Walking is a safe, pleasant way to get around Vernon. Walking also requires very little infrastructure and equipment, making it the cheapest way to move people. The city offers an extensive sidewalk and pathway network that is growing every year
Why focus on walking?
Vernon residents consistently express their desire to have a more walkable city. By focusing on creating places that are safe and pleasant to walk in, we can realize the vision the community has for the city.
A walkable city provides many benefits its residents:
Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Greater mobility for seniors and youth
Higher levels of fitness, and lower stress
Safer streets
Fewer cars on the road
What is Canada Walks?
Canada Walks is an initiative of
Green Communities Canada and brings together a diverse group of projects whose focus is on promoting walking and walkable communities. The idea for Canada Walks was born out of the growing demand for knowledge, expertise and networks from organizations and communities across Canada.
City of Vernon has working in partnership with Green Communities Canada and
HASTE-BC (
Hub Action For School Transportation Emissions) and to create five
School Travel Plans (STP). Three schools are completed, Ellison, Harwood and Okanagan Landing elementary schools. Two are currently underway, Mission Hill and Silver Star Elementary.
What is Walk21?
Walk21 is an organization that exists to champion the development of healthy, sustainable and efficient communities where people can and do choose to walk. Each year, Walk21 hosts an international conference that brings together visionary and influential planners, practitioners, politicians and advocates to discuss the development of walkable communities. For more information about Walk21, visit:
http://www.walk21.com/
What is the International Charter for Walking?
The International Charter for Walking was developed by a team of international experts as part of the Walk21 conference series and was formally launched at the 2006 Walk21 conference in Melbourne. Since that time it has been translated into several languages, and communities and individuals around the world have signed the Charter including many from Canada. To view and sign the Charter visit:
www.walk21.com
