Healthy Kids Community Challenge Niagara

NIAGARA-ONTHE LAKE
GRIMSBY
Passport to
Play
RUN.
JUMP.
PLAY.
EVERY DAY.
2016
Mobile Kids Zone
LINCOLN
Activity Passport
Play Packs
Travelling Playgrounds
Learn to Skate Aids
ST. CATHARINES
Recreation Fee
Assistance
THOROLD
WEST
LINCOLN
PELHAM
Playground Area Enhancement
Fee Assistance
Summer Camp
Summer Skate Park
Play in the Park Fridays
NIAGARA
FALLS
Activity Passport
DrumFit
Outdoor Exercise
Equipment
WELLAND
Launch Weekend
Physical Literacy
Passport to Pools
Pop-up in the Park
Neighbourhood Block Parties
WAINFLEET
FITastic Drop-in
Playtime
HEALTHY KIDS
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
NIAGARA
PORT
COLBORNE
“Fun in the Sun”
PORTicipate Passport
FORT ERIE
Mobile Kids Zone
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: Town of Fort Erie & Niagara-on-the-Lake Mobile Kids Zone
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
This is a collaboration between the Town of Fort Erie, the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara to bring healthy
programming to the identified areas where priority kids live. Currently, The Boys and Girls Club in Niagara offers Kids Zone which is an afterschool program designed for children 6-12 years of age to encourage physical activity, develop social and leaderships skills, and build character.
By combining funds, these two municipalities hope to broaden the provision of services to outlying priority populations by eliminating one of
the biggest barriers to participation, transportation. In cooperation with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, mobile programs will be established
in 4 - 10 week blocks that will run parallel to spring, summer, fall, and winter. Within these blocks, programming and activities will be designed
to mirror the season, for example in winter it might be cross country skiing or snow shoeing. This will provide opportunities for kids to engage in
a myriad of different activities that may not have been previously available to them in their neighbourhoods. This intervention will provide an
initial 40 weeks of activity and will be a sustainable program over a number of years. There are over 2,000 children living in these priority
neighbourhoods who otherwise may not have had access to such activities and who will learn about Mobile Kids Zone through local marketing
initiatives. Each 10 week session may only directly impact several dozen kids at a time, but over the long term, the potential reach is far greater.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
May – June 2016 Marketing Campaign throughout priority neighbourhoods in both municipalities letting families and community agencies know
about expanded services for the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara. Launch event with local Champions.
June 2016 Launch of the first 10-week summer session
June – September 2016 Evaluation of program
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
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Enrollment numbers for Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Kids Zone Program and other related programs.
Measure of kids participating in the Mobile Kids Zone Program
Neighbourhood surveys for community feedback
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
The Boys and Girls Club of Niagara – Development and implementation of 4, 10
week sessions and delivery of programs to priority neighbourhoods in the two
municipalities.
United Way of Niagara Falls and Greater Fort Erie – Grant funding to address staffing
needs.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart – Assistance in purchasing equipment that fits the
programming selected for each of the four sessions.
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
- Media release with Mayors as Champions and Partner Organizations supporting
program.
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
- Flyers to schools identifying activities and location of the Mobile Kids Zone
- healthykidsniagara.ca and Town websites, events calendars, and social media
portals.
- Sign boards at municipal arenas and community centres.
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: Town of Grimsby Passport to Play
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
The Town of Grimsby, in collaboration with local community partners, will create a 10-week Passport to Play program. The passport will feature
new and existing activities for each week that are free to participate in; 2 of the activities will be a structured, scheduled opportunity such as
public skating or a family fitness hour, and 1 of the activities will be a suggested passive, open play opportunity such as using an outdoor rink for
ball hockey or cycling a suggested area. The activities will offer variety, new experiences, and safe environments for all levels of play and
fitness. To this end, the town is introducing free public swim and skate times, several drop-in family fitness classes, a bike rodeo and making
improvements to their outdoor ball hockey rink. The target audience will be children and their families from Grades 1-8 with an anticipated
reach of over 800 kids.
The objectives of the Passport to Play program will be:
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engage families in regular physical exercise.
offer a variety of opportunities for play, knowing that interests vary among citizens.
increase the awareness of opportunities for physical fitness in the community.
compile statistics of use so that we may analyze participation rates (for future considerations).
In order for children to be eligible for the grand prizes they will have to have noted 2 ‘active dates’ for 8 of the 10 weeks. Possibilities for grand
prizes include a one night stay at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and passes for local YMCA facilities. These are prizes ‘worth playing for’, and are
active prizes that promote family fitness and activity. We are hopeful that the prize will be attractive to some of our harder to reach citizens
that would benefit most from this program.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
March 2016 Implementation of new free programming and outdoor ball hockey rink improvements.
March – April 2016 2,600 Passports and marketing/instructions sent out for distribution by schools and partners that service children in lower
income brackets.
April 16 – June 24 Passport to Play
June 2016 Draw for Passport prizes and summarize data collected into a report for Town Council and HKCC Steering Committee.
