Richmond named British Columbia’s Most Active Community


26 July 2022
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Richmond has been named British Columbia’s Most Active Community in the 2022 ParticipACTION Community Better Challenge. This nation-wide physical activity initiative took place throughout June, encouraging all Canadians to get active.

The award, announced today by ParticipACTION, recognizes the community’s activity levels and the creative ways staff and community partners in Richmond motivated the community to get physically active throughout June.

“The City of Richmond is delighted to receive this honour which reinforces that we are one of Canada’s most active communities,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Our commitment to providing safe, fun and accessible recreational opportunities through initiatives such as free or low-cost events, fee subsidies and ongoing promotion of the benefits of physical activity inspire residents to be active, connected and healthy.”

Along with winning the prestigious title, the City receives $15,000 to be used for community programming to increase physical activity for Richmond residents while promoting confidence, competence and fun.

With the pandemic impacting national physical activity levels as more people either stayed indoors or halted their fitness routines, the challenge provided a unique opportunity to help Canadians return to enjoy and appreciate the unique benefits physical activity provides. Being active is not only an excellent way to achieve individual physical and mental health, but builds stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities.

Richmond encouraged residents to register and track their exercise and activities in the ParticipACTION Fitness mobile app throughout June 2022. Among the key results from that tracking were:

  • Richmond (as a community) tracked 9.7 million minutes in 2022, an increase of eight per cent over 2021
  • Community members participated 37,911 times in organized community events, programs or services
  • Richmond School District 38 students participated in the Most Active Classroom Challenge in early-June.

The City of Richmond's community partners received seven grants from ParticipACTION that supported 30 of the 70+ free and low-cost activities offered in June. Free events and activities included a family kick-off event at Thompson Community Centre, family fitness programs across the city, a Seniors Walk with the Mayor held during Seniors Week and geocaching.

To learn more about Richmond’s involvement in the challenge, visit www.richmond.ca/participaction or the Community Better Challenge website at www.participaction.com