Medical Officer of Health, Region of Peel
“An investment in infrastructure for active transportation & public transit is a direct investment in the health of the population.”
Dr. David Mowat is the Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel. In this role, he is responsible for protecting and promoting the health of the residents of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. He has witnessed how the steady rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses is directly related to a lack of physical activity. Although most people think immediately of the gym and recreation as a source of activity, there is a much larger opportunity to protect our health when we can be active in our day-to-day activities. For residents in communities across the GTHA, physical activity has been engineered out of our daily lives. We’ve designed neighbourhoods that make it difficult for people to choose walking or cycling to get to their destinations.
To help build the case for investments in active transportation infrastructure, Dr. Mowat has teamed up with the other Medical Officers of Health across the GTHA to produce an upcoming report that shows the impact of active transportation and public transit on the health of the population through lives saved and healthcare dollars saved. The health benefits of active transportation are undeniable. Minimal investments from The Big Move would help ensure a future of health for residents and their families.