Environments to thrive in

Our goal: Vancouverites have the right to a healthy environment and equitable access to livable environments in which they can thrive

WALKABLE CITY

residents live in neighbourhoods with a Walk Score of 70 or higher

Healthy urban environments are characterized by complete, compact, and connected communities - including well-planned, sustainable, thriving, and vibrant environments.

Vancouver has achieved much to promote healthy urban environments. We are renowned for our parks and natural spaces, urban planning, and our goal to be the greenest city in the world. However, access to healthy environments is not yet equitable. There is more work to be done to ensure that all Vancouverites enjoy their right to have a healthy environment and access spaces in which they can thrive.

Our target: Add a biodiversity target and a target related to toxins prevention to the Greenest City Action Plan, and increase neighbourhood Walk Scores

Progress we've made so far

Vancouver has a walkscore of 78 out of 100

The most walkable large city in Canada

Vancouver scored 78/100 on the Walkscore ranking, which means that most errands can be accomplished on foot.

Vancouver's walkscore screenshot from https://www.walkscore.com/CA-BC/Vancouver

Source: Walkscore^®

Read our success stories

How we measure success

We use a number of data sources to monitor trends in the health of the city. We monitor progress toward Environments to Thrive In using data on neighbourhood walkability.
Neighbourhood walk scores
- 8 of 22 neighbourhoods have Walk Scores below 70
  Source: Walk Score
2015-2018 Priority actions

Steps toward achieving this goal in the first four years of the Healthy City Strategy.
1. Integrate biodiversity and toxins reduction strategies into the Greenest City Action Plan.
  - Results: We will increase biodiversity levels across the city and reduce the number and concentration of toxins.
2. Review active living design best practices that have been successfully used in other jurisdictions (such as NYC Active Living Design Guidelines) and explore their integration into planning and development review processes.
  - Results: We will increase opportunities for physical activity in the built environment.
3. Continue to encourage stronger walking connections through the community planning process, with a priority on areas with the largest concentrations of under-served residents.
  - Results: We will improve opportunities for people to walk to meet their daily needs in their neighbourhoods.
4. Create and enhance wonderful temporary and permanent public places and spaces throughout the city.
  - Results: We will develop strategic direction on the placement, design, and activation of public places in the city.