update http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/strategy-review-update-session-june-3-2015/

Promoting Active Living in Rural Communities – Active Living Research, Promoting activity-friendly communities (September 2015)

Nova Scotia Health Profile 2015http://novascotia.ca/dhw/publichealth/documents/Population-Health-Profile-Nova-Scotia.pdf

Advancing Pathways to Discovery, Wellness & Community Connections – A Shared Strategy for Trails in Nova Scotia (Draft, Feb. 4, 2016)

Shared Strategy for Advancing Recreation in Nova Scotia – Province of Nova Scotia 2015

http://www.novascotia.ca/dhw/pasr/documents/15-41323_recreation_report_web.pdf

Moving Forward Strategic Plan 2015-2020 (May 2015) ParticipACTIONhttp://www.participaction.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/PA-StratPlan2015-Final_V5.pdf

ParticipACTION Report Card 2015 on Physical Activity for Children & Youth

https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/thought-leadership/report-card

Active Canada 20/20, A Physical Activity Strategy and Change Agenda for Canada

http://lin.ca/resources/active-canada-2020-physical-activity-strategy-and-change-agenda-canada

Connecting Canadians with Nature - An Investment In The Well-Being Of Our Citizens (2014) - www.parks-parcs.ca

‘Last Child in the Woods’ and ‘The Nature Principle’

Strategy Testimonials (2011 - 2016)http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/testimonials-2/

Appendix - Continued

Letters of Support to Renewal Strategy 2016 - 2021

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http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/about-us/strategy-review-update-session-june-3-2015/

• Strategy – “What We’ve Achieved” (2011 – 2015)http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/what-weve-achieved/

Sharing Our Successes of Strategy (2011 – 2016)http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/success-stories/

Strategy: 2011 - 2014http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/2011-14/

Strategy: 2012 - 2013http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/2012-13/

• Strategy: 2013 - 2014http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/2013-14/

• Strategy: 2014 - 2015http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/2014-15/

• Strategy: 2015 - 2016http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/2015-16/

• Strategy: “Celebration” 2014http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/celebration/

• Two-time Gold Medalist Heather Moyse Presentation to Victoria County Municipal Council (Oct. 20, 2014)http://naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com/testimonials/gold-medalist-addresses-municipal-council/