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
Through the Passport to Play programming, data collection will include:
 total participants per event
 age estimations
 postal codes for demographic assessments
 likeliness to participate again
 total participants of the passport program
This project will provide a great way to observe which activities are most successful as free community events. The Town of Grimsby will use
this information for future planning.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
Grimsby Active Transportation
Niagara Regional Police
FORT, YMCA, Grimsby Ball Hockey Association, Bruce Trail Hike Guides
Local Media & Reporters
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
Marketing the passport and the activities to the target audience will be very
important. We plan to use the following methods:
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send the passports home through the schools and community agencies.
develop a partnership with the local newspaper for paid advertisements and
editorial coverage.
promotions through social media and posters targeting at priority
neighbourhoods.
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: Town of Lincoln Activity Passport, Play Packs & Travelling Playgrounds, and Learn to Skate Aids
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
ACTIVITY PASSPORT
The Town of Lincoln Sport Recreation and Culture Department will create and deliver an Activity Passport that will outline key activities and
venues to encourage active participation by families and children within the Town. The passport will indicate parks and amenities, trails,
beaches, spray pads, and activities that encourage active participation just at home. Further, the Allan F. Gretsinger Pool in Beamsville will offer
free Family Swims during the month of June which will be indicated on the passport. Ideally, the passport will continue to act as a resource for
community activities and amenities for repeat participation.
In May, 10,000 passports will be distributed to each house in Lincoln through the local newspaper and through the Niagara Catholic School
Board and the District School Board of Niagara. Passports will also be available at Town Facilities (i.e. Pools, Fleming Centre, Jordan Historical
Museum, Town Hall, Lincoln Centre), through community groups (i.e. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts), private business, as well as at different events and
programs (i.e. swimming lessons and summer camps). The key to ensuring awareness and participation is the distribution to each family within
the Town of Lincoln. Passports delivered through the school boards and community groups will come with an activity explanation that will help
teachers and leaders encourage participation in the passport.
Upon receipt of the Passport, Children and Families will be encouraged to check off the activities that they have taken part in, or facilities/parks
that they have visited. When their passport is full, or they have completed a set number of activities they can return their passport to claim a
prize. The prizes will further encourage children to be active and Run, Jump and Play (skipping ropes, balls, Frisbees, bicycle lights).
PLAY PACKS AND TRAVELLING PLAYGROUNDS
Play Packs and Travelling Playgrounds will be used to encourage the use of neighbourhood parks and the involvement of families and children in
unstructured play. The Play Pack is a borrowable bag of equipment that can be used at an assortment of events – family reunions, church
picnics, school fun days, etc. Families, groups, clubs, schools, etc., will be able to borrow the bag of equipment to encourage active,
unstructured play at their events.
Further, the Play Packs will be taken on the road to local parks where recreation leaders will lead children in a variety of active games. A
schedule of park visits will be set for the month of June and advertised throughout the community. The schedule will include after school,
evening, and weekend time slots and will rotate throughout the community with focus on the high needs areas. The recreation leaders will lead
and encourage participants in a number of active games, events, and friendly competitions. Children will learn a variety of games and activities
and uses for equipment that they can take part in at home, on the school playground, and when visiting the park again.
LEARN TO SKATE AIDS
The Town of Lincoln offers a number of free “Tiny Tot” skate time slots at both the Fleming Memorial Arena in Beamsville and the Jordan Arena
in Jordan. Tiny Tot Skate is designed as an opportunity for adults to teach young children how to skate. The program has been well attended by
preschool children in our community. A common question to staff if skate aids are available to borrow. The Town permits skate aids on the ice
during these time slots, as well as during the public skate times, but participants have to provide their own. HKCC funding will allow the town
to purchase skate aids and by offering them for free sign-out, more preschool children will be able to learn the skill of skating and older children
will have the opportunity to be supported while they practice this skill. The skate aids selected are high quality and expected to last up to ten
years so provision of this tool will be continuous.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
March 2016 Skate Aids purchased and open for use at local arenas.
March – April 2016 Distribution of Activity Passports through local newspaper and school boards.
May 2016 Marketing for Play Packs and Travelling Playground schedule.
May – June 2016 Activity Passport in use.
June 2016 – Implementation of Travelling Playgrounds.
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
Participation in the Activity Passport can be tracked by the number of passports that are returned to the Sport, Recreation and Culture
Department for a prize. Records will be maintained of the number of times the Play Pack is loaned out and how many children attend the
Travelling Playground. Participation numbers will be recorded for both family swims and Tiny Tot and public skate to make note of participation
levels.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
District School Board of Niagara & Niagara Catholic School Board – distribution and
promotion of Activity Passport.
Local Scouts and Girl Guides - distribution and promotion of Activity Passport.
Local businesses - distribution and promotion of Activity Passport.
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
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Local Newspapers: Distribution of Activity Passport, information coverage
of the initiatives.
Town of Lincoln Website: Sharing information on activities, participation
opportunities; support of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
Niagara HKCC Social Media: Sharing information on activities, participation
opportunities.
Print Material: Activity Passport, Travelling Playground Schedule, Activity
Passport Explanation and Support Document.
