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 housing,

• transportation,

• healthy and nutritious foods,

• recreation,

• education and employment,

• medical and social services,

• clean air & water

• and a safe environment within an inclusive and socially cohesive atmosphere

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.

The Healthy Communities Conference 2010 was held by Public Health, in partnership with the City of Owen Sound, Municipality of Meaford, Town of the Blue Mountains, Bluewater District School Board, and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board.  This conference was a launching point for building healthier communities within Grey and Bruce Counties.

Creating Healthy Communities

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

Grey Bruce Gets Healthy

Be Aware!

• Learn more about Healthy Communities and how the built, natural, and social environment impacts our health.  Check out the resources & links page too.
   
• 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:

o   Can you walk to stores and recreation facilities in your community?

o   Can your children walk or bike to school?

o   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 your local Community Action Network that supports PLAY in Bruce Grey
• 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
• Initiate a workplace wellness initiative

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

Municipalities