Why measure physical activity?

Rates of active recreation are important signs of how healthy our lifestyles

are today—and how healthy our population is likely to be in the years to come.

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and

not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health is seen as a resource

for everyday life, not an object of living. It is a positive concept emphasizing

social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities.” (World Health

Organization (WHO), 2000)

Get Active Toronto is sharing this information on physical activity in our

community because we believe it is a valuable resource for anyone committed

to building a healthier Toronto.

Understanding how physical activity varies across different parts of our

community—such as different geographic areas or age groups—is an important

step toward ensuring that every Torontonian has the same opportunities to

achieve the physical, mental, and social benefits of active living. Measuring and

analyzing our physical activity levels helps governments and community agencies

determine the most effective ways to facilitate the active lifestyles that lead to

improved health, productivity, and a higher quality of life for everyone.

Where DOes Get active tOrONtO Fit?

Get Active Toronto is dedicated to mobilizing groups to build a healthier city.

Our goal is to provide these groups with information that will help them dis-

mantle the barriers to physical activity. We believe that our community leaders

have a responsibility to ensure that everyone in Toronto has the same chance

for a healthy, satisfying life. We believe that collaboration among business,

government, and the non-profit sectors is vital to creating these conditions.

the impOrtaNce OF BeiNG active

Active living is key to a healthy, prosperous city. When our communities are

active, everyone benefits:

• individualsandfamiliesenjoylongerlives

• theeconomyfunctionsbetter,poweredbyhealthyworkers

• ourhealthservicesoperatemoresmoothlybecausefewerpeoplerequire

care for inactivity-related illnesses

• thesocialfabricofourneighbourhoodsisstrengthenedasresidents

play together and enjoy shared spaces

hOW the repOrt has BeeN useD

• TorontoCommunityFoundationincludedGetActiveToronto’s(GAT)

datainToronto’sVitalSigns® Report

• TorontoHealthyCommunitiesPlatformforAction–INTOHealth

PartnershipreferencedGAT

• UniversityofTorontousedtheGATReporttoalertstudentstoareasof

research that need attention

• CityofTorontoandTorontoParks,Forestry&RecreationusedGAT

informationtolaunchaNewcomerStudy

• TorontoDistrictSchoolBoardbegantoreviewitsowndatausinga

social determinants of health framework, supported by the GAT Report

• OPHEAandActiveHealthyKidsCanadapartneredwithGetActive

Toronto as part of an effort to share and review data on physical activity

nationally, provincially and regionally

• Localmediareferencedthereportinstoriesrelatedtophysicalactivity

in Toronto

• Organizationspromotingphysicalactivity,suchasAussie-X

(http://www.theaussiex.com/_generalinfo/hfbenefits_aussiex.htm),

have used the GAT Report to attract support for their own work

active liviNG is Key tO a healthy, prOsperOus city>>

iNtrODuctiON>>

tOrONtONiaNs NeeD tO Get active

Thereportshowslowself-reportedlevelsofphysicalactivityinToronto’syouth

andadults.Evidenceshowsthatself-reportedlevelsofactivitytendto

over-estimateactualactivitylevels.AnewStatisticsCanadasurveymeasuring

physicalactivityshowedthatonly7%ofCanadianchildrenandyouthaged6to

19meettheWHOandCanadianguidelinesforrecommendedphysicalactivity.

AlocalsurveyshowedToronto’syouthareinlinewithnationalaverages.

AmongCanadiansaged15to70,only15%meetrecommendedactivitylevels.

sOme GrOups Face mOre Barriers tO healthy liviNG

Below-averageratesofphysicalactivitypersistamongwomenandgirls,

newcomers, and persons in lower income groups. More research is needed

to better understand how social context creates barriers to increased physical

activityamongsomegroups.Someofthisresearchhasrecentlybegun.

This year, Get Active Toronto carried out a number of focus groups with

young girls to explore their physical activity patterns in detail; a summary

oftheresultsisincludedinthisreport.TorontoPublicHealthisalsointhe

processofstudyingthephysicalactivitypatternsofToronto’snewcomers.

the GOOD NeWs

Although physical activity levels have not changed substantially in the recent

past, there are a number of positive signs to report.