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name:
Niagara Falls Healthy Kids Community Challenge Passport, Drum Fit programming,
& Outdoor Youth Fitness Equipment
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
NIAGARA FALLS HEALTHY KIDS COMMUNITY CHALLENGE PASSPORT
Over 5,000 Passport packages will be delivered to youth through the 2 participating school boards (grades 1 through 6). Packages will include
instructions for youth and their families to take advantage of various active opportunities including free public skates, complimentary family
swim passes, and passes to attend youth action activities during YMCA Niagara Falls events. The Passport will include a component that will
encourage youth and their families to visit various trails and parks (6 in total) to find certain items similar to a scavenger hunt. Through the trail
and park portion of the passport, families can learn about new opportunities they may not be aware of and start to create new recreation
patterns. Over 100 prizes will be awarded by random draw of completed passports and will reflect active play and fitness.
The Passport program will include a teacher help kit to help school staff deliver the proper messages and make them aware of other
opportunities, such as an opportunity to access free busing for classes/schools who want to take advantage of some of the Passport activities
during the business workday.
DRUM FIT FOR YOUTH AT THE YMCA NIAGARA FALLS
Youth and their families will have an opportunity to take part in an introduction to Drum Fit at the YMCA Niagara Falls during the program
launch on May 1. This new alternative programming will be available for families to access. Several free sessions for schools will be organized
and scheduled during the challenge schedule. Schools within the highest risk areas will be given priority and all others will be accommodated on
a first come first serve basis. Schools may utilize the free Niagara Transit bussing to participate in the complimentary programming. Drum Fit
incorporates exercise movement with music in a drum beat pattern, which youth will find exciting. Drum Fit is currently not available in the
Niagara Falls community and will be a welcome addition.
OUTDOOR YOUTH FITNESS EQUIPMENT
New outdoor fit equipment, installed at MacBain Park will be strategically placed in close proximity to the majority of Niagara Regional housing
units in Niagara Falls. This alternative equipment will attract attention due to its uniqueness and signage will be in place to instruct the user how
to interact with the equipment. Other hard to serve organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club do access this park frequently and will also
have the opportunity to utilize the fitness equipment. The MacBain Park location allows for the largest youth user base (with a good majority of
at risk users.) The park is also equipped with a splash pad, skate park, outdoor washroom facilities, outdoor shaded area, picnic area, and direct
access to the MacBain Community Centre. Emergency assistance is immediate with YMCA and City of Niagara Falls staff on location. Overall,
the most important component to this fitness equipment is that youth will have access to it long after the Healthy Kids Community Challenge is
completed.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
March 2016 Purchase of Drum Fit fitness equipment and coordinate programming & activity schedules.
April 2016 Distribution of Passports to school boards.
May 1, 2016 Launch of Passport at YMCA Healthy Kids Day.
May 2016 Site preparation and installation of outdoor fitness equipment.
June 11, 2016 Completed Passports are collected and prizes drawn.
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
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The YMCA and City of Niagara Falls will keep a record of the number of people (families and individuals) that participate in the activities
offered on the Niagara Falls Healthy Kids Community Challenge Passport, including breakdowns on type of activities.
 An evaluation will be included on the Passport. The evaluation will assist with determining first time users and likelihood of returning as
well as satisfaction with the challenge.
 Usage of the children’s fitness equipment will be monitored and random on site surveys of users will be implemented on at least two
occasions.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
YMCA of Niagara
supporting the planning and implementation of the
Private Business Partnerships
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
Niagara Catholic District School Board & District School Board of Niagara
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
- Dedicated interactive website page, social media feeds, and e-Newsletters.
- Niagara Falls Review City page ads.
- Direct marketing (packages) to students in all Niagara Falls grade schools.
- Editorial/TV guest spots/Radio guest spots.
- Launch promo event on May 1, 2016.
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: Town of Pelham “Summer Skate Park Sessions” & “Play in the Park Fridays”
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
SUMMER SKATE PARK SESSIONS
Anticipated Reach: 200 youth from ages 6-12
Our Summer skate park sessions aim to promote Run. Jump. Play. Every Day. by utilizing our current infrastructure, mobilizing our youth leaders,
and becoming a champion of physical literacy in Niagara. The sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am – 12pm.
We will run a mix of beginner, intermediate, and girl’s only sessions. To kick off the program we will host a HKCC Skate Park Program launch day
during the May long weekend with professional skaters, music, giveaways to generate interest, and answers to questions parents may have. The
skate sessions will be free to participants but require them to sign a waiver form prior to participating. We will be hiring a skate park instructor
who will be our local role model to run the sessions for 2016. Going forward we aim to partner with the school board or Niagara College to
utilize available coop programs to sustain the program in the future. The instructor we hire will help implement a skate park ambassador
program. The skate park ambassador program will focus on having youth leaders in the skate park promote the rules and in-turn, create a safe
environment for youth on a daily basis. Each month will have a theme and we will partner with experts in the fields to educate youth on
nutritional habits, safety in the skate park, and how to incorporate active transportation into their daily lives. Our instructors will also attend a
physical literacy summit and receive in-service training from Heart Niagara in order for Pelham to become a champion of physical literacy. Our
priority neighborhoods are located in rural areas; we will be implementing a program so families can access our parks and programs for free by
way of our public transit system.
