Urban Poles prize was awarded to Uxbridge Township

Ontarians Walking Now Update

A series of regional OWN workshops were held across Ontario in the spring of 2009 (see http://www.canadawalks.ca/project_own.asp)

This two year project, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, provided communities with ideas for exciting walking programs and resources, while also bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to engage in the important work of planning and creating more walkable communities. But that was just the start. Now the 64 communities that participated are being encouraged to implement action plans that were started during the workshops.

 Those communities that are doing the best job of implementation are eligible for some incentive prizes from Green Communities Canada and Urban Poling Inc.

Uxbridge Township Mayor Bob Shepherd - Urban Poling

The prize of 10 pairs of Urban Poles for best immediate implementation of actions was awarded to Uxbridge Township Mayor Bob Shepherd on November 13th.

Highlights of Uxbridge Township actions:

  1. Township staff attended an Urban Poling Instructor course within days of attending the OWN workshop;
  2. Within the 3 month time frame, Urban Poling demos were held, a loan program set up at the community centre, and regular classes are now being held; A pedometer lending program was initiated at the library;
  3. October was declared “Walking Month” and a Trails Festival was held on October 3rd with Uxbridge Township officially being declared the Trails Capital of Canada;
  4. An Indoor Walking Trail kicked off in early November using the halls of Uxbridge Secondary School;
  5. Uxbridge Council signed the International Charter for Walking;
  6. Planning is now underway for the revitalization of downtown with many considerations to improving the pedestrian experience.

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