Letter: Urban design impacts health

A recently published report by Public Health Offices in the GTA reveals that a key determinant of health is the layout of our communities. Titled “Improving Health by Design,” the report highlights several key issues that are of concern for the health of every community in Canada.

Worth mentioning is that there are numerous negative health effects associated with densely populated sprawling urban areas that are not designed with public transit access, green spaces, walking/cycling paths access and the proximity to schools and needed services, in mind.

These negative health effects include: increase in chronic diseases (diabetes, stroke, cancer, etc.), increase in hospitalizations, and an increase in premature deaths.

Imagine the billions of dollars in health care savings if we could prevent these negative health effects. The report discusses simple, practical solutions that have the potential to benefit not just the health of the community but the environment. An increase in the use of public transit would not only result in an increase in physical activity, but would benefit the environment, improve transportation equity and social connectivity, reduce injuries and create a more supportive environment for our aging population.

A community designed with alternate uses of transportation and closer proximity to necessary services (schools, etc.) in mind would also decrease the number of traffic accidents, resulting in safer communities.

You may think that this all seems a little far-fetched, re-designing and updating our communities’ landscapes, but it is necessary in in light of today’s health crises.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, communicable diseases were the No. 1 cause of major public health issues. We addressed these issues by creating safe drinking water and sewage policies and the ventilation of living spaces.

In the 21st century, we are now facing an epidemic of chronic diseases (diabetes, stroke, heart attacks, etc.) and the public must respond. Wherein lies the answer if we wish for our children to lead healthy, happy lives? Simple, in the design of our communities.

As a local example, Sudbury has recently decided to close three local schools — St. Raphael, St. Andrew, and St. Bernadette — and combine them into one “super school” near St. Charles College.

The result will be an increased number of children forced to take buses to school instead of walking or cycling. Let’s start the New Year off right and reconsider our communities’ design with the health of our future in mind.

Christina Ashawasegai
Sudbury