Summary

• The Province is providing $1 million to help expand after-school and community programs that make it easier for people to get active close to home
• Programs will prioritize people facing barriers to participation, including those in rural and remote communities, families with low incomes and older adults
• Regular physical activity supports physical and mental health, social connection and healthier communities throughout B.C.

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People in B.C. will have more opportunities to get active as the Province supports the BC Alliance for Healthy Living to expand after-school and community-based physical activity programs.

“Being active is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental health, but not everyone has the same opportunities to participate,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This funding will help more people get active close to home, whether that’s through after-school programs, community activities or new opportunities designed for people who face barriers. It’s about making healthy choices easier and helping people feel connected to their communities.”

The $1-million provincial investment will fund a new round of Active Community Grants for Indigenous and local governments, increase after-school Active Play Club programs and promote health through physical activity by continuing support for the Physical Activity for Health Collaborative.

“British Columbia is proud to be Canada’s most active province and we want to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate and enjoy the benefits of physical activity,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By supporting the BC Alliance for Healthy Living, we’re helping communities offer more accessible, inclusive physical activity and recreation options that will reduce barriers to participation and help more people live healthy, active lifestyles.”

Reaching people who face barriers to participation

Programs will prioritize people and communities facing the greatest barriers to participation and help expand affordable ways to stay active close to home.

Priority populations include:

• families with low incomes
• rural and remote communities
• older adults
• girls and women
• people with disabilities
• people facing language, cultural and systemic barriers

Supporting healthier people and stronger communities

Regular physical activity supports physical and mental health, social connection and overall well-being. As demand grows for affordable and inclusive ways to stay active, this investment will strengthen local programs that bring people together and support healthier habits and stronger connections.

Active Communities Grants help reduce barriers to physical activity for diverse B.C. residents across urban centres, small towns and remote communities. Funded projects range from trail building, free and inclusive swimming programs, expanding access to fitness equipment for Indigenous Elders, and sensory-friendly physical opportunities that help youth and families be active in ways that work for them.

Active Play Club has partnered with 30 schools to provide after-school physical activity opportunities for children in a supportive environment, while helping reduce costs and transportation barriers. Children participate in unstructured or free play on school grounds after the school day ends. Whether kids choose to swing on the monkey bars, kick around a soccer ball, or play “The Floor is Lava,” they have space to be active in their own way. Program leaders provide light supervision and a caring environment that encourages physical activity, social connection, creativity and play.

The BC Alliance for Healthy Living is a coalition of organizations working together to improve health and well-being for people in B.C. Through partnerships, policies and community-based initiatives, the BC Alliance for Healthy Living supports programs and environments that make healthy living more accessible and help people build healthier, more connected communities.

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Rita Koutsodimos, executive director, BC Alliance for Healthy Living –

“We are pleased to continue working with the Province to address barriers to physical activity, especially for our neighbours who face greater challenges to participation. Our shared belief is that everyone should have access to opportunities for health, well-being and social connection. We know that less-active and low-income communities have higher rates of chronic disease, and these initiatives help bridge those gaps.”

Quick Facts:

• More than 50% of Canadian adults and nearly 75% of children and youth do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines.
• Regular physical activity supports mental and physical health, social connection and overall well-being.
• The BC Alliance for Healthy Living launched the Active Communities Grant program in 2017.
• Approximately 60 communities are expected to benefit from Active Communities Grants and Active Play Club programs.
• In 2023, 50 communities received Active Communities Grants, including 35 Indigenous-led initiatives.

Learn More:

• For information about the BC Alliance for Healthy Living, visit: https://bchealthyliving.ca/