Declaration of Leadership Commitment to a Physically Active Halifax Region

We, the undersigned, hereby commit to working within our capacity to contribute to:

• Building awareness of the need for a physically active population
• Reducing barriers to physical activity in the Halifax region
• Expanding opportunities for physical activity within your organization or community

Featured/New Initiatives

Boys & Girls Club of East Dartmouth

The Boys and Girls Club of East Dartmouth provides services for children and youth and feel it is vital to encourage them at an early age to be active and keep healthy. Participation in the Kick Start running program with the Junior League of Halifax was a huge success. It gave our children the opportunity to do something they had never done or had access to before. Other initiatives included participation in WOW(Walk Often Wheel) Program: all summer children walked with pedometers. The goal was to walk across Canada and children got stickers. Also, the B&G of Canada partnered with the Jr. Jays in Toronto and received baseball gear for our children and youth to use. Impact/outcome of initiatives

Halifax Cycling Coalition (HCC)

The Halifax Cycling Coalition (HCC) is an organization of concerned citizens dedicated to raising awareness of cycling issues and improving cycling conditions in the HRM. Naturally, we see many benefits to encouraging people to ride a bike more often, including a healthier community. Impact/outcome of initiatives

I Heart Bikes

I Heart Bikes is on a mission to get everyday people on bikes everyday. First and foremost we believe that bikes are fun. We also believe that the bicycle is an excellent tool to increase one’s quality of life given the monsoon of economic, social, environmental, and aesthetic benefits. Impact/outcome of initiative

