According to www.vitalsignscanada.ca, in 2010, the self-reported obesity rate for Nova Scotians 18 years of age and older was 26.0%. The national rate at this time was 18.1%. From 2003 to 2010, Nova Scotia’s obesity rate increased from 20.4% to 26%, while the national rate increased from 15.3% - 18%

 These obesity statistics are of great concern, not only because of the enormous probable cost to the health care system, but also because of the negative impact obesity can have on a person’s quality of life.

A quick Google search on the topic of “the benefits of Walking and Running” produces a wide range of results spanning every aspect of a person’s life, including improved physical and mental health and a general increase in life satisfaction.

It is also clear that these activities are increasing in popularity with the establishment of running and walking clubs all over the world.

The Lakeshore Running Club held its first meeting on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 2012. The club welcomes runners and walkers of various interests, skills and abilities and offers support and encouragement to its members and organized runs on a bi-weekly basis. The club also supports its members in training for local, national and international races. Having started with a following of 20 members, the group has now grown to include over 200 members, and it continues to grow.

The Club meets in the lobby of the Sackville Sports Stadium and then proceeds to run and walk various routes all over Lower Sackville.

 The safety of our members is of utmost importance to our group. particularly during the winter months when it gets dark earlier and snow and ice line the shoulders of the road. These safety concerns were exacerbated  when a pedestrian was tragically killed on the crosswalk on Glendale Avenue in front of the Sackville Sports Stadium before the Christmas holiday.
In light of all of the above, we are seeking your support in the creation of a Circle of Safety – a well-lit and maintained 7km route that circles First Lake and includes Kingfisher Way, sections of First Lake Drive, Cobequid Road, Sandrick, Maple Grove and Birch Grove Avenues.

The establishment of a Circle of Safety would further establish  Lower Sackville as a recreation friendly community, concerned about the health and well-being of its residents. With an aging population, any preventative measures that can be taken that will reduce the long term demand on the health care system deserve the support of both public and private funding.
A Circle of Safety would improve the safety of the surrounding neighborhoods through the addition of sidewalks and solar powered lighting. These kinds of measures are a signal to potential residents that Lower Sackville cares about its citizens and serves to create an image of an active and family focused locale, perfect for young families, seniors, and all groups in between.

The development and implementation of this project will require support from many. The Lakeshore Running Club asks for support from other concerned organizations and groups, to create a Circle of Safety for active residents in Lower Sackville.
Many of our club members recently participated in a survey conducted by HRM regarding priorities for active transportation.

 We requested the following improvements in the Lower Sackville area:

• Construction of sidewalk or paved shoulder from Judy Ann Court to First Lake Drive along Cobequid Road

• Paved shoulder on First Lake Drive to the top of Eddie Le Blanc ball field
• Construction of sidewalk on Glendale Drive to Damascas Road.

• Construction of sidewalk or paved shoulder on Metropolitan Avenue, leading to Kingfisher Way

In conclusion, these small changes will go a long way in establishing Sackville as a safe, caring and welcoming community that encourages physical activity and the health of its inhabitants

Lakeshore Runners