Latest Activity!

On October 3rd, Go For Health Windsor-Essex, County of Essex and Share the Road Cycling Coalition held the Active Communities Summit. The purpose of the summit was to learn how to successfully influence culture, economy and livability in our community through active transportation principles, policies and guidelines. Over 100 people attended. Check out some of the Summit presentations below:

About the Government Sector

The Government Sector has a huge impact on the quality of life of Windsor-Essex County residents. Local This is a picture of a stack of papers, a pair of glasses and a pencil.governments can promote healthier living through their policies and by developing infrastructure that supports active lifestyles and healthy eating. Local governments have four areas of impact on residents’ health:

  1. Through their policies on access to, and use of, community recreation facilities.
  2. Through policies that improve the built environment (streetscape and pathways), and urban planning.
  3. Through policies that ensure healthy food choices are offered for sale in all facilities.
  4. Through the enforcement of municipal policies that prohibit alcohol in some venues and through the enforcement of smart-serve policies where it is permitted.

Government Sector Policy Goal

Promote healthier living for Windsor-Essex County residents through municipal policies that identify, advocate, and develop infrastructure that supports active lifestyles.

Government Sector Main Objective

To support, develop and implement policies for infrastructure and the built environment to promote active lifestyles and healthy eating in Windsor-Essex County.

County Wide Active Transportation Study

The County of Essex is developing a County Wide Active Transportation Study (CWATS). CWATS will support the current infrastructure and strengthen active transportation plans in local municipalities across Windsor-Essex County. This study will propose on-road and off-road trails that will connect the County to improve regional and local connections. It will also layout a 25 year project plan that prioritizes the implementation of these active transportation systems. This study outlines recommendations to encourage the active use of these trails, such as how to best partner with local municipalities, relay levels of funding required for operations and maintenance, and suggestions on a public outreach program and other programs.

In the end, the main focus of CWATS is to promote non-motorized modes of transportation or active transportation (e.g., commuting to work and school through walking or biking, active recreation such as cross-country skiing). Ultimately, by having supportive environments in place connecting municipalities across Windsor-Essex County, it will support residents to take on an active lifestyle

Policy Examples

Here are a few policy examples that you can promote, advocate, adopt, and implement as a key influencer in this sector.

  • Develop a policy to improve the built environment by adopting recommendations outlined in the County Wide Active Transportation Study.
  • Establish a policy to advocate for healthier environments by supporting legislation and provincial strategies that encourage healthier lifestyles and healthier environments, such as Smoke-Free Ontario Legislation, the physical activity 2010 strategy, and the healthy weights strategy.
  • Establish a policy to provide local developers with tax incentives to design and develop communities that incorporate sidewalks, trails, green spaces, and urban developments.
  • Develop a policy to implement public transportation within and between communities to decrease reliance on motor vehicles.