Community Design - Health Equity

Communities that are designed to provide safe and equitable access to meet every day needs can have an overall positive health impact on those who may be economically or physically disadvantaged due to socially produced inequities.^{1 2 3}

Healthy community design can reduce health inequities by supporting:

• neighbourhood mixed land use
• housing variety and density
• transportation options that are varied
• public spaces that are attractive and safe

In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) provides standards for barrier-free and inclusive design of public spaces.^{4 5 6} The Transportation Standards and the Design of Public Spaces Standards provide requirements to improve access for individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, healthy community design provides alternative transportation options for those who can’t afford an automobile or because of their age or ability are not able to drive.⁷ Active transportation is supported by having places where people want to travel located close to each other such as:

• schools
• employment
• commercial services
• retailers
• food sources
• recreation facilities
• health and social services
• high quality public spaces (natural and built)

Community design that considers equitable access can help improve physical, mental, social and economic well-being for individuals who may be economically or physically disadvantaged.