Overview of Initiatives

• Boys & Girls Club of East Dartmouth Providing physical activity experiences
  The Boys and Girls Club of East Dartmouth provides services for children and youth and feel it is vital to encourage them at an early age to be active and keep healthy. Participation in the Kick Start running program with the Junior League of Halifax was a huge success. It gave our children the opportunity to do something they had never done or had access to before. Other initiatives included participation in WOW(Walk Often Wheel) Program: all summer children walked with pedometers. The goal was to walk across Canada and children got stickers. Also, the B&G of Canada partnered with the Jr. Jays in Toronto and received baseball gear for our children and youth to use. Impact/outcome of initiatives. These initiatives have provided the opportunity for our children to participate in many different activities and has broadened their ideas about what being physically active means. Also, we are doing more club based initiatives. All 130 children participate in daily physical activity. Everyday our children are in the gym doing something physically active for 45 minutes. One more spin off of our running club for children was that our staff also started their own running club. Website: Boys & Girls Club of East Dartmouth
• Halifax Cycling Coalition (HCC) Developing a Cycling Culture
  The Halifax Cycling Coalition (HCC) is an organization of concerned citizens dedicated to raising awareness of cycling issues and improving cycling conditions in the HRM. Naturally, we see many benefits to encouraging people to ride a bike more often, including a healthier community. Impact/outcome of initiatives. The HCC advocates for safer and more convenient bicycle infrastructure through various means including organizing cycling events, writing letters to council, participating in HRM Bike Week, hosting public talks, promoting cycling through social media, and building relationships with the business community. Generally, the HCC has received positive feedback from its activities. The key factor of our success is our passionate volunteers who work well together. Additionally, well thought-out planning and support from like-minded organizations have also helped us work toward our goals. Over the last four years, the HCC has gained recognition and respect with the community. HRM now regularly consults us on important cycling-related projects such as the development of HRM bike maps and infrastructure planning. Website: Halifax Cycling Coalition
• I Heart Bikes Bicycle Workshops
  I Heart Bikes is on a mission to get everyday people on bikes everyday. First and foremost we believe that bikes are fun. We also believe that the bicycle is an excellent tool to increase one’s quality of life given the monsoon of economic, social, environmental, and aesthetic benefits. Impact/outcome of initiative. We offer a number of services including bicycle rentals, bike tours, a small retail shop, along with a number of workshops for organizations looking to promote active and healthy lifestyles for their employees including a one hour lunch n’ learn and corporate retreat option for those looking for a new and exciting way to strengthen team relationships and try something new, exciting, and active. Website: I Heart Bikes
• SCRI Society: The Club Healthy Living Program
  SCRI Society “The Club” provides a Drop In service for young people and adults who have special needs. As part of Stepping Up, The Club is going to run a series of Healthy Living taster sessions that give members the chance to try out new activities and choose new ways to keep active in their everyday lives. Impact/outcome of initiative.Our focus will be on fun things that we can do every day, such as hula hooping, going for walks, playing parachute games, and dancing, as well as on structured activities such as zumba, Hawaiian dancing, yoga, and Boccia Ball. If activities are really popular, we will develop them into programs that will be an ongoing part of the Drop In Club. Ideas for activities will come from our members and volunteers and we hope that this will develop into a larger scale Healthy Living program. Our hope is members feel more confident about taking part in physical activities. Website: SCRI Society “The Club”
• Mountain Equipment Co-op Community
  MEC believes that by nurturing meaningful partnerships with conservation and outdoor community groups, we can protect the places where we play, and enable and inspire outdoor adventure. Impact/outcome of initiative. Our collaboration with not-for-profit organizations is an essential ingredient in demonstrating leadership in social and environmental responsibility. We provide MEC Community Contribution Grants to Canadian conservation and outdoor recreation groups. We help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. We do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services. We match our members with gear that suits their needs. But we offer more than products. We offer passion. We love to share our expertise, experience, and enthusiam. People know that they can trust our advice, staff and products. Anyone can join MEC by buying a $5 membership share. It allows you to purchase goods, vote on how the Co-op is governed, and further the Co-op’s mission. Website: Mountain Equipment Co-op
• Doctors Nova Scotia Preventative Programs
  Encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices to its staff, physician members and the general public. Being healthy starts long before a visit to the doctors’ office and that’s why Doctors Nova Scotia invests in preventive programs to help Nova Scotians to eat healthy and get active. Impact/outcome of initiative: The impact has been tremendous. The majority of staff participate in healthy living and physical activity programs. There have been remarkable positive impacts to the culture, productivity and overall health of staff. Our public programs continue to see growth in participation. In 2011, over 15,500 kids participated in the Kids’ Run Club, over 3,000 youth participated in the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run at the Cape Breton Fiddlers Run and over 40 nominations were submitted for the inaugural Strive Award. Our ten year partnership with Sport Nova Scotia and many others have positively impacted the health and physical activity levels of hundreds of thousands of youth in Nova Scotia. Website: Doctors Nova Scotia
• Team in Training, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (Atlantic Canada Region) Team in Training