• OverthepastdecadetheproportionofTorontonianswhocyclegrew

from48%(1999)to54%(2009)

• In2010,TorontowasnamedoneofthemostwalkablecitiesinCanada

• TheTorontoDistrictSchoolBoardreportsthatattheelementarylevel

there has been a gradual and steady increase in interschool athletic par-

ticipation over the past five years, despite declines in enrolment

• Atthesecondarylevel,in2009-10thenumberofteamsandthenumber

of student participants were at their highest level in five years

Many groups across the city are actively involved in promoting increased

physicalactivity.Someofthesearehighlightedinthisreportwhilemany

more are listed on our web site: www.getactivetoronto.com

iNDicatOrs

An indicator is a way of measuring physical activity, as well as its enablers

andbarriers.Someindicatorsaredirectmeasuresofphysicalactivity,such

as time spent engaged in particular activities. Other indicators are condi-

tions that facilitate or hinder physical activity participation, such as access

to recreational spaces.

ratiNG

Get Active Toronto uses a colour-coding system, assigning each indicator a

red, yellow or green rating.

ratiNG iNterpretatiON

Red indicates a serious concern as determined by one or more of the

following:

• Torontocomparesnegativelytothenationalaverage

• Theproblemisincreasinginseverity

• Multiplebarrierstoimprovementareatwork;changewillrequire

focused effort

Yellow indicates a warning as determined by one or more of the following:

• Atnationalaverage

• Nochangeovertime

• Possibleemergenceofnegativetrend

Green indicates success as determined by one or more of the following:

• Significantlybetterthanthenationalaverage

• Anotableimprovementovertime

• Focusedeffortsareproducingpositiveresults

Blue:indicatesinsufficientdatatoprovideabenchmarkatthistime

eXecutive summary>>

the FOllOWiNG Data preseNts

a startliNG picture>>

chilDreN & yOuth>>physical activity levels

Component Summary

ActiveLeisure/

PhysicalActivity

Levels

According to self-reported activity patterns, in 2009 just over two-thirds of Toronto youth aged 12-19 were at least moderately active

during leisure time (equivalent to walking at least 30 minutes a day). There was no significant change from 2003 to 2009.

Otherstudiessuggest,however,thatself-reporteddatagreatlyoverestimatesactivitylevels.TheStatisticsCanadaHealthMeasurements

Survey(CHMS)findsonly7%ofCanadianchildrenandyouthaged6to19meetingWHOandCanadianguidelines,whichrecommend

atleast60minutesofmoderatetovigorousactivityeveryday.

Bothself-reportedandactualmeasurementdataforCanadianchildrenshowgirlshavesubstantiallylowerlevelsofphysicalactivity

thanboys,with4%ofgirlsand9%ofboysaged6-19achievingrecommendedlevels.

Toronto schools report student physical activity is hampered by lack of resources, space and time:

• 37%ofschoolsreportthattheylackadequatespace;

• 38%saytheyneedmoretimeintheschoolday;

• 77%needmoreresourcesorsupports.

ScreenTime

62%ofCanadianyouth’swakinghoursarespentinsedentaryactivities

In 2007/08, the average 12- to 19-year-old in Toronto spent a total of 19.1 hours per week in front of a computer (10.8 hours) or television

(8.3 hours) screen. These numbers are roughly in line with national averages.

physical activity levels

Component Summary

Sports

Participation

Since2005,seasonalparticipationinTorontodistrictsecondaryschoolinter-schoolteamathletics(excludingintramurals)have

rangedfrom9%to17%ofallstudents.Fallandwinterparticipationrateshavestayedfairlyconstantoverfiveyears,between10and

12%, while spring rates held at 17% for the last three years (after an initial rise).

At the secondary level, the number of teams has gradually increased over time, and the 2009-10 figures are at their highest level in

fiveyearsbothintermsofthenumberofteamsandthenumberofstudentparticipants.Despitedecliningschoolenrolment,inter-

school athletic participation (teams and students) at the elementary level has increased over the past five years.

Boysarefiftypercentmorelikelythangirlstoparticipateinsecondaryschoolsports.Lessthan10%ofsecondarylevelsportsteams

are classified as co-ed.

Active

Transportation

40%ofTorontoDistrictSchoolBoardelementarystudentslivewithin1kmoftheirschool.Ofthatgroup,76%ofchildrenwalktoschool

and 78% walk home. Of children living 1 to 2 kilometres from school, 28% walk to school and 32% walk home. (A little extra distance

makes a big difference.) Toronto children who walk to school are twice as likely as those who are driven to school to achieve recommend-

ed levels of physical activity.

iNFlueNces aND iNDiviDual characteristics

Component Summary

Ethnicityand

Culture

Half(50%)ofTorontoDistrictSchoolBoardvisibleminoritystudentsingradesKthrough6participateinextracurricularsports,as

compared to 70% of their non-visible minority counterparts.