PLAY IN THE PARK FRIDAYS
Anticipated Reach: 100 Families
Similar to a pop up playground concept, we will be bringing a playground program to Centennial park in Fenwick. The playground program will
be on Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30am and will start in July continuing until September. This playground program will be held at Centennial Park
which is a central location for our priority neighborhoods. The playground program will be an instructor-led drop-in program for families to
come with their children and learn all types of activities they can do in the park with a focus on physical literacy.
SUPPORTIVE POLICY
The second portion to our project is implementing a concussion policy with a helmet reimbursement program. The helmet reimbursement
program aims to assist parents with the cost to purchase a helmet for recreation programs offered by the Town of Pelham. Once the policy is
approved by council, parents will be able to apply for a portion of the cost they paid for the helmet which in turn will help encourage children to
safely participate in recreation programs.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
April 2016 Physical literacy training for staff.
April 2016 Send concussion policy to Town Council.
May 21, 2016 Launch party for skate park sessions.
May – September 2016 Learn to skateboard days.
June – September Play in the Park Fridays.
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
First method will be by policy: we will be able to track how many people utilize the helmet reimbursement policy by tracking how many helmets
were purchased and how much money was reimbursed.
Second method will be by survey: we will survey both the participants and the instructors at the end of the summer to gauge the impact of the
program and the effectiveness of physical literacy.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
Pelham Active Transportation Committee, Public Health, NRP/ Fire Department –
aim to educate youth on areas of road safety, nutrition, and anti-bullying.
School Boards & Niagara College – will help to organize a co-op opportunity for
sustainability of the program.
Mayors Youth Advisory Committee & Skate Park Committee - to gather feedback,
mobilize youth to participate in the programs, and help fill volunteer opportunities.
Heart Niagara – will help Pelham become a champion of physical literacy in Niagara
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
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Print marketing – Posters, rack cards, & brochures distributed to businesses,
schools, and skate park.
Paid and editorial advertising in local papers.
Municipal website, social media, Town Hall TV screens, park signage, and
events calendar.
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Supportive Environment
I. Intervention name: City of Port Colborne PORTicipate. Every Day.
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
PORTICIPATE. EVERY DAY.
This intervention, PORTicipate. Every Day. is aimed at creating a supportive environment that will provide the City and our partners with the
capacity to continue to deliver accessible physical activity programs that have proven success in the past.
Based on the Community Needs Assessment the key marginalized area in Port Colborne for this intervention is located in excellent proximity to
the three (3) Bridges – East Village Community.
“FUN IN THE SUN”
A local partner, Community Living, has a long standing summer day camp program “Fun in the Sun” that will serve as the starting point for
PORTicipate. Every Day. East Village Community Park has previously been the home base for the “Fun in the Sun” summer day camp program.
However, for the past two years, due to financial limitations and additional circumstances at the park, it has not been used for the summer
program. HKCC funding will make it possible for the park to be their home base again and to increase their reach by eliminating accessibility and
transportation barriers. The park, with entrances at both Welland and Fares Street is at a central location to the East Village (3 Bridges)
Community. There is the saying ‘If you build it, they will come’ and that sentiment is true for the East Village Community Park and the youth and
families that this intervention program plans to reach. By bringing active programming to this area, we will have a significant positive impact on
their pursuit of physical health.
In discussions with Community Living, it was learned that they are currently experiencing additional barriers, including a lack of on-site storage,
additional play equipment, and protection from the sun. Through the funding provided by the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, the City will
be purchasing a Cargo/Utility trailer that will be outfitted with shelving and secure storage containers for day camp play equipment and
supplies. In addition, 10’x10’ pop up tents will be required for shade and would be purchased and stored in the trailer. This trailer will also be
used as a mobile unit for Program staff to increase activity and awareness in the East Village Community year-round.
A few additions/enhancements to the park will also be made, including either a permanent ball hockey goals, additional basketball hoop, or
cooperative games (hopscotch, four squares or paddle ball) that can facilitate structured and informal activity in the park. The East Village
Action Committee (EVAC) has been instrumental in championing and funding some park enhancements. HKCC funding will assist to further
ensure park enhancements with the return of a sustainable summer day camp program. The addition of a few key items for the park, and with
the partnership of Community Living to help execute the program we will spark the revitalized use of park space and provide an integral physical
activity program to an underserviced demographic. Furthermore, as Community Living’s summer program funding has been cut, the City and
YMCA Niagara want to partner and seek ways that the Summer Day Camp program could PORTicipate in additional activities, both during and
after camp hours.
The ability to partner our services created the PORTicipate Passport to encourage all youth in the 3 Bridges Community to PORTicipate
throughout the summer period.
PORTICIPATE PASSPORT
Each child registered with the “Fun in the Sun” Summer Camp program will receive a passport upon enrollment into the program (if they did not
already receive the passport from their school). Passports will also be distributed to all 3 schools in the 3 Bridges Community (grades 1-6).
Schools outside of this marginalized area (total of 5) will receive 50 passports each to distribute to eligible students through the school.
The passport will include 2 elements:
1) Individual Activities (both structured and informal); and
2) Family Activities (both structured and informal).
including family skating, open swim, open gym time (PC-YMCA), open activity time, plus parks & trails, beaches, and events.
PORTICIPATE PASSPORT AND THE PORTICIPATE FAMILY
Parental support that rejuvenates the PORTicipate family contest – We believe a healthy and active family leads to healthy and active kids.
