The BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) created and implemented the Active Communities Initiative to raise physical activity levels in British Columbia by 20%. Funded through ActNow BC, the initiative mobilized and collaborated with communities, local governments, Aboriginal and partner organizations to promote healthy lifestyles choices, increase accessibility to physical activities and build supportive community environments.

Funding for the initiative was not renewed for 2009-2010 and, therefore, BCRPA is currently unable to fully support registered Active Communities. Program registration is now closed.

Although we are unable to offer the full Active Communities Initiative, BCRPA will continue to offer components such as HIGH FIVE® and Everybody Gets to Play™. We will also continue to offer resources and opportunities to our BCRPA members and registered Active Communities.

Throughout the past five years of the initiative, there have been significant achievements.

Highlights include:

• 226 registered Active Communities throughout BC (as of August 31, 2009). For a full listing, click here.
• Over $935,000 in grants awarded to communities throughout the province to support physical activity programming, the building of trails and walkways, and active events.
• The creation and publication of 52 Success Stories, celebrating the work of registered Active Communities across the province.
• Support for 237,391 people across the province to get active on Move for Health Day.
• The creation of numerous resources for communities to use to promote physical activity and plan community events, including event evaluation tools.

We are grateful to ActNow BC that we were able to help communities across BC raise their physical activity levels awareness and improve the quality of life for all British Columbians.