Waterloo Region delegation wins grant to attend Implementing Urban Healthy Policy Workshop in Copenhagen

Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo staff, with the assistance of Dr. Jennifer Dean, from the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo were successful in winning the Canadian Institutes for Health grant ‘Implementing Healthy Urban Policy Planning’.

This planning grant is a pilot program designed to bring researchers and city decision-makers together to collaborate, design, implement and evaluate healthy cities programs related to active transportation and design of public spaces.

The $65,000 grant will cover all costs for the Waterloo Region delegation attending the five-day immersive workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark hosted by 8 80 Cities April 19-23, 2020. An organization that strives to improve the quality of life for people in cities by bringing citizens together to enhance mobility and public space and to create more vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities.

The Waterloo Region delegation to the Copenhagen workshop will include: Councillor Tom Galloway, Chair of Planning and Works Committee, Sharlene Sedgwick Walsh, Director, Healthy Living, Public Health and Emergency Services, Adele Parkinson, Manager, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services, Steve van De Keere, Director, Transportation Services, Region of Waterloo, and Dr. Jennifer Dean, University of Waterloo.

“Attending this workshop is a wonderful opportunity to learn from experts from 8 80 Cities and gain international knowledge and expertise to assist the Region in achieving the goal of increasing walking and cycling from 8.6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2041, as outlined in its 2018 Transportation Master Plan,” said Councillor Tom Galloway.

“As more people make the Waterloo Region their home, it’s important that we meet the growing demand for active transportation. Decades of research has shown the benefits of walking and cycling for human and planetary health,” said Dr. Dean, a researcher in Waterloo’s School of Planning. “This opportunity allows Regional leaders to learn from colleagues in Copenhagen who have practical experience designing healthy cities. It also allows us to share our own knowledge and experience making Waterloo Region a healthier and more sustainable place to be.”   

The project team will provide a report back to Regional Council after the completion of the research and knowledge exchange process.

-30-

Media Contact:

Bryan Stortz, Director of Corporate Communications, Region of Waterloo. 519-575-4408

Sam Toman, Communications Officer, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo,
519-888-4567, ext. 38100