Qualicum Beach might have one of the oldest demographics in Canada but according to Coun. Scott Harrison statistically the region has an average rate of chronic disease incidents.
Harrison relayed this situation during his meeting with the Ministry of Health at the recent Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference.
“The whole idea was maybe we’re doing some things right beyond the fact most folks here have means, which always help with chronic disease when you get older,” Harrison reported to council at its most recent meeting.
Harrison highlighted the value of the town’s trail networks. He referred to the result of the accessibility open houses the town held, where residents gave favour to the wide trails that allow cyclists and pedestrians some room to move, as well as the paved surface that allow people to walk on them with ease and comfort.
READ MORE: Cycling, active transportation ‘gaining traction’ in Greater Victoria
“It’s interesting to hear how many people actually use that infrastructure,” said Harrison. “And what I was suggesting is that part of the reason we have fewer chronic diseases is we have more means for people with limited mobility to actually be active in our community. And that’s something… that if, that is actually borne out by research they might want to do, they could save themselves a ton of money throughout the province because health care is expected to grow by 50 per cent and it’s getting close to half the provincial budget.”
Qualicum Beach’s population based on the 2016 Canadian statistics is 8,940 with the median age of 65.9 years old. A survey conducted by British Columbia Centre for Disease Control shows that 74 per cent of the adult population aged 18 and over in Qualicum Beach are physically active. The survey also revealed that close to 90 percent of the adult (18+) population perceive themselves to be in good health.