Provincial Awards

Health and Wellness Project for Newcomers
North Vancouver Recreation Commission

North Vancouver prides itself on being one of the fittest communities in Canada yet despite this auspicious designation faces the same challenges as that of other BC communities in keeping its population active and committed to a healthy active lifestyle.

One segment of the population in which this challenge is most pronounced is newcomers; those individuals who face language barriers, income barriers, social isolation and a lack of resources. In an effort to address the specific needs of this target population the North Vancouver Recreation Commission created a Health and Wellness Project for Newcomers.

Created in consultation with newcomer groups and through research on immigrant health and community engagement best practices, the Health and Wellness Project for Newcomers targets all newcomers to North Vancouver Recreation Commission programs and facilities – those who are already active and committed to healthy, active living as well as those who are currently inactive or under-active. It fulfills its mission to welcome and engage newcomers by providing information, services and programs that support their health and wellness.

In developing the program, focus was given to the city’s four largest newcomer communities: Chinese, Persian, Korean and Filipino. Outreach activities were created based on the unique nature of each cultural community and delivered in their native language. Newcomers are introduced to the city’s facilities through orientation tours, utilization of volunteer hosts from each target cultural community, and translated promotional and reference material. Program representatives also go out into the community attending and presenting at various cultural events.

The Health and Wellness Project for Newcomers supports health improvement while providing newcomers with free access to organized recreation, community information, and social connections. It increases individuals’ confidence to participate in physical activity and introduces participants to healthy living through displays and educational resources on how to make healthy food choices, live smoke free and take ownership of their own health.

The North Vancouver Recreation Commission has created a program specifically tailored to the needs of its community. The Health and Wellness Project for Newcomers engaged the multicultural community, built partnerships and relationships with community organizations and significantly contributes to the physical well being of participants. The BCRPA congratulates the North Vancouver Recreation Commission on the success of this program and in being a recipient of a Program Excellence Award.