Physical Activity

Being active contributes to long and healthy lives

• Physical activity is an important way to prevent disease and stay healthy. It can reduce the risk of:
  • circulatory system disease
  • certain types of cancer (including colon and rectum cancer)
  • Type II diabetes
• Cancer and circulatory system diseases are the leading causes of death in both Halton and Ontario.
• A lack of physical activity can impact life expectancy. A 2012 study found that in Ontario's population, physical inactivity resulted in a:
  • 2-year decrease in life expectancy; and
  • 3.4-year decrease in health-adjusted life expectancy (the number of years of good health lost).

Many Halton residents are not getting enough physical activity

• In 2013/14, a survey of Halton residents aged 12 and over found that 39% were inactive, 25% were moderately active, and 36% were active during their leisure time.
• Even if adults meet the minimum physical activity recommendation of 150 minutes per week, but are sitting an average of 10 hours/day, they are considered to be sedentary.
• Learn More about Physical Activity Rates in Halton:
  • Leisure Time Physical Activity Indicator Report (PDF file)
  • Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Indicator Report (PDF file)

Municipal parks and recreation departments

• City of Burlington Parks and Recreation (external link)
• Town of Halton Hills Recreation and Parks
• Town of Milton Arts and Recreation (external link)
• Town of Oakville Recreation and Culture (external link)

Local outdoor spaces

• Bronte Creek Provincial Park (external link)
• Conservation Halton (external link)
• Royal Botanical Gardens (external link)