When the City of Port Colborne opened the Vale Health & Wellness Centre in February 2013, and in partnership with the YMCA, we launched
the PORTicipation Family contest. The winning family was referred to as the PORTicipate Family for the year and was awarded a family YMCA
Membership along with additional prizes. After year 1, the contest did not continue, and Community Services has been considering to expand
on this contest ever since. The opportunity to incorporate the PORTicipate brand into the passport system as an annual initiative and to award a
family the PORTicipate Family title each year, is a way to sustain this program and build a legacy for this intervention as a sustainable project.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER
The goal of this intervention is aimed at encouraging the East Village (3 Bridges) Community to, not only take more initiative and to take back
their community, but to also extend the borders of the community by breaking down silos that may exist, making the program an inclusive
environment (for all abilities) that includes all youth and families to PORTicipate, Every Day.
By focusing efforts of this intervention through the City’s highest marginalized area, the City is expanding its reach, tapping into a population
that has limited resources, and having a dramatic impact on childhood obesity.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
Launch – May 1st at Health Kids Day with YMCA Port Colborne. City Recreation Staff and Community Living Staff will be onsite.
Week of May 1st – School Assemblies & Information Sessions to inform families about upcoming initiatives & Passport roll-out.
Monday, July 4, Fun in the Sun start date & Utility trailer mural painting.
September 2, 2016 – passport submission due date.
Friday, September 9 – PORTicipate Passport Participant/Family winners announced.
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
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Participation rates at Passport programs – Name and contact information will be captured.
Implementation of a satisfaction survey; what worked, what needs improvement, popular programs, etc.
Comparative analysis, participation rates, i.e. Previous 'Fun in Sun' program registration vs. current registration figures.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
Community Living of Port Colborne & Wainfleet – Organization responsible for
summer “Fun in the Sun” program and key organization in not only accessing but
engaging intervention participants.
YMCA of Port Colborne – Partner offering access to additional activity programs and
facilities for intervention.
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
East Village Action Committee (EVAC) – To further champion and provide support
and encourage ‘buy-in’ from the Community throughout the intervention. It “takes a
village” and this group is an important organization that will advocate the
intervention program and help us achieve success and integration into the
community.
NCDSB, DSBN & CSDCCS – School Boards. The schools will serve to facilitate
distribution of communication materials to ensure all children are included.
 Marketing materials will be distributed through schools with handouts.
 Posters in key school office.
 Community information meetings/assemblies may be planned.
 Public service announcements and information will be posted on City digital
monitors and electronic/static display boards at the Vale Health & Wellness
Centre
 Healthy Kids check-in point identifiers throughout the City and at activity
locations (Port Colborne YMCA, customer service desk at VHWC, Nickel
Beach, Roselawn Centre, Events, variety of Park locations, i.e. the East
Village Community Park).
 Connecting city website www.portcolborne.ca with
http://www.healthykidsniagara.ca/ Use of social media platforms Twitter,
Instagram, Facebook and use of hashtags - #HealthyKidsNiagara and
#HealthyKidsON in conjunction with City’s #PORTicipate
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: City of St. Catharines Recreation Fee Assistance
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
This new fee assistance program embraces the principle that recreation opportunities should be accessible to all residents regardless of income
levels. A 90% reduction in registration fees for applicable City of St. Catharines recreation programs will promote increased physical activity,
physical literacy, and play and/or fundamental movement skills in both the 2016 spring and summer sessions. The fee assistance will be
modeled after best practices which streamline applications and intake processing thereby making the overall experience for the participants less
intimidating, less rigorous, more welcoming, and more inclusive of families who are struggling just above the LICO threshold. The goal is to
impact a total of 360 children. The City of St. Catharines provides a wide and diversified range of quality direct programming at multiple facilities
for all ages. In addition, each participant will receive a summer swim pass and a summer bus pass so that each participant can access not only
our recreation programs but all of our parks, trails, outdoor pools, splash pads, and playgrounds for the entire season.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
March 22nd – 2,000 Recreation Fee Assistance brochures distributed throughout high priority neighbourhoods to low income families (via
partnerships with school boards and social service providers)
April 4th – Spring recreation session starts, 180 fee assistance participants registered
July 4th – Summer recreation session starts, 180 fee assistance participants registered
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
Impact will be measured by the total number of participants who apply for the funding and enroll in subsequent recreational activities. Tracking
mechanisms will include:
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Attendance sheets from recreation programs
Redemption statistics for 2016 Summer Child/Youth Swim Passes
Redemption statistics for 2016 St. Catharines Transit Student Summer Bus Passes
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
Family and Children Services Niagara, Community Care of St. Catharines and
Thorold, St. Catharines Multi-Cultural Association, RAFT, Niagara Regional Housing,
Ontario Works
The City of St. Catharines will partner with these agencies to assist with identifying
families with financial need and to assist with the promotion of the fee assistance
program.