InGrades9-12,studentswithparentsborninCanadaaremorelikelytoparticipateinschool-basedextracurricularsportsactivitieslike

schoolteamsorintramuralhouseleagues(32%weekly)comparedtostudentswithparentsbornoutsideCanada(22%).Participa-

tionratesforsportsactivitiesoutsideofschool(likeswimminglessons,communityleagues)werealsohigherforchildrenofCanadian

bornparents(46%vs.28%).Similarresultsholdforstudentsingrades7/8.

Socio-economic

Status

Grade 7/8 students and Grade 9-12 students with at least one parent working in the professional/senior management sector are more

likely to participate regularly in both in-school and out-of-school sports activities compared to those with parents in unskilled clerical,

trade or unpaid sectors in Toronto.

Red: indicates a serious concern; Yellow: indicates a warning; Green: indicates success; Blue:indicatesinsufficientdata

physical activity levels

Component Summary

ActiveLeisure/

PhysicalActivity

Levels

According to self-reported activity patterns, in 2009 just over 40% of adults aged 20 or more were at least moderately active during

leisure time, meaning they do the equivalent of 30 minutes of walking per day. There was no significant trend in activity levels over the

periodbetween2003–2009.

Otherstudies,however,suggestthatself-reporteddatagreatlyoverestimatesactivitylevels.TheStatisticsCanadaHealthMeasurements

Survey(CHMS)showedthatonly15%ofCanadianadultsaged20-70meetthecurrentrecommendationof150minutesperweekof

moderate or vigorous physical activity.

Bothself-reportedanddirect-measurementdatashowwomenhavelowerlevelsofphysicalactivitythanmen.Directmeasurement

data showed that 17% of men compared to 14% of women meet recommended guidelines.

ScreenTimeSedentaryactivitiesoccupy69%ofCanadianadults’wakinghours.In2007/08,theaverageTorontoadult(aged20andover)spenta

totalof15.9hoursweeklyinfrontofacomputer(10.2hours)ortelevision(5.7hours)screen.

Active

Transportation

Between1999and2009,theproportionofTorontonianswhobicyclegrewfrom48%to54%.Theproportionthatusedcyclingfor

transportation to work, school or shopping grew from 20% to 29%.

In2009,66%ofTorontohouseholdshadatleastonebike(upfrom62%in1999).

up! Magazine ranked Toronto as the fourth most walkable city in the country in 2010.

iNDiviDual characteristics

Component Summary

Perceptionsof

PhysicalActivity

WheninactiveTorontoniansexplaintheirinactivity,themostcommonreasonsarelackoftime(45%),lackofwillpower(20%),physical

discomfort (12%), or feeling socially isolated (8%), intimidated (8%), or embarrassed (7%).

iNDiviDual characteristics

Component Summary

Disability

MostTorontonianswithdisabilitiesseeactiverecreationasveryimportant(55%)orimportant(39%).

Abouttwo-thirds(63%)ofpersonswithdisabilitieshavevisitedanoutdoorrecreationsiteinthepastyear.Amongpeoplewithdisabilities,

the top suggestions for service improvements relate to increased disability awareness training and experience for staff.

Peoplewithaphysicaldisabilityfacemanybarrierstoactiveliving,leadingtothefollowingstatistics:

• 56%ofCanadianswithdisabilitiesarenotphysicallyactive(MartinGinis&Hicks,2007)

• Only10%maybeactiveenoughtoreceivemeasurablebenefitsfromtheirparticipation(Rimmer,2005)

Ethnicity In2007/08selfreportedactivitylevelswereloweramongimmigrants(36%)thanamongtheCanadianborn(51%).

Socio-economic

Status

Peoplewithlowincomesandlevelsofeducationaretheleastphysicallyactive.“Lackoftime”isthemostcommonlycitedreasonfor

their inactivity—but these groups are more likely than others to cite social isolation or feeling embarrassed or intimidated as barriers

to physical activity.

Cyclingisstillmoreaccessibletobetteroff,well-educatedTorontonians.In2009,cyclistsweremorethantwiceaslikelyasnon-cyclists

to have a household income over $100,000 (30% vs. 14%).

