Walking takes a big step forward in Strathmore!
The Walkability Roadshow was created to raise the profile of walkability in Canada. Alberta Health Services is working with Green Communities Canada and Walk21 in order to pilot the Walkability Roadshow in six Alberta communities. The goal of this pilot project is to support change in the communities that improves walkability and encourages their citizens to choose to walk.
From Sept. 12-30, the Walkability Roadshow will be bringing a team of international walkability experts to communities in Alberta including: Red Deer, Lethbridge, High River, Strathmore, Carstairs and Plamondon. The Roadshow will bring international experience and inspiration into these cities and towns to support local expertise and initiatives.
The Walkability Roadshow will be in Strathmore on Sept. 26-27. Monday will begin with a Decision Makers Breakfast, where local invited guests will interact with the experts. Keynote speaker, Rodney Tolley, of Walk 21 will speak on “Walking: Getting in step for the future”.
HEAL our Future Coalition member and Community Champion Lisa Sader hopes that getting key community members together, all with the goal of walking, will spark further development in walking in the Town.
“‘The Walkability Roadshow is a fantastic opportunity to wed local expertise and initiative with international experience and inspiration’” Bronwen Thornton, Development Director, Walk21 says, “we are looking forward to working with these communities to support the work they are doing and to build case studies and national best practice notes that will support others across Canada.”
Jacky Kennedy, Director, Canada Walks, Green Communities Canada notes “the Walkability Roadshow showcases Canadian best practice in walking and walkability and here in Alberta we will be able to add to this growing body of work, showing that Canadians want to travel on foot for their health and the vitality of local communities.”
Through the community visits the Roadshow aims to inspire politicians and senior decision makers, train and develop professionals, engage members of the public and provide ideas and input to specific walkability issues and opportunities.
There will be time for community members, local active transportation groups and other interested parties to discuss and debate ideas for improving walking in our community.
The general public is invited to participate in this event; please contact Lisa Sader to let her know of your interest and to make reservation for meals.
Contact Info: Lisa Sader, HEAL our Future Coalition, www.healourfuture.com, healourfuture@yahoo.ca, 403-901-8047.