District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic District School Board
a) City of St. Catharines social media (Facebook, Twitter, City website, St. Catharines
Current newsletter)
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
b) District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic District School Board
(primary marketing strategy will be distribution of posters and actual application
forms in high priority neighbourhood schools – based upon the assumption that
many low income families do not have computers/ internet so they cannot easily
download information from a central web based source)
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: City of Thorold Fee Assistance Program for Summer Camp
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
The City of Thorold, in partnership with the Thorold Community Activities Group (TCAG), is working to expand their Summer Camp Program and
lower the barrier of access for kids/youth in the priority population. The TCAG provides a safe and active fun place to foster play and their
Summer Camp program has the capacity to instill life long active and healthy habits that kids will bring into adulthood. This summer, with the
assistance of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, they will expand their capacity to deliver programming by obtaining additional space in
close proximity to a priority neighbourhood. They will also be offering a 95% fee reduction for up to 4 weeks of programming to kids who
otherwise could not have afforded a full-time summer camp experience. They are hoping to reach between 20 and 30 kids from priority
populations this season. It is their hope that by expanding their programming this summer, they will build a momentum that will allow them to
continue the fee assistance program in the future.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
March 2016 Secure additional space at Local School.
April-June 2016 Work with community agencies to identify kids who would benefit most from fee assistance program.
July 4 – September 2, 2016 Summer Camp
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
Issuing parent surveys at the end of each week of camp, to gather information pertaining to their kids/child’s experience and the impact of the
fee assistance program on participating families.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
Thorold Community Activities Group
Community Care Thorold – identifying priority families that are in need of
assistance.
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
Summer Camp brochures will be distributed to the priority neighborhoods, using
social media as a tool, and distribute flyers to local schools.
District School Board of Niagara – providing space for camp programs.
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: Township of Wainfleet FITastic Drop-in Playtime
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
The FITastic Drop-in Playtime program aims to provide a safe space for unstructured free playtime so that Wainfleet kids can be physically active
and develop social skills. The program will run on Fridays in the summer months (end of June, July, and August) in the Wainfleet arena. The
arena will be divided into two sections based on age group (1-4 and 5-12) and a number of activities and equipment will be available for their
use. The program will be run by Township Operations/Recreation staff and Library staff and will run at no cost so that low income families are
able to participate. It is a great way for families to play together as some may not have the resources to provide their children with equipment
to play at home. The arena is located in the municipal complex that houses the municipal administration building, public works building, and
library – the hub of the Township. Currently the arena space is under-utilized in the summer months and this program is a great opportunity to
keep the arena active in the “off” season.
The program will be advertised in a variety of ways to connect with the priority populations. This includes flyers to be sent home with all
students at the local schools (DSBN, NCDSB and private schools), outdoor signage in four of the Township’s hamlets (using the Township’s fire
hall properties as they are already central to the four hamlets) and flyers and posters to be distributed to local agencies that have a direct
connection to the priority populations. Other methods such as social media will be used as well. There will also be a program launch party that
invites the community to come out for healthy snacks and beverages and fun playtime. The launch party will include the Mayor and members of
Council, the media, Township staff and invitations will be sent to community groups and agencies.
Currently the Township does not offer any type of recreation programming and the residents rely on volunteer run sports organizations, which
can be quite costly for families. This funding gives the Township an opportunity to start providing recreation programming by beginning with a
simple free program such as the FITastic Drop-in Playtime. It is our hope that we will be able to build on and expand the program in subsequent
years. This could include taking the program to the various fire halls throughout the Township, making connections, and establishing
partnerships with other organizations such as Brock University or Niagara College (co-op placements for students).
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
April 2016 – preparation of advertising materials, purchase of program equipment, establish registration protocol and materials
May 2016 – outreach with local schools, local community agencies and local sports organizations to advertise the program
June, July, August 2016 – run program
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
While there will be no charge for participation in the program, participants will be required to sign in upon arrival and provide information such
as age and address. With this information the Township will be able to report the number of participants, the age range of participants and the
area of the municipality in which participants reside. The registration process will also ask how the participants heard about the program so that
the Township can determine which advertising methods were successful.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
The Wainfleet Library annual summer reading program sponsored by TD Canada
and will be incorporating the FITastic Drop-in Playtime into their programming as a
physical activity component. The Wainfleet Library will provide staff time to help run
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
the FITastic Drop-In Playtime in addition to the operations and recreation staff
being provided by the Township.
Township staff will reach out to the Superintendents of the District School Board of
Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board and the Principle of the
ACRES to ask that information regarding the FITastic Drop-in Playtime program be
distributed to every student prior to the end of the school year.
Local Community Agencies: PORT CARES Reach Out Centre, Niagara Region Ontario
Works, Salvation Army Port Colborne, Bridges Community Health Centre
Members of Council to spread the word and share information about the program
through their connections and social media outlets.
The Township’s Volunteers Firefighters Association is a great resource for spreading
the word about the program. Future versions of the program will include running
the program at the various Fire Halls in the Township.
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
The program will be advertised in several different ways.
Print – flyers and posters will be created to be distributed to all of the area schools
and local community agencies. The flyers and posters will also be available at all
Township facilities (Township Hall, Library, Arena, Fire Halls).
Electronic & Social Media– electronic advertisements will be created for posting on
the Township’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. These electronic materials
will also be shared with our partners so that they can post on their websites and
social media platforms.
