Item - 2011.HL9.4
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Board of Health on November 21, 2011 and was adopted with amendments.
HL9.4 - Improving Health and Health Equity through the Toronto Parks Plan
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
- Wards:
- All
Board Decision
The Board of Health:
1. Affirmed the importance of the development of a renewed Parks Plan by the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division, given that the parks and trails system is an important health-supporting aspect of Toronto's physical environment and is a key driver in meeting the City's overall goals of environmental sustainability.
2. Requested the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health, to include the following strategies to improve health and reduce health inequities in the development and implementation of the Parks Plan:
a. alongside the "three lenses" approach set out in the 2001 Parks Acquisition Strategic Directions Report, pursue opportunities to acquire park space within reasonable walking distance of neighbourhoods with higher concentrations of low income and higher health risk;
b. plan development and upgrades in existing parks to ensure amenities are available to communities where there is greatest need based on rates of low income and other relevant health indicators such as high rates of diabetes;
c. plan the incremental provision of shade through tree planting and shade structures in existing parks located in areas with high concentrations of residents most vulnerable to the health effects of extreme heat;
d. plan enhancements in parks located in low income neighbourhoods that support local food infrastructure and greater access to affordable and nutritious food; and
e. from a public health perspective user fees be implemented judiciously and as a last resort.
Origin
Summary
Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PF&R) is developing a comprehensive plan to guide decision-making in the acquisition, development, management and operation of Toronto's system of public parkland. The process will include a review of current parkland and parks-based programs and services, as well as public and stakeholder consultations in the Fall of 2011. The process will be guided by seven principles adopted by City Council in 2010. The plan will propose goals and objectives for park services for the next five years to meet the diverse needs of Toronto residents.
The purpose of this report is to review the role of parks in promoting health with specific emphasis on how the Parks Plan might also contribute to reducing health inequities. Access to green space ensures good health in many ways. Abundant, safe and accessible parks and trails support the health of our city and all its residents. The parks and trails system plays an important role in reducing key risk factors for chronic disease and improving overall mental health and well-being. Parks build healthy communities by providing a venue for social interaction. In addition, trees and other vegetation in parks and trails improve air quality and provide shade. The Parks Plan provides an opportunity to be intentional, strategic and explicit about Toronto parks as anchors of healthy, vibrant communities and to contribute to reducing health inequities.
TPH encourages PF&R to consider the needs of individuals and communities that experience higher rates of poverty and other health risk factors when developing the Parks Plan. Specific attention should be directed to the provision of park space and related amenities such as sports fields, play structures, urban agriculture and other food-related activities in underserved low-income areas.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-42233.pdf
(November 21, 2011) Presentation by Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health, on Improving Health and Health Equity through the Toronto Parks Plan 2011
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-42606.pdf
Speakers
Motions
That Recommendation 2 be amended by adding:
e. from a public health perspective user fees be implemented judiciously and as a last resort.