City of Chilliwack to host the next provincial Cities Fit for Children

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

City of Chilliwack host for next provincial Cities Fit for Children

Victoria, BC, July 2019 — The United Nations reports that half the world’s population is under the age of 25. Youth play a key role in the social, environmental, and technological changes that are rapidly shaping the world we live in. The next province-wide biennial Cities Fit for Children Summit to be hosted in the City of Chilliwack will highlight the important links between planning and health and showcase ways to support built and natural environments to be places where children and youth can thrive.

Building on the Framework for Recreation in Canada which is the guiding document for public recreation providers, the upcoming Cities Fit for Children Summit, May 11 -13, 2020 will engage local governments, health authorities, service providers and committed citizens to come together and share approaches for improving environments and better utilizing natural environments for children, youth and families.

“This will be the sixth year of the summit and we are excited to hear from the City of Chilliwack and also learn about what other municipalities across the province are doing to create healthier environments for children and youth. If we create healthier communities for our youngsters we’re also creating healthier conditions for all people to thrive” says Jodi Mucha, Executive Director of BC Healthy Communities Society, which is the host agency for the summit.

“Chilliwack is proud to be the host community for the 2020 Cities Fit for Children Summit,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “Working together to create healthier environments for children and youth is an important task that aligns closely with Council’s objective to facilitate a high quality of life for our residents.”

The event draws a dynamic mix of local government and non-profit leaders, recreation programmers, social and community planners, early childhood practitioners, youth workers, engineers, and policy makers as exhibitors, speakers and attendees.

“This conference will be an opportunity for Chilliwack to showcase our innovative programs and approaches and learn how other BC communities are addressing social and health challenges “said Dan Bibby, Chilliwack Child and Youth Committee Co-Chair.

Past hosts have included Kelowna, Langley, Kamloops, Surrey and Vernon. Chilliwack’s Cities Fit for Children event will build on the momentum of the 26th Annual Conversation on Chilliwack’s Children on May 3, 2019.

For more information please contact Dan Bibby, Director of Operations, MCFD via Daniel.Bibby@gov.bc.ca or Carol Marleau, Manager of Recreation Services and Corporate Wellness, City of Chilliwack via marleau@chilliwack.com .