Project looks at Thunder Bay's 'walkability'

The ease of walking Thunder Bay streets is set to be measured this fall as a new program will look at five cities and consider things like the number of trees and lights, as well as how trails connect.

A co-ordinator with the program, known as Walk Friendly Ontario, said a more "walkable" city can  improve people’s physical and mental health.

"It also increases neighbourhood safety, because you have more eyes on the street, and, of course, if we're doing more walking, we're also producing less pollution and less noise," Ashley Priem said.

She noted there’s a wide range of things to look at in terms of a city’s walkability.

"Things as simple as [completed] recreation trails … sidewalks and things like making an area more attractive," Priem said. "It's just a variety of things that will help get people outside, on the streets, and enjoying the neighbourhood more."

The process will begin in October and involves an assesment tool that will rate Thunder Bay in terms of walkability.

"It's in the initial stages of just getting the information together," Priem added.

Results from the assessment will be announced next year but, in the meantime, Priem noted EcoSuperior will welcome any ideas for improving walking conditions in the city.

Thunder Bay is one of five communities that will participate in the program. Others include Kingston, Fort Erie, South Huron (Exeter) and London.