Current Initiatives

The work of the Partnership takes on many different forms. The bulk of this work takes place within the work groups, or constellations. Some of the current exciting initiatives of the HCP include:

• Planning an annual Recreation Summit to provide an opportunity for networking and the sharing of ideas and information regarding community partners involved in sports and recreation.
• Support the development and distribution of the report 'Economic Benefits of Recreation'
• Engaging community partners to plan safe and active routes to school for children
• Creation of a Healthy Communities Vision an asset inventory tool and resource manual for municipalities to encourage and support municipal work in health-promoting initiatives and healthy public policy
• Advocacy for policies which promote inclusiveness and accessibility to recreation, sport and physical activity
• Promotion of the abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville and its health benefits
• Supporting municipal plans for improving active transit such as pedestrian and cycling routes
• Engaging multiple community agencies to plan and support initiatives that support mental well-being and resiliency in the community
• Development and distribution of promotional materials to assist social and health care providers to encourage time spent in nature.
• Creation of a Food Charter for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
• Identification of Healthy Food assets in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark

Background

In 2009, the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport created the Healthy Communities Ontario initiative to help enhance the health and well-being of communities through inter-sectoral collaboration, partnerships and community engagement. The aim of this initiative was to facilitate a streamlined, holistic and integrated approach to health promotion and chronic disease prevention.  

Although the partnership no longer receives funding from the Province of Ontario, local partners see value in the initiative, and continue to support the work through in-kind contributions.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit provides both a coordinator and administrative support to the Partnership. The HCP coordinator works in collaboration with the health unit, community partners and with existing community resources to plan, coordinate and facilitate the work of the HCP.