  Our organization is committed to finding a cure for cancer. Team in training offers the world’s largest endurance training program. Our participants receive a walk or run training schedule, receive regular emails from coaches, listen to guest speakers talk about topics such as injury prevention and nutrition, and have the opportunity to participate in coach led group training sessions. Impact/outcome of initiative: Most of our participants have no prior experience in endurance events. We take them from scratch and turn them into athletes. As a result, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a whole has trained over 550,000 people to complete an endurance event. These people have raised over 1.2 billion dollars in the fight against blood cancers. Website: Team in Training, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (Atlantic Canada Region)
• Bell Aliant Action Program
  The physical fitness of our employees is directly linked to their health and productivity. An inverstment in their health is simply an investment in our company and in our community. We have developed the “Action Program” which rewards individuals for participation in a range of activities and competitions. Points are accumulated which can be converted into health related equipment, clothing or memberships.The program is completely self controlled. Individuals can participate in whatever activity is of interest to them. As well, the Action program is partnered with other initiatives which are taking place in the community (eg: walk for …, ride for..), creating a greater incentive for the individual to register and participate. Impact/outcome of initiative: In the first year, nearly one third of our staff have registered and participated. Team events/competitions appear to have had a positive effect on engagement. Website: Bell Aliant
• Wave Audio Visual ProductionsFour Floors or More
  As a part of the Audio Visual Production team for the Stepping Up launch I became increasingly aware of the health crisis and issue we face as a population. I found the statistics startling and in many cases embarrassing for HRM. I have come to realize that the cost of doing nothing is greater than the cost of doing something, so I am doing something. Our organization has committed to an effort called, “Four floors or more.” Which permits us to only use elevators when going more up or down four floors or more. The only exception is when we are carting a few hundred pounds of equipment. I am proud to say that this effort has carried into my private life as well and have had only 1 occasion in the past 3 years where the goal was broken. (My daughter really had to go to the bathroom in the Superstore.) Since I am not the ‘gym type’, I have personally chosen another simple objective. I walk around my office whenever I am on the phone. There is a reason phones have no cords and every step counts toward better health. Impact/outcome of initiative: In most organizations successful healthy workplace efforts are translated into dollars and sick leave. I am self employed so my measures are not the same, but I can tell you this, over the past 3 years I haven’t had more than 2 days that I could not work. Website: Wave Audio Visual Productions
• Active and Safe Routes to School of Ecology Action Centre Active Transportation
  Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) in Nova Scotia encourages more children, youth and their families to use active transportation – such as walking and cycling – for the environment, physical activity and traffic safety. Impact/outcome of initiative: We are making a difference by increasing the number of students who walk, cycle or use other forms of active transportation.Website: Active & Safe Routes to Schools of the Ecology Action Centre
• Crichton Park CrittersSoccer Club
  Crichton Park Critters was created to fill a need for children to enjoy soccer in a non-competitive environment close to home. Crichton Park Critters, is by design, a low cost community gathering where friendship can be made and fostered. Parents and children have the opportunity to socialize while watching or participating in the game. It provides children aged 2 to 6 years the opportunity to join a local soccer team that, for a nominal fee, meets on a weekly basis for one hour. The time and location were chosen to ensure convenience for young families in the area. Coaches and organizers are parents who volunteer and correspond with families via weekly emails. Impact/outcome of initiative: The impact on the local community has been seen in the development of friendship for both the children and their parents. The children are given the opportunity to foster teamwork and develp skills of sportsmanship, and possibly a little bit of soccer! Crichton Park Critters also allows children the ability to participate who may not otherwise be able to due to financial restraints. Parents who are unable to pay the fee are fully subsidized by the team. In lieu of gifts for coaches or end of year party, funds remaining are donated to KidSport so that other kids can benefit from our soccer league as well.
• Dartmouth Lakers Basketball Club Basketball Club
  The Dartmouth Lakers Basketball Club prides themselves not only in providing an opportunity for youth to learn and play the sport, but also supports positive personal development by teaching “life skills through basketball”. Our September, 2011, registration night was the most successful to date with 285 athletes (ages 5 to 19), signing up for the upcoming season. Impact/outcome of initiative: The Dartmouth Lakers Basketball Club is committed to growing the sport of basketball for girls by encouraging young female players to become assistant coaches on younger female teams (as close in age as possible). This approach helps build female coaching capacity for the future while providing role modelling for the present.
• Walk Halifax Lunch hour walks
  The collaborative Walk Halifax project is designed to encourage Halifax community members working and living in downtown Halifax to get out and learn something new about the city while walking. The overall goal of these walks is to reduce stress, increase physical activity, and foster a sense of belonging in our community. We offer and host a walk each week over the lunch hour, starting on September 21st and running until the end of October. Website: Walk Halifax
• The Berkeley Retirement Residences Two Feet & a Heart Beat
  Our very best initiative has been to have occasional Pedometer Challenges for staff which we call the Two Feet & a Heart Beat Challenge. The pedometer allows for people’s progress to be measured. Anyone who is interested can be involved because all they need to do is find time to be active that suits their schedule. In our business, which is 24/7, this is very important. Impact/outcome of initiative: At The Berkeley the health and wellness of our staff and residents is top priority. Working together to ensure we all stay active just makes sense. In the end, it’ll keep us all energized, positive and happy!
