Healthy Communities and Planning for Active Transportation

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 21, 2012) - Active transportation, particularly cycling and walking, is fundamental to healthier communities and sustainable city regions. The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) calls upon planners, the provincial government, municipalities and the public to make non-motorized forms of travel a mainstay of daily life throughout Ontario communities.

OPPI prepared this Call to Action to raise awareness and to highlight key issues so that Ontario's planners and communities can address the challenges associated with planning for active transportation. The Institute supports an active transportation system that is safe, efficient, convenient and equitable, based on good policy and planning principles that will serve present and future generations. Copies of the Call to Action are available at:
www.ontarioplanners.on.ca/content/Publications/innovativepolicypapers.aspx.

The Call to Action asks each person and organization to do their part in transforming communities into healthy and sustainable places where citizens of all ages and abilities have a range of transportation options. Strong policy direction and practical implementation mechanisms are needed if walking and cycling options are to be appealing, accessible and convenient mobility choices across Ontario communities.

We live in a time where our parents are living longer than ever before while at the same time our children's life expectancy will be shorter than our own, according to recent public health research. Today, the leadership of Ontario's planning profession commits to community building that strengthens accessibility, contributes to an active lifestyle, and advances our individual and collective health. Planning for Active Transportation provides all Ontarians with the tools to transform each of our communities and, most importantly, to build healthier communities for us all.

On September 20^th and 21^st 2012, OPPI will take the themes of the Call to Action and move these forward at a Symposium entitled "Healthy Communities and Planning for Active Transportation - Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk" at the Hilton Suites Markham Conference Centre. Attend the Symposium and learn about these key issues:

• Importance of Active Transportation
• Benefits of Active Transportation - health, safety, environmental, social/community and economic
• The Planner's Role in Active Transportation
• Implementing Active Transportation Plans
• OPPI's Position on Active Transportation

Join experts and colleagues in examining these challenges and identifying emerging opportunities. Further information can be found at: www.ontarioplanners.on.ca/content/symposium/index.aspx Early Bird registration rate is available until July 15, 2012.

The Ontario Professional Planners Institute is the recognized voice of the Province's planning profession. Our almost 4,000 members work in government, private practice, universities, and non-profit agencies in the fields of urban and rural development, urban design, environmental planning, transportation, health and social services, heritage conservation, housing, and economic development. Our Members have met strict practice requirements and are accountable to OPPI and the public to practice ethically and to abide by a Professional Code of Practice. Only Full Members are authorized by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute Act, 1994, to use the title "Registered Professional Planner" (or "RPP").