Active Living: Coal Harbour - The Ideal Location for Active Living

I recently moved to Coal Harbour. Not only is this area stunning with its breathtaking views of the Lions Gate bridge, snowcapped mountains and marina, but it has a physical environment that is so supportive of physical activity, it would be difficult NOT to engage in active living pursuits.

Within the first week of moving into our new place, my boyfriend and I had already been on two walks along the seawall and had used the car less frequently, choosing to walk everywhere instead. Walking everywhere versus driving not only provides fresh air, exercise and a general feeling of vitality, but is also more convenient than driving. Downtown is full of one way streets, no stopping zones and heavy traffic, so I am finding it much more enjoyable to walk versus drive anywhere. My 15 minute walk to the bus stop before work and from the bus stop after work provides me with some time to either gear up for the day or decompress from the day. Going for a walk with my boyfriend is a good time for the both of us to relax, unwind and socialize while doing something good for us physically.

The main enabling condition that allows me to participate in this active living pursuit is location. The location in which I live is very conducive to walking everywhere. Not only is the seawall at my doorstep, all of the streets around my apartment have sidewalks, are well-lit and are generally well-populated, which makes me feel safe to walk around the neighbourhood. Everything from groceries to coffee shops to pubs to transit are also all located within walking distance, from groceries to bars to transit. Another factor that affects my decision to walk everywhere is the influence of other people living in this area. It seems that everyone is either walking or biking, and the seawall is full of runners and joggers at all times of the day. This encourages me to be active even more.  

I realize that not everyone can afford to live in an area that is so conducive to walking everywhere. The suburbs is more affordable, but is contributing to a lifestyle that is automobile dependent due to the lack of accessibility to work, school, and other commercial land. As a result, levels of physical activity for people who live in sprawling neighbourhoods tend to be lower than for those who live in higher density, more compact neighbourhoods. I therefore consider myself lucky to be able to live in a high density, compact neighbourhood like Coal Harbour where bike paths, the ocean and mountains are just outside my door.