Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities Together

A Healthy Community… provides all people with the ability to make choices in a community that offers opportunities for access to:

Affordable, safe and appropriate housing,
Low cost transportation options,
healthy and nutritious foods,
accessible recreation,
education and employment,
medical and social services,
clean air & water
and a safe environment within an inclusive and socially cohesive atmosphere.

Community Parts

A healthy community has three main parts:

the built environment
the natural environment
the social environment

Individual and community health is affected by the environments in which we live, work, play, and learn.

To create a healthy community, people in our community, municipalities, organizations, and businesses must work together. In Grey Bruce, we are working to develop a Healthy Community Partnership that will bring these sectors together to discuss key health issues affecting our community and find solutions that work for our unique communities.

Creating Healthy Communities

Everyone has a role to play in building a healthy community. Here are some ways to get started:

Learn about the policies that guide your community. You can find these policies on your County or Municipal website.
Think about how the issue affects you and what you would like to see done about the issue
Can you walk to stores and recreation facilities in your community?
Can your children walk or bike to school?
Can you buy seasonal vegetables and fruit at the grocery store or market that are grown locally?

It Starts with You!

Say hello to your neighbours – do you know their names?
Get to know your community – attend local events
Walk or bike more often – assess how easy or difficult it is to get around without a car
When possible, buy locally grown produce at the grocery store or market and support local businesses
Talk with family, friends, or co-workers about what a healthy community looks like from their point of view
Don’t idle your vehicle
Plant a tree
Compost, recycle, and reduce your waste
Conserve energy – use a clothesline

Get Involved!

Volunteer and work with others to help create a healthier community. Consider these ideas or think of your own way to contribute:

Join other families in your neighbourhood to start a Walking School Bus
Invite young people in your community to volunteer
Volunteer with your school’s nutrition program
Start a community garden
Join the local trails association
Start a pick-up sports league

Speak Out!

Participate at municipal council meetings. Tell council about the strengths of your community along with the changes you would like to see.
Talk with school officials about active modes to school, quality physical activity, and healthy eating.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
Contact your MP or MPP about issues that need attention at the federal or provincial level