Castor Trails – Communities in Action

In 2016, Castor, Alberta took part in an AHS community pilot project exploring community assets and opportunities that may support health and wellness.

In the spring, residents and service providers came together to gather and discuss available resources and information in Castor. Community assessments were also completed to get a snapshot of what could be improved upon, and work began to prioritize their ideas into quick wins and long term goals. Through this process, the Castor Community Network was born.

Members of the Castor Community Network and of the Castor area, include Castor Recreation, Town of Castor, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), the local Food Bank, Castor and District Housing, Health Promotion and Dietitians. The group had a shared vision to enhance available assets and encourage physical activity to improve overall health.

Goals of the Castor Community Network are to:

1. Educate the community on cancer and chronic disease prevention through health promotion.
2. Inform people how behavior changes can improve individual health.
3. Make healthy choices available and promoting healthy food options in the community.
4. Provide a clear and direct path for people to kick start a walking plan.
5. Encourage volunteerism.

Castor Community Network started with an ambitious project to enhance their current trail system. Public trails are a way to encourage people to get out and be active by providing safe and accessible space. Physical activity can improve overall health.

The trail plans took 2 years to implement, and a lot of planning to get things started. Some of the activities that took place included adding a large trail head sign and mapping all trails. These mapped trails follow sidewalks, pathways, town perimeters, roadways etc., and are all signed with directional signage. In some places, stencils have been used to mark a trail link or a cross walk. Outdoor fitness equipment was also installed along the trail route, to enhance physical activity further.

Castor also engaged in a Walkable training session, led by the AHS Walkable program coordinator. This allowed the opportunity to learn about any gaps in the planning, and to further assess the trail strategy.

Castor Community Network took on the planning and implementation of the project. The Network collaborated with multiple sectors and organizations and compiled joint resources for targeted planning. Overtime, members developed a relationship of trust that enabled continued success.

One unexpected outcome of this project was the amount of interest generated over the planning and implementation phase. Castor also found out that once they started working on their plan, more grants became available that they were previously unaware of. With community commitment, collaboration and funds, the trail system project was made possible.

Castor residents now have clear active travel options. This project increased community awareness around healthy choices. Planning for new initiatives continues!

Ways to take action: Community Strategies - Physical Activity