In general, physical activity rates are lowest in neighborhoods with low average incomes.

iNFlueNces

Component Summary

Communityand

BuiltEnvironment

Neighbourhoods

In general, physical activity rates are lowest in neighborhoods with limited access to parks, schoolyards, and recreational spaces.

Residents in the east and northeast areas of Toronto report the lowest levels of physical activity; residents of the northeast also have

the highest rates of diabetes.

Workplaces

SevenintenTorontoworkers(72%)haveaccesstogyms,playingfields,orotheroutdoorspacesthatenablephysicalactivityator

nearwork.Nearlyhalfofallworkershaveaccesstoagymatornearwork.Thosewithoutaccesstosuchfacilitiesatornearworkare

significantly less likely to be active.

Programs

ThenumberofregistrantsinCity-runrecreationprogramsdecreasedbyalmost30%in2009,to356,968fromalmost459,420in

2008,achangepartlyattributabletoalabourdisruption.Thecityoffered52,076programs(comparedto62,246in2008).

TheYMCAofGreaterTorontocurrentlyhas47,225membersatfourHealthFitnessandRecreationCentresinthecity.Ofthese,11,528

membershipsarefinanciallyassisted(24%)and23,942havefamilyratememberships(50.5%).

aDults>>

Red: indicates a serious concern; Yellow: indicates a warning; Green: indicates success; Blue:indicatesinsufficientdata

>>>> >>

>>

>>INFLUENCES• Family and Peers• Culture• Community or Built Environment• Policy• Finances• Time

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS• Active Leisure• Active Transportation• Organized Physical Activity• Screen Time

SOCIETAL BENEFITS• Economic• Environmental• Social Inclusion

INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS• Economic• Environmental• Social Inclusion

INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS• Perceptions of Physical Activity• Disability• Ethnicity• Socio-economic Status• Gender• Age

physical activity FrameWOrK>>

*AdaptedfromActiveHealthyKidsCanadaframework.

OrGaNiZatiONs:

• Developco-edsportsteamsforallschoolagedsports

• Studyattitudestowardphysicalactivity,especiallyinwomenwhoare

less active

• Researchlowphysicalactivityratesincorrelationwiththesocialdeterminants

of health. How do age, gender, ethnicity, income, and geography affect

physical activity levels?

• ResearchtheuniquebarriersToronto’snewcomerpopulationsfacewith

regard to physical activity

• Designprogramsandinitiativestoaddresslowphysicalactivityratesin

specific Toronto population groups. To enhance your impact, consider part-

nering with other organizations that focus on the groups you want to reach

• Createphysicalactivityprogramsthatengagewholefamilies

• UseGATdatainfundingapplicationsforprogramsandinitiativesthat

will increase activity

• Sponsorphysicalactivityprogramsandinitiativesinyourcommunity

• Implementwellnessprogramsandincentivesinyourworkplace

• Needtosupportandeducateteachersandphysicalactivityleaderson

the importance of inclusive physical activity that promotes healthy

living opportunities for children and youth living with disabilities (need

for workshops and events)

iNDiviDuals:

• Createopportunitiestobephysicallyactive—onthewaytowork/school/

home, and at work/school/home

• Findanactivityyouenjoy;makephysicalactivityFUN

• Bephysicallyactivewithafriend

• Setahealthgoalthatincludesactivityandaskyourphysiciantotrackit

a NOte ON the sOcial DetermiNaNts OF health

HealthCanadadefinestheSocialDeterminantsofHealthas:incomeand

social status, social support networks, education and literacy, employment/

working conditions, social environments, physical environments, personal

health practices and coping skills, healthy child development, biology and

genetic endowment, health services, gender, and culture.

How do these factors shape opportunities for and barriers to physical activity

inToronto?Dr.ParissaSafai,atYorkUniversityhasbeenreflectingonthisquestion.

aN eXcerpt:

Change Rooms and Change Agents: The Struggle against Barriers to Opportu-

nities for Physical Activity and Sport in Ethnocultural Communities in Toronto

ParissaSafai

York University

“What are the lived barriers experienced by racial, ethnic, religious, and

linguistic minorities and migrants in the city, broadly, and around physical

activity and health specifically?

Immigrants to Canada face particular challenges in sport and physical activity.

Doherty and Taylor (2007) interviewed 85 youth who had recently moved to

Canada, and found that they face a number of barriers to full participation

in sport. These include language and cultural differences, social exclusion,

school and/or part-time work, family commitments, financial cost, and cultur-

ally specific issues such as the appropriateness of required clothing. Many of

these barriers are affected by gender, with women generally regarding them

as more significant constraints than men (see also Nakamura, 2002).

