Vaughan residents rang in the new year 100,177 pounds lighter as part of their collective pledge to the CBC's Live Right Now initiative – a national program intended to motivate Canadians to unite and improve the health of the country – which ended December 31, 2011. Residents had six months to determine their weight loss goals beginning in June. Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua pledged that Vaughan residents would lose 100,000 pounds collectively.
"I believe we need to invest in creating healthy and strong communities as the benefits are substantial and help improve the quality of life for everyone," said Mayor Bevilacqua. "As a wellness-oriented community, Vaughan is committed to offering our residents healthy lifestyle choices through our many recreation programs and activities. As the Active Together Community Champion, it is my role to advocate for the benefits of physical activity and encourage all residents to lead healthier lives. CBC's Challenge was a great motivator and now that we have surpassed our goal we will embrace the spirit of our achievement and make it part of our daily lives. A healthier community is a happier community and in Vaughan happiness is the ultimate currency. "
To help residents lose 100,000 pounds and encourage physical activity, registered and drop-in recreation programs – including health and wellness, fitness, sports, skating, performing arts and swimming – were available at recreation facilities across the City.
In addition, the City of Vaughan offered a variety of leisure activities in celebration of events such as Heart Month, World Physical Activity Day, Youth Week, Pause to Play Week, Recreation and Parks Month, Diabetes Month, Sports Day in Canada and International Walk to School Month. Residents, sports groups, local businesses, fitness clubs and schools were encouraged to pledge their own challenge under the Vaughan section on the Live Right Now website. Vaughan’s entry was the third largest in Canada.
The City of Vaughan plans to step up its game by competing in the CBC’s quest to find the Live Right Now Capital of Canada starting in mid-January.
Residents interested in a healthier lifestyle and responsible weight loss are encouraged to register online at
www.LiveRightNow.ca. The website provides tools and resources for healthy living, including expert blog posts from health professionals, healthy recipes, and physical activity challenges.
“The Live Right Now initiative supports the City of Vaughan’s Active Together physical activity strategy,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “One goal is to increase physical activity levels of Vaughan residents by providing parks and recreation facilities across the City.”
Numerous City parks and trails opened this year, including Vaughan’s first outdoor fitness equipment area. As well, new motivational trail signs encourage physical activity. The City is also currently working to expand active transportation across the City through cycling routes, trail networks and school travel plans.
For more information on how you can help Vaughan become the Live Right Now Capital of Canada or on Active Together, contact Heather McLean, Active Living Coordinator at 905-832-2377 extension 7438 or
