The Healthy Community Engagement Action Guide helps BC local governments strengthen trust and equity in public engagement, with examples, resources, and tools for authentic participation that truly reflects community needs and values.
This guide introduces the basics of creating effective surveys, whether you’re a beginner or experienced in survey research. Surveys are valuable tools for gathering information systematically to support evidence-based decisions, policies, and community planning. They can help identify patterns or themes, assess satisfaction, or measure participation—insights that can guide deeper qualitative research such as interviews…
This guide supports local and Indigenous governments in monitoring and evaluating their healthy communities work. It helps users plan how to measure progress, collect data, and understand whether their efforts are making a difference. Monitoring is the ongoing, systematic collection of data throughout a plan, project, or initiative. It tracks progress toward goals and helps…
What you’ll find in this resource: This Action Guide helps local governments across British Columbia strengthen community health through equitable access to nutritious food. It highlights evidence-based and innovative approaches — from policy and bylaw changes to community partnerships — that foster resilient, thriving, and food-secure communities.
A BCHC PlanH Community Connectedness grant has helped develop the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) program in West Vancouver, making a significant difference in the lives of newcomers there. The program offers a variety of activities designed to foster community connections and inclusion. In May 2024, West Vancouver’s WIC program received the BCRPA Program Excellence…
In Crofton and Chemainus, school breaks are becoming a launchpad for skill-building and connection. Thanks to a PlanH Community Connectedness grant, North Cowichan Parks and Recreation has been running a Youth Job Training Series that’s equipping rural youth with real-world skills – while strengthening their sense of community. The initiative offers in-person training on days…
The City of Penticton has launched a groundbreaking Social Housing and Infrastructure Plan (SHIP), developed in partnership with local housing and service organizations and supported by a Healthy Public Policy grant from PlanH. Aimed at tackling the city’s growing need for non-market housing, the plan outlines actionable steps, identifies 15 opportunity sites and aligns infrastructure…
More than 40 Indigenous youth gathered at Seabird Island for the third annual Stó:lō Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative (YEI), a one-day event that offered hands-on experience in launching and growing a business. Hosted by Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC), the economic development arm of Seabird Island, the event marked its most dynamic year yet. This year’s theme,…
Happy Cities and Hey Neighbour Collective are co-leaders of a multi-phase project, in partnership with Simon Fraser University. Happy Cities and Hey Neighbour Collective have collected substantial evidence over the last several years on design and programming strategies to inform inclusive, ‘sociable’ housing policy at the municipal level. They are applying this research to six…
B.C. is taking action to create a province where everyone can build a good life, where services and supports are available,equitable, and accessible to people who need them, where people feel connected to their culture and communities, andsociety is just, inclusive, and thriving.