• Junior League of Halifax Kickstart for Health
  Since its founding in 1933, the strength of the Junior League of Halifax has been its ability to identify a community problem and then develop, implement and staff programs that directly serve the community’s need to correct it. The Junior League of Halifax’s current community focus is to stop the prevalence of childhood obesity by addressing the associated risk factors. The latest project: Kickstart for Health, launched March 2011 in partnership with the Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club. The initiative was a 10-week running program designed to train kids aged eight to 12 to run in the Benny Bulldog 5K Run in Dartmouth’s Shubie Park in May. Impact/outcome of initiative: Due to the success of the Kickstart for Health, the East Dartmouth Boys and Girls Club has asked the Junior League to return in Autumn 2011 to lead another running program. The Boys and Girls Club indicated that they are so pleased with the program that they are considering incorporating it into their regular programming.Website: Junior League of Halifax
• Canadian Diabetes Association Promote physical activity
  The CDA strives to create an environment where physical activity is promoted. We have done so through participating in various forms of physical activity such as Horizon’s ‘Spring into Action’ challenge, creating a walking support group for employees, as well as inclusion of our Health and Wellness team for continuous growth in this area. Community related strategies include Team Diabetes, a group of participants through out Canada dedicated to fundraising for the Canadian Diabetes Association, promoting healthy and active lifestyle to all Canadians and raising funds for the provision of education and services, while advocating for our cause and breaking ground toward a cure. The Canadian Diabetes Association has also stepped up by providing summer camps for youth living with Type 1 Diabetes. The educational aspect of these camps focuses on blood glucose testing, administering insulin, meal planning and proper physical activity. Currently, the CDA has provided internal postings of trails surrounding the organization for employee encouragement. Weekly activity challenges, nutritional information related to physical activity and ways to incorporate exercise daily are posted through the office Health and Wellness board. ‘Lunch and Learn’ presentations will take place throughout the summer months to encourage physical activity, education and fun! A Summer Health and Wellness Newsletter is also created and sent out to employees including tips and strategies to ‘Step up’ during those summer months! Our walk, bike or run support group is also on the move for the summer months. Free public health education events take place throughout different communities in Nova Scotia to encourage healthy living and diabetes education. Consumer literature including tips for physical activity and nutrition are always available at these sessions, and our location in Bayer’s lake. The youth camps will take place during the summer months as well as ‘Walk, or Run for Diabetes on August 25th, 2011. Website:Canadian Diabetes Association
• The YMCA of Greater Halifax/DartmouthBe Active, Be Healthy
  Program Description:Using Developmental Assets as a foundation, the principles of YMCA Healthy Child Development, HIGH FIVE and CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Heath), The YMCA fosters cooperation and understanding in our program to enhance childrens’ development of self-concept and self-reliance. Daily physical activity is a priority. YMCA Active Living Program – Funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to promote and support active living for immigrants of all ages. The YMCA Active Living Program provides newcomers with the opportunity to participate in a variety of physical activities. Impact/outcome of initiatives: Children who participate in Y-Physical Healthy Development in 2009 increased their daily physical activity level by 24.2% while increasing their physical fitness level by 15.2%. Mission:The YMCA is a charity dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and to their sense of responsibility to each other and the global community. Website: YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth
• Dartmouth Adventure BootcampBootcamp for women 55-70
  Design a bootcamp for women ages 55- 70 years of age. Addressing their issues affecting them now! Arthritis, lack of previous exercises..weight issues, hormonal issues.. Areas to be assessed, % body fat, lean body mass / fat mass, hydration, and nutritional recommendations. Website: Dartmouth Adventure Bootcamp
• GreenGymFitCity Project
  GreenGym and several other health related organizations partners are in the initial stages of executing a large scale project in order to make HRM the most active city in Canada by installing 30-40 outdoor fitness parks in neighborhoods across the HRM. The goal of the project is to provide Haligonians free access to fitness parks within walking distance ffrom their homes. Impact/outcome of initiative: The impact of this project will catapult HRM into the forefront of the fight in Canada against obesity and in-activity. GreenGym parks provide a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy fitness and healthy active living for free.Website: GreenGym
• Fusion Halifax Health & Wellness TeamPromote healthy living
  The FUSION Health and Wellness Action Team works with community organizations and government departments to share and promote healthy living in our city. We bring forward the voice of the FUSION membership to enhance discussions happening through all sectors and industries of Halifax, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is being heard. From physical health and nutrition to mental health and well-being, our team is at the helm of positive change. Website: Fusion Action Teams
• Dartmouth Community Health BoardWalking Wednesdays
  We are hosting “walking wednesdays” a weekly walk through downtown Dartmouth during the lunch hour. Participating teams included several community groups and schools. The goal was to wear a pedometer and track your team steps and outstep the competition. We had a great time getting ourselves and our community more active. Impact/outcome of initiative: We’ve established new relationships with people who work within the field of health and wellness along with other groups, organizations and individuals who just want to get more active and participate in a fun walk. All our partners have noticed that we are more energetic throughout the afternoon and that we’re encouraged to walk more during break time at work. Website: Dartmouth Community Health Board
