Invitation to First Nations Communities to Participate in Ontarians Walking Now

Green Communities Canada is encouraging First Nations communities to get involved in Ontarians Walking Now (OWN). Opportunities include participating in one of four regional workshops, one of which is being held in Blind River on May 14, 2009, participating in the workshop in Six Nations of the Grand River on April 7, 2009 or participating in a two-part webinar on May 20th and May 27th.- Key decision makers (Chiefs, Band Council members, managers of Public Works, Public Health, Parks and Recreation, etc)
– Transportation planners
– Transportation engineers
– Public Health Professionals
– Community Economic Development and Tourism professionals
– Members of the public
– Local businesses
– School officials
– Elders

OWN will assist communities in putting pedestrians first in their planning processes in order to create sustainable, healthy, active communities. OWN also provides exciting walking resources and activities to meet the urgent need to get Ontarians walking NOW!

OWN will bring together various stakeholders to work together on the creation of walkable communities. An important component of the full day workshop is the development of a customized community action plan. Once the workshop is over, OWN team members will follow up with the communities involved in the project at intervals, to ensure implementation of the action steps and provide ongoing support and expertise.

Workshop participants will be introduced to innovative programs from StepsCount and Urban Poling.

Details about OWN are available in the downloadable flyer and registration package or by contacting mjohnson@greencommunitiescanada.org.