Physical – a number of portable signs advertising the program will be rented and
placed in strategic spots throughout the Township.
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Program/Activity
I. Intervention name: City of Welland Seize the Summer! Run. Jump. Play. Every Day In Welland.
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
The City of Welland will incorporate the first theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge in 5 key areas of programming using multiple
avenues of delivery:
1. Healthy Kids Community Challenge Launch Weekend (Building Awareness)
 Friday June 24, 2016 – Year-End picnic at Memorial Park will target 600 local elementary students (JK-grade 8) to inform them
about the HKCC opportunities during the summer months in Welland. The day will focus on informal recreation and play as well
as structured physical activities led by paid instructors and volunteers.
 Saturday June 25, 2016 – Dain City Splash Pad Grand Opening will target approximately 400 children through the unveiling of a
new recreational amenity in a priority neighbourhood. In addition to use of the facility, children will have the opportunity to
participate in a range of physical activities offered for free. 500 children anticipated.
 Sunday June 26, 2016 – The “Passport to the Pools” program will officially be launched at all three of Welland’s Outdoor Pools.
Details of this program are provided below.
2. Physical Literacy Development at City of Welland Day Camp (4400 Camper Registrations Anticipated)
 Swim to Survive at Camp program (program provided by the Lifesaving Society.)
 Weekly Introduction of the “Playball” program to all campers.
 Training Opportunity for Staff – Delivery of two Canadian Sport for Life half-day training workshops.
3. Passport to the Pools Program
 Children will have the opportunity to participate at any outdoor City-operated pool (three facilities) in the “Passport to the
Pools” program.
 Through demonstrating the Swim to Survive skills as recommended by the Lifesaving Society children will have the opportunity
to earn stamps on their passports and earn prizes throughout the summer.
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The Society defines the minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. These are expressed in a
skill sequence in the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard.
 If participants complete the Swim to Survive Standard they may continue by attempting the Swim to Survive PLUS
program. Swim to Survive PLUS builds on the skills taught in Swim to Survive.
Goal: 1500 children complete passport program during the summer of 2016
4. Pop-Up in The Park
 Travelling Playground - An exciting new opportunity for children to enjoy access to high quality recreation programming in their
own neighbourhood at local parks. Parks will be identified on a weekly basis throughout the summer for the public. Activities
will be facilitated by trained recreation leaders and will focus on incorporating physical literacy skills.
 Goal: 400 children participate throughout the summer.
5. Neighbourhood Block Parties – Meet the Neighbours
 2 block parties will be held (one in July and one in August) in two different identified neighbourhoods.
 Allows community members to connect with one another and build relationships.
 Held in a neighbourhood park and encouraging participation in various activities offered including organized games, Zumba, arts
and crafts, yoga, etc.
 Goal: 500 children reached between both block parties
TOTAL REACH: 7,900 children from Welland will participate in a Healthy Kids Community Challenge funded activity, program or event during the
summer of 2016.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
April-May 2016 Equipment purchase, plan/book/hire.
May-June 2016 Distribution of marketing materials.
June 2016 Program Launch
June-August Programming roll-out
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
 Increased program enrollments in the Playball program (determined fall 2016), swimming lessons (ongoing) and camp (return users summer 2017).
 Increased attendance at outdoor pools.
 Evaluations – completed by children (not parents) on their participation experience. Use of pictograms to measure emotional
connection.
 Increase in Wellness For All (City of Welland fee assistance program) applicants in the child age bracket.
 20% integrated physical literacy programming at Camp during summer 2016 as a result of appropriate staff training.
 Comment boxes at both block parties.
 On-going feedback through surveys at all program areas and events.
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
District School Board of Niagara & Niagara Catholic District School Board – assist
with coordination of picnic for students, information dissemination to students
Welland Neighbourhood Project – planning and delivery of block parties, picnic
Dain City Recreation Committee – planning and implementation of Splash Pad Grand
Opening and activities for children
Canadian Sport For Life – delivery of staff training surrounding physical literacy
Lifesaving Society – providing Swim to Survive Program curriculum
Playball – providing curriculum for Playball physical literacy program
Community Living Welland/Pelham – promotion of programs to children with
disabilities. Consultation on how to make programming/events inclusive for persons
with disabilities.
 Social Media – City of Welland, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, Welland
Community Wellness Complex pages (Facebook, Twitter, blogger posts)
 City of Welland Corporate Press Releases before each event/program
 Advertisement in Civic Corner (local newspaper) on an ongoing basis
 Posters in all City recreation facilities (indoor & outdoor)
 City of Welland website & community partners’ websites
 Swag Bags – given out at picnic advertising all programs/events throughout
the summer
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Flyers distributed to participants who are in school-aged recreation program
offered by the City of Welland
Email blasts to database using ActiveNet registration system
Promotion within existing neighbourhood recreation associations in
Welland (x4)
Select the type of intervention (click on “Choose an item” and a drop-down list will appear):
Supportive Environment
I. Intervention name: West Lincoln Community Centre Playground Area Enhancement Project
II. Description of Intervention (Provide a brief overview. Include objectives and anticipated reach):
This project will focus on the revitalization of the West Lincoln Community Centre playground area. It will also provide an increase in awareness
of West Lincoln play spaces using signage to promote physical activity opportunities in the community. This project will update the playground
surface to current accessibility standards and reduce barriers to access.