Sport and physical activity is a site where social inclusion and mutual obligation

can occur in the city yet relatively little is known about the potential effects

of sport and physical activity on genuine and long-lasting community inclusion

recOmmeNDatiONs>>

and the conditions needed for

the effective and long-term

utilization of sport and physical

activity for community inclu-

sion and engagement. This in

spite of the consistent evidence

that newcomers in Toronto

experience heightened levels of

unemployment and workplace

discrimination, higher rates of

poverty, higher rates of food

insecurity, increased incidence

of illness (e.g., diabetes), and

greater social marginalization

(Toronto’s Vital Signs® Reports

2009 and 2010, Toronto Community Foundation). With regard to sport and

physical activity, the recent report from Get Active Toronto (YMCA of Greater

Toronto, 2010) — a collaborative effort between the city and several public-

private entities — identified a number of disturbing trends around physical

activity participation for ethnocultural groups… More importantly, the report

identified the lack of sufficient data around physical activity participation for

visible minorities and newcomers in Toronto.”

Females aND physical activity: iNsiGhts FrOm receNt research

Get Active Toronto in partnership with York University ran several focus

groups to examine women and girls and attitudes toward physical activity.

This was in response to data indicating that physical activity in young girls

beginstodropoffaftergradesix.ThefirstfocusgroupcontainedNewcomer

womenfromallovertheglobeandforwhomEnglishwastheirsecondlan-

guage. They believe the barriers to physical activity that exist for them are:

• Time—notimetobeactive—chasingchildrenistheactivity

• Cost—can’taffordprogramsforwholehouseholds

• Theirresponsibilityfortheirchildrenandfamilyobligations

• On-sitechildcareorchildcareathome

• CommunityCentresareveryimportanttothem

• Theywishtherewereprogramsdesignedforthewholefamilytodotogether

Theotherfocusgroupwasofyounggirlsaged15-17who,despitethedata

indicating a drop in their activity levels, stated that physical activity was

important to them. Their responses ranged from:

• Wegetit—physicalactivityisimportant;itfeelsgoodtomove;itishealthy

• Weloveorganizedsports:basketball,volleyball,trackandfield,badminton,

yoga, games and dance

• Wewantspecialists—coachestoteachusphysicalactivityinschool.

Notteachers.Weneedcoacheswhocantrulyassessourlevelofability

and challenge us

• Boysmatter.Theyfeltthatboysexcludethemfromsportsandthatthere

are not enough co-ed programs. The girls feel that they can match boys

in sport

• Someracializedgirlsindicatedadesireforsegregatedactivitiesciting

impact, influence, costs and opportunities as barriers to participation.

Additionally, younger girls preferred segregated activities

• Time—notenoughtimetobeactive.Schoolworkcomesfirst

• Cost—can’taffordactivities;thereforecommunitycentresarevitaltoyouth

cultureliNK settlemeNt services aND the

tOrONtO cyclists uNiON

Project Name: The Partnership for Integration and Sustainable Transportation

ThePartnershipforIntegrationandSustainableTransportationisajoint

initiativeofCultureLinkSettlementServicesandtheTorontoCyclistsUnion.

Workingwithcitizens,communitygroups,bikeshopsandtheCityofToronto,

this initiative promotes the integration of newcomers in the Greater Toronto

Area by promoting cycling as an affordable, healthy, safe and convenient

transportation option. The group encourages newcomers to engage in cycling

advocacy, a gateway to broader civic engagement in their new communities.

Guided by values of sustainability, empowerment, equity, inclusion, health,

social justice, and cultural competence, they promote cycling in an inclusive,

friendly and inviting manner.

AcornerstoneoftheinitiativeistheTorontoCyclistsHandbook,amanual

for safe, comfortable cycling in Toronto. It covers the rules of the road, bike

parts and maintenance, dressing for the weather, community resources and

more.WiththesupportoftheVitalTorontofundattheTorontoCommunity

Foundation,theTorontoCyclistsHandbookisavailablein17languages.

