Pelham became the first community in Niagara with a Walk Friendly Ontario designation Monday.
Kate Hall, a community development planner with Canada Walks, presented town council with a bronze designation certificate and a Walk Friendly Ontario road sign.
She credited the town’s efforts through its active transportation committee in making the town walker friendly through a series of policies and projects.
In particular, she mentioned an increase in sidewalk construction, a snow clearing program, expanding trails system and policies to encourage walking.
In its strategic plan, Pelham has supported walkability, she said. It has 30 days a year where it closes streets for festivals, parades and other walkable events.
For 10 years, the town has held a mayor’s walk to encourage use of trails throughout the town.
Hall said in communities that promote walking the quality of life for residents and visitors improves. Property values increase as does the attractiveness for home buyers.
It enhances the economic viability of the community as people use stores and restaurants.
Walking improves the health of residents and safety for all road users.
Hall said about 30 per cent of Ontario residents do not have driver’s licenses. A walkable community increases accessibility for handicapped, seniors and young people.
To participate in the walk friendly program, municipalities undergo an assessment that measures progress of plans and policies, engineering and community design, education and encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation.
Mayor Dave Augustyn said the town will put up the road sign and look at obtaining more for entrances to the town.
Pelham has received a similar Bike Friendly Ontario silver designation.
