New Westminster – New Westminster is commissioning a telephone survey created by the BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) through its Active Communities Initiative to measure and monitor community physical activity levels. The survey is being conducted in July by Discovery Research in communities throughout the province. Each community is receiving a $5,000 subsidy from BCRPA to commission the survey.

The survey incorporates the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and collects anonymous information from participants on all forms of activity done in the previous week (i.e. walking, gardening, work-related physical activity and cycling).

“Inactivity is a major contributing factor to a number of chronic diseases. The BC Healthy Living Alliance estimates that chronic diseases cost BC’s economy $3.8 billion annually,” said BCRPA Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Allard Strutt. “BCRPA is pleased to be investing in registered Active Communities’ efforts to monitor and increase physical activity levels to create a healthier BC.”

The purpose of this measurement tool is to allow communities across British Columbia to obtain comparable data on physical activity over the years and support communities in working towards the provincial goal of increasing physical activity rates of British Columbians by 20 per cent. The survey tool was developed in 2006 for BCRPA’s Active Communities Initiative in consultation with pilot communities and experts from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, University of Victoria School of Physical Education and Provincial Health Services Authority.

Active New Westminster

The Active Communities Initiative in New Westminster is responsible for a number of very successful community and corporate programs. Our New West Walks program currently boasts over 1,300 registrants and has been a driving force in motivating residents, students and employees to embrace an active lifestyle. The Grade 5 Get Active program is another Active Communities success. Now in it’s second year, the program currently has over 70% of the eligible students in Grade 5 accessing free recreation opportunities.

Active Communities programs also include many other corporate and community programs including Walking Works, Healthy Workplace Week, Move for Health Day, and Everybody Active.

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Contact:
Jason Haight
Manager of Business Operations
New Westminster Parks and Recreation
604-527-4630