The West Lincoln Community Centre playground area is located in Smithville. The Ontario Marginalization Index shows this geographic area as
being greater marginalization, which indicates a greater occurrence of obesity and inactivity in children. Enhancements to this particular
playground will benefit the target population for the Healthy Kids Community Challenge Niagara initiative.
The West Lincoln Community Centre playground area has a need for some of its physical features to be improved. Over 90 trees have recently
been removed from the playground area due to the Emerald Ash Borer and thus, the playground area is without shade and a treed play space.
In 2015, the playground area was used significantly less than previous years because visitors did not have a place to get out of the heat. Areas of
shade are very important for a children’s play space. Another feature to be improved is the playground surface. A section of the playground area
has pea gravel surface and this has been identified as needing to be replaced due to accessibility standards. The playground area is also in need
of lighting, as the original lighting has been removed with the demolition of a building. Lighting extends the length of time that children will
make use of the playground area and could contribute significantly to increasing physical activity.
Along with physical features, this project will also use signage to promote all West Lincoln parks and play spaces. A sign for each park in West
Lincoln will be produced and installed displaying locations of all parks. This is an awareness strategy to provide information to the community
about opportunities for children to be physically active in West Lincoln parks.
This project would include the following:
 Purchase and planting of new trees for shade and naturalized play space.
 Removal of pea gravel and replacement with mulch to meet accessibility standards.
 Purchase and installation of lighting to improve safety and increase play time.
 Purchase and installation of new West Lincoln Parks signage to promote play across the municipality.
The objectives of this project would be:
 To support the pursuit of physical activity in children 0 to 12 years old.
 To increase the desire to participate in physical activity in children 0 to 12 years old.
 To enhance the physical features of the playground area.
 To increase accessibility.
 To increase safety.
 To increase play time.
 To increase awareness of West Lincoln parks and play spaces.
All of the objectives outlined above will aim to increase the level of physical activity of the children in West Lincoln through access, awareness
and play space features. Through this project, we hope to eliminate barriers, increase awareness, and provide more opportunities for the
community to participate in daily physical activity. Children who run, jump and play every day will grow up to healthy adults and active
members of the community. This project will use HKCC funds to create a supportive environment for children to increase daily physical activity.
III. Key Milestones (Outline key project tasks to be completed and associated timelines):
March 2016 Obtain final pricing for identified project items, schedule work plan, and set marketing/promotion plan for the project.
April 2016 Begin marketing/promotion of project in the community
May 2016 Begin project work items (purchase, installation, planting etc.) and continue with marketing/promotion of project in the community.
June 2016 - Finish Complete work items and hold an event to present completed project to community and celebrate increased opportunities.
IV. Method of Measurement How will you measure the success/impact of this program, policy, and or/environment?
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Increase use of playground area and play space-more active children in the community (quantitative-generalized comparison of usage
and activity levels from 2015 usage)
Increase in amount of shade in playground area and play space (quantitative-visual inspection & comparison of shade amount to 2015)
Increase in safety due to improved lighting (quantitative-visual inspection and comparison of lighting to 2015)
Increase in accessibility due to improved playground surface (quantitative-recognition as accessible when complete)
Increase in the enjoyment of users (qualitative-verbal feedback and comparison to 2015)
Successful community partnerships (quantitative)
V. Partner Organization (List all partners involved in
supporting the planning and implementation of the
intervention and briefly explain their level of
involvement)
VI. Marketing What marketing strategies will you
implement to promote your initiative?
*Note that official NHKCC marketing will be centralized
and coordinated by the Steering Committee
Smithville Medical Centre Family Health Team
 Assist with marketing/promotion planning and implementation & Launch
 Information/Materials about healthy active living & sun safety for children.
A full marketing/promotion plan will include media releases, newspaper ads,
website and social media communications, flyers and information in Township
paper communications)
As part of the project, signage installed in the West Lincoln Community Centre
playground as well as the other local play spaces with information about local parks
and play spaces. Visitors will gain information about other areas where they can
access opportunities to play in West Lincoln, thus promoting active living in the
community.
Municipal Plan
Fort Erie
Grimsby
Lincoln
Niagara Falls
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Pelham
Port Colborne
St. Catharines
Thorold
Wainfleet
Welland
West Lincoln
NIAGARA
In-line with
the
Vision/Goal
of HKCC
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Reach/Marketing
Plan with a
Committed
Focus on Priority
Neighbourhoods
2,000
800
1,250
5,000
50
300
606
360
30
300
7,900
800
19,396 (82%)
V. Budget (How will you use your allocated funds)
Points
Directly to
Community
Needs
Assessment
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Crosssectoral
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Collaboration
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Focus on
Positive
Health
Messages
Community
Driven
Committed
Political
Involvement
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Strategies
for
Sustainability
Beyond
Theme One
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Strategies for
Evaluation &
Measurement
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$ 240,000 allocated across 12 municipalities using a base
amount ($10,000) plus a proportional amount based on ONMarg Quintiles 3, 4, & 5 (derived from 2006 census data) that
highlights priority populations in Niagara (see map.)