The group holds free workshops and has also launched a “bike host” program,

which matches newcomers with established Toronto cyclists. Host cyclists

help familiarize newcomers by showing them the easiest and safest roots, and

sourcesforaffordablebikesandequipment.ThePartnershipforIntegrationand

SustainableTransportationinitiativehasbeensosuccessfulinTorontothat

themodelisnowbeingadoptedandadaptedbyvariousVancouver-based

cycling groups.

saN rOmaNOWay revitaliZatiON assOciatiON

Project Name: Strong Women

StrongWomenisaninnovativenewprogramthataddressesanimportant

servicegapintheSanRomanowayandwiderJane/Finchcommunityby

bringing age-appropriate recreational opportunities to girls and young

womenages13–18.WiththesupportoftheVitalTorontoFundattheToronto

CommunityFoundation,StrongWomenprovidesyoungwomenfromthis

area with recreational and leadership opportunities that encourage lifelong

healthy living; it does so in a girls-only setting, which is rare in Toronto.

ThroughStrongWomen,thisgroupofyouthdevelopsanunderstanding

of the importance of fitness and recreation, knowledge of proper fitness

techniques and nutrition, improved physical fitness, peer mentoring skills,

experience planning recreational activities, and increased self confidence.

The program combines structured training with youth-directed activities,

encouraging participants to feel a sense of ownership over the program

Participants’storiesindicatethatStrongWomenhaschangedthelivesof

many young women living in this community.

FlemiNGtON parK pareNts assOciatiON - tOrONtO

Project Name: Educate the Residents to Advocate for Healthier Community

AccesstohealthyfoodisanongoingchallengeinToronto’sFlemingdon

Parkarea,withresidentshavingtotravelconsiderabledistancestobuy

food. To help promote a community-driven response to this problem, the

FlemingdonParkParentsAssociation(FPPA)hasinitiatedaprocessthat

will bring local politicians and community members together to work on

it’s time tO Get active tOrONtO>>

Get active tOrONtO: cOmmuNity sNapshOts 2011>>

improvingresidents’accesstofresh,healthyfood.WithapreviousSpark

grant,theFlemingdonParkParentsAssociationworkedwithschool

councils,studentcouncilsandemployeesofToronto’sParksandRecreation

Departmenttoimprovearearesidents’accesstoaneighbourhoodswimming

pool,arenaandsoccerfield.TheFPPAseesthesecommunityresourcesas

integral parts of school physical education programs, and supports that can

helplocalresidents’effortstolivehealthy,activelifestyles.TheFPPAadvo-

cated not only for access to recreation infrastructure, but also for affordable

and accessible programs. One concrete outcome of the process was that for

thefirsttime,thecity’sParks,ForestryandRecreationdepartmentopened

on-siteregistrationforlocalresidents–aserviceforwhichtherewashuge

demand.ThiswasahugesuccessforthecommunityandfortheFPAA.This

process caused many residents, including children and youth, to become

more involved in the local community, and increased their sense of empow-

erment and engagement with respect to neighbourhood issues.

try the y

TheYMCAofGreaterTorontorecognizesthatpeople’slife-stagesandcir-

cumstances can have a profound effect on their access to active recreation

opportunities. The most common barriers to activity are a lack of funds

topursuerecreationalopportunitiesandalackoftime.Peoplewithlower

incomes are especially likely to say they avoid physical activity because they

feelsociallyisolated,embarrassedorintimidated.Byremovingevenoneof

thesebarrierstophysicalactivity,theYMCAbelievesthatitcansubstantial-

ly increase the likelihood that people will pursue more active lifestyles and

improve their own health.

InJanuary2011,theYMCAofGreaterTorontoofferedtwo-weektrialpasses

to anyone interested in trying out the programs and services offered at one

ofeightHealth,FitnessandRecreationCentresintheGreaterTorontoArea,

fourofwhicharelocatedintheCityofToronto.Theofferwillbeavailableuntil

June30,2011.ForthefourHFRcentresinToronto,11,730individualsand344

familiesaccessedthefreetwo-weektrialpassbetweenJanuary1,2011–April3,

2011.Havingtakenthisfirststep,andbecomeawareoftheYMCA’sfinancially

assistedmembershipoptions,theYMCAbelievesthatmanyoftheseindividuals

and families will be on track toward more active, healthy lifestyles.

prOGram Name: playGrOuND activity leaDers iN

schOOls (p.a.l.s.)