• Heritage GasWorkplace Wellness Program
  Program consists of fitness assessments, personal wellness program development, at work boot camps and ongoing progress evaluations for participants – Weekly best health tips communications to all staff – Monthly newsletters with wellness content – Workplace walking program enabled through Workplace Walks web hosted database – Peer to peer recognition/awards program called The Fusion Awards that has a wellness category so employees can be recognized and rewarded for initiation of or participation in wellness activities or a wellness lifestyle Impact/outcome of initiative: It is my firm belief that wellness is the new frontier for success in occupational health and safety. If we are successful at keeping our people mentally and physically sound or as employers we act to improve their mental and physical wellbeing, the other parts of being successful in OHS become so much easier to achieve.Website: Heritage Gas
• Department of Health & Wellness (Physical activity Sport and Recreation Regional Office)Partnership&Support
  Through partnership and collaboration we work to support key initiatives such as Stepping Up Halifax; ACTIVE Halifax; Our Healthy School; provincial strategies such as Active Kids, Healthy Kids; the Child and Youth Strategy and the soon to be released Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategy. Impact/outcome of initiatives:Our consultative and financial assistance has supported the development of physical activity, sport and recreation programs, leadership training opportunities, and the planning for and provision of facility infrastructure throughout the region. Website: Department of Health and Wellness (PASR)
• Dalhousie UniversityOrganizational Health Program
  In 2009, developed an Organizational Health program, within the Human Resources Department. The focus of the program is on “enhancing the experience of all employees at Dalhousie…no matter where they are.” Promoting physical activity in the workplace is one part of the overall program. Below are some physical activity initiatives promoted and/or offered at Dalhousie: -A website was created for Dalhousie faculty and staff, which focuses on healthy workplace initiatives happening on campus, along with healthy tips and resources http://healthy.dal.ca. -The Dalhousie Bike Centre opened its doors in Fall 2009, and provides faculty, staff and students a place to go to learn how to repair their bicycles, and offers various workshops (cycling in the city, cycling in winter conditions). It is run by volunteers, primarily faculty and staff, who have an avid interest in cycling. http://bikecentre.dal.ca/about.html -The Organizational Health Program offers Wellness Wednesday workshops for Dalhousie employees that cover a variety of topics, including tips on how to incorporate physical activity into your work day. -As part of Health Canada’s Stairway to Health campaign, “Take the Stairs” posters have been installed at each elevator within all of Dalhousie’s main buildings. -Dalhousie recognizes and promotes physical activity-related awareness weeks/months. In 2010, the university kicked off Healthy Workplace Month in October with healthy living information sessions; a giant Zumba class held on the soccer field and promoted opportunities to join informal walking groups coordinated by various departments. -Dalplex offers discounted memberships to faculty and staff (50% discount), which includes access to the fitness classes, rock climbing, fencing, tennis, racquetball and squash courts, swimming, noontime skate, etc. http://athletics.dal.ca/ -The Dalhousie Memorial Arena offers a noontime skate for faculty, staff, students and the general public, each year, from December to March. Website: Dalhousie University
• IWK Health CentreI Move
  We are continuing to reach out to the many groups across the Health Centre already busy working to make physical activity the easy choice in their own ways (through yoga classes at work, internal walking routes, and more). We hope to build on these efforts across the Health Centre to provide a more coordinated and more accessible program of physical activity offerings – an initiative we will call “I Move” internally. Examples of programs being built on or newly created include: an IWK Active Commuters for Health group promoting active transportation to staff and exploring a “bike share” program; and a new IWK running group including a mentorship component. Website: IWK Health Centre
• Capital HealthEmployee Wellness
  We offer a variety of initiatives to promote physical activity to our 11,000+ employees. Such as: • Providing employees discounts to fitness facilities within the district(i.e. Cole Harbour Place) • Internal fitness facilities run by staff, that offer fee for site classes (i.e. Latin dance classes) • Bike Racks are available at some sites to promote PA • Bikes are available to employees via Partners for Care to go between HI and VG sites • Healthy Workplace in CH offers a variety of grants within CH to increase PA of employees • Walking Kit – online resource for employees • Fun Crew in CH – promotes PA (i.e. hiking, bowling) • Provision of resources to do exercise/yoga at your desk (i.e. handout/videos) • Hants Community Hospital has Hants in Motion – which promotes healthy workplace and PA initiatives • Link to HRM website on our Intranet promoting community events and PA opportunities • Offer the Walkabout at Work program developed by Heart and Stroke Website: Capital Health
• Halifax Regional School Board Pedometer Challenge
  We organize a yearly pedometer challenge for the entire school board. We encourage less time sitting by suggesting that staff: Walk down the hall to speak with someone rather than using email; Walk a short route around our building for a break during the work day or during lunch; Take a 5 minute standing and stretch break; Provide exercises to do at their desks. Schools also used them with students; We also have a fitness room downstairs at our office. We have equipment, videos, and other resources available; Monthly fitness tips and wellness boards. Impact/outcome of initiative: This year, 28 schools participated and 6 departments in the central office. 800 staff members completed adn walked a total of over 98 000 000 steps in a four week period. The staff are becoming more energetic and continue to participate in physical activity opportunities offered throughout the day. Website: Our Healthy School

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