Public space needs sporting chance
Panellists at civic summit talk about improving quality of life in the GTHA
Every four years, CivicAction holds a summit to discuss the biggest issues facing the Toronto region. This year, it’s called the Better City Bootcamp, and the goal is improving the prosperity of the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
A wide range of voices and experiences will be on hand at the April 28 event, thanks to the collective contributions of more than 600 civic leaders.
They’ll be discussing some of the main challenges facing the region based on five themes: housing affordability and the growing need to match seniors’ health care to housing options; mental health and the workplace; childhood health and the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life; public spaces, physical activity, and health; increased density/weather intensity; and the infrastructure needs of tomorrow.
The Star spoke with panellists representing these five themes to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the GTHA in the years ahead. Theme: Public spaces, physical activity and health Panellist: Curt Harnett, chef de mission, Team Canada, Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and a three-time Olympic medallist in cycling What do you see being the biggest challenge facing the GTHA over the next decade?
My area of focus, of course, is the need for diverse development in facilities across the board, providing residents of communities with accessible places to play. As this region’s population grows, do you see any hurdles in building green spaces and sporting facilities?
As an urbanite, I see the pressures of development and residential requirements expanding. Outdoor spaces should always be a focus of any development. My hope would be that, over the course of all of these developments — whether they are condo complexes or new residential complexes — that there would be consideration for space for kids and adults to enjoy. Why is access to sporting facilities important for GTHA residents?
I’d love to see a grassroots playground-to-podium vision for children getting involved in sporting activities. Research has shown access to multi-sport opportunities is critical to an athlete’s development. Just in general terms of health and wellbeing of our population, it’s critical we understand the simple act of getting out for a walk is something we need to address — and communities need to be built with that in mind. This interview has been edited and condensed.