PlaygroundActivityLeadersinSchools(P.A.L.S.)isaplaygroundleadership

program that encourages children to participate in fun and safe playground

activitiesregardlessoftheirgender,size,orability.Introducedin2006-2007

in response to low levels of physical activity among children and youth in

Toronto,theP.A.L.S.initiative,nowactivein80schools,trainsschoolstaff

and students to implement activities to increase physical activity in their

schools.StaffmembersvolunteertoreceivetrainingfromaPublicHealth

Nurse,thenrecruitandtrainstudentvolunteersfromgrades4to8toplan

and lead fun and safe playground activities for students in the primary

gradesduringrecessandlunchbreaks.Eachparticipatingschoolreceivesa

‘toolbox’filledwithinstructionalpamphletsonconductingoutdooractivi-

ties, as well as informative posters and inexpensive equipment.

Feedbackfromparticipatingschoolsindicatesthattheprogramhasbeen

verysuccessful.SchoolsthatruntheP.A.L.S.programhaveobserved

increased physical activity; decreased playground conflict and bullying;

increased leadership ability and self-esteem in students; improved communi-

cation, problem-solving, organization, and cooperation; and increased interaction

between primary and junior grades. The initiative has been so successful that it is

currentlyexpandingtoincludeFrenchImmersionschoolsacrossToronto.P.A.L.S.

schoolsarealsoconsideringusingtheirP.A.L.S.–trainedstudentleadersinother

venues, such as breakfast programs.

FOr mOre cOmmuNity sNapshOts visit:

WWW.GetactivetOrONtO.cOm

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PercentofPopulation12+

PhysicalActivityIndex

High

Average

Low

Highways

Major Roads

Source:EnvironicsAnalytics.Estimatesbasedon2007—08CanadianCommunityHealthSurveydata.

Get active tOrONtO estimateD relative level OF physical

activity FOr tOrONtO NeiGhBOurhOODs

©2011EnvironicsAnalytics.Based,inpart,oncomputerfileslicensedfromStatisticsCanadaunderLicensingAgreement6894.NoconfidentialinformationwasprovidedbyStatisticsCanada.PRIZMandselectedPRIZMC2nicknamesaretrademarksofNielsenClaritasServices,TheNielsenCompany(U.S.)andareusedwithpermission.

creDits:

Chair:

JanKestle–President,EnvironicsAnalytics

Report:

DougNorris–PhD.,SeniorVPandChiefDemographer,

EnvironicsAnalytics

NadienGodkewitsch–ProgramOfficer,TorontoCommunity

Foundation

MattMayer–SeniorSpecialist,MissionInformation,Mission

ContentTeam,HeartandStrokeFoundationofOntario

CindyDuval–ProjectManager,ResearchCoordination&

Support,YMCAofGreaterToronto

ParissaSafai–PhD.,SchoolofKinesiologyandHealth

Science,FacultyofHealth,YorkUniversity

CherylPritlove-MSc.Kinesiology,HealthSciences,YorkUni-

versity.,PhD.candidate.

KellyArbour-Nicitopoulos–PhD.,HealthandExercise

PsychologyfacultyofPhysicalEducationandHealth,

University of Toronto

JoyceBernstein–PhD.,Epidemiologist,CityofToronto

PublicHealth

VirginiaDimoglou–ProjectManager,ResearchCoordination

&Support,YMCAofGreaterToronto

SallyErling–ResearchCoordinator,ResearchandInformation

Services,TorontoDistrictSchoolBoard

JillValentine–DevelopmentManager,ParasportOntario

CatrionaDelaney–Manager,GetActiveToronto

sOurces:

• CityofToronto2010BicycleCounthttp://www.toronto.ca/cycling/pdf/

bicycle_count_report_2010.pdf

• TorontoWalkingStrategyhttp://www.toronto.ca/transportation/walking/

walking_strategy.htm

• TorontoBikePlanhttp://www.toronto.ca/cycling/bikeplan/index.htm

• CityofToronto.2009.Lawrence-AllenCyclingandWalkingStudy.Draft

Report, available from http://www.toronto.ca/planning/lawrence_allen.htm

• TorontoBicycle/Motor-VehicleCollisionStudy(2003)http://www.to-

ronto.ca/transportation/publications/bicycle_motor-vehicle/index.htm

• Reynoldset.al.2010.ActiveTransportationinUrbanAreas:Exploring

HealthBenefitsandRisks.NationalCollaboratingCentreforEnviron-

mental Health. http://www.ncceh.ca/sites/default/files/Active_Transpor-

tation_in_Urban_Areas_June_2010.pdf

• VictoriaTransportPolicyInstitute.HealthandFitness:StrategiesThat

ImprovePublicHealthThroughPhysicalActivity.TDMEncyclopedia.

