Walk&Bike for Life, a non-profit organization that aims to promote walking and cycling, will host two workshops for members of the public, area stakeholders, local community groups and city decision-makers to develop strategies for a more sustainable community.

Sarah Rotz, Walk&Bike for Life project manager, said the goal is to "encourage and support citizen participation in needs assessment, planