Cranbrook’s ‘less talk, more action’ builds foundation for stronger collaboration
A BCHC-supported project brought local service providers together to confront barriers, share ideas and lay the groundwork for lasting collaboration
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Indigenous communities help drive record PlanH grant applications
A record number of applications poured in for the 2025 PlanH Healthy Communities Grant Program, with more Indigenous communities than ever before among the successful recipients. This year, a total of $250,000 in funding will be allocated to support projects that strengthen healthy communities across the province. “It is so wonderful to see so many…
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PlanH Webinar: Creating attainable housing through innovative land use planning
BC Healthy Communities invites local governments, planners, and community partners to join an upcoming PlanH webinar exploring how innovative land use planning can unlock more attainable housing options across B.C. This 60-minute session at 10:30 am (PT) on October 1 will feature expert insights, a community case study and an interactive Q&A. Participants will learn…
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Join the BCHC Board and help shape healthier communities across BC
BC Healthy Communities is currently seeking new members to join its Board of Directors. This is a unique opportunity to help guide a non-profit organization committed to advancing health and well-being across British Columbia through multi-sector collaboration, inclusive community engagement, and equity-driven policy work. Board members play a vital governance role—ensuring BCHC operates ethically, sustainably,…
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Mission youth help shape city policy through PlanH-funded project
In the City of Mission, the voice of its young people is helping shape the future – one policy at a time. Thanks to a $15,000 grant from the PlanH program’s Healthy Public Policy stream, Mission has taken a big step toward becoming a more youth-informed city. Led by Sharel Isabella, a Senior Policy Planner…
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Youth job training program builds skills – and community – in North Cowichan
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…
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BCHC supports healthy aging at BCRPA’s ‘Aging Forward’ event
BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) staff joined professionals from across the province on June 21-22, 2025, for Aging Forward: Connection & Inclusion Through Recreation, an inaugural event hosted by the BC Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA) at Langara College in Vancouver. As an event sponsor, BCHC highlighted its support for age-friendly initiatives and its commitment to fostering…
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BC Healthy Communities welcomes Vanessa Manuel as new executive director
The Board of BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Manuel as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective February 3, 2025. The announcement was made by BCHC Board Chair, Chris Lovelace. “Vanessa brings an extraordinary health-related background that aligns seamlessly with our mission at BC Healthy Communities,” said Lovelace….
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Exploring the role of power in equitable community engagement
Jacob Cramer is a Researcher & Planning Assistant with BC Healthy Communities. As a society working to reduce systemic inequities, our systems should work to fairly redistribute opportunity, resources and power. Currently, community engagement processes are building a system which tries for fair opportunity, but often neglects to distribute power and resources. As planners and public…