Lastupdated13December2010,http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm102.htm

• MakingthecaseforActiveTransportationhttp://www.cflri.ca/eng/ac-

tive_transportation/index.php

• 2009SurveyofPhysicalActivityinCanadianMunicipalities:Municipal

OpportunitiesforPhysicalActivityhttp://www.cflri.ca/eng/statistics/sur

veys/2009PhysicalActivityMonitorMunicipalities.php

• Fuller,D.2010.PhysicalActivityLevelsRelatedtoanUrbanBicycleShar-

ingProgram:BIXIMontreal.AlbertaCentreForActiveLivingResearch

Update 17(4): 1-2. http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/

research-update/2010/dec-urban-bicycle.pdf

• TDSBAthleticsParticipationbyGender(2005-2010)

• TDSBAthleticsParticipationRatesbySportsSeason2005-10

• TDSBStudentcensusdata

• Metrolinx

• PhysicalactivityofCanadianadults:Accelerometerresultsfromthe2007

to2009CanadianHealthMeasuresSurvey,byRachelC.Colley,Didier

Garriguet,IanJanssen,CoraL.Craig,JanineClarkeandMarkS.Tremblay

• PhysicalactivityofCanadianchildrenandyouth:Accelerometerresults

fromthe2007to2009CanadianHealthMeasuresSurvey,byRachelC.

Colley,DidierGarriguet,IanJanssen,CoraL.Craig,JanineClarkeand

MarkS.Tremblay

• TorontoVitalSigns®,TorontoCommunityFoundation,2010,www.tcf.ca/

vitalinitiatives/vitalsigns.ca

• SchoolConnectedness–GuyFaulkner–July2007

• RecreationResearchandMulticulturalCommunitiesOutreachProject

• ResultsfromtheBuiltEnvironmentAndActiveTransport(BEAT)Project,

MichelleStone,PhD.andGuyFaulknerPhD.,UniversityofToronto

• Adolescentgirlsperceivedbarrierstoparticipationinphysicalactivity,

2006DwyerJJ,AllisonKR,GoldenbergER,FeinAJ,YoshidaKK,Boutilier

MA., University of Guelph

larGe surveys/ceNsus

• CanadianCommunityHealthSurveySurveysdonein2003,2005and

2007/08

• 2007/08.SampleSizeforTorontoAges12-19was461;Ages12+was

4415)

• 2006Census

• TorontoDistrictSchoolBoardStudentCensusSurvey2006:Grades7-8

and Grades 9-12

• 2008TorontoDistrictSchoolBoardParentCensusSurvey,Kindergarten

toGrade6

small lOcal surveys

• CityofToronto2009RecreationandPhysicalFitnessMunicipalSurvey

(Ipsos Reid; sample size 300)

• CityofTorontoCyclingStudyTrackingReport(1999and2009)

(Ipsos Reid; sample size 1000)

• 2009EnvironicsSurveyModuleforGetActiveToronto(sample500)

• GettingServicesRightforTorontonianswithDisabilities:Demographics

andServiceDeliveryExpectations.2006SurveydoneforToronto

Parks,ForestryandRecreation(667respondentstosampleofprogram

participants identified by agencies)

aDmiNistrative prOGram Data

• TorontoDistrictSchoolBoardStudentadministrativedata

• TorontoParks,ForestryandRecreationadministrativeprogramdata

• YMCAGTAprogramdata

Other stuDies

• PhysicalActivityandDiabetes,Chapter7inNeighbourhoodEnvironments

andResourcesforHealthyLiving—AFocusonDiabetesinToronto,ICES

Atlas.Toronto:InstituteforClinicalEvaluativeSciences;2007.

• “ActiveschooltransportationintheGreaterTorontoArea,Canada:An

explorationoftrendsinspaceandtime(1986–2006)”RonN.Buliung,

RaktimMitra,GuyFaulkner,JournalofPreventiveMedicine,2009.Data

derivedfromTransportationTomorrowSurvey(TTS);samplesize4000

in2006

Get active tOrONtO GOverNiNG chair:

MedhatMahdy,President&CEO,YMCAofGreaterToronto

strateGic caBiNet memBers:

TomAnselmi,ExecutiveVicePresidentandCOO,MapleLeafSportsandEntertainment

RahulBhardwaj,President&CEO,TorontoCommunityFoundation

Dr.DavidMcKeown,MedicalOfficerofHealth,CityofToronto,DepartmentofPublicHealth

the Get active tOrONtO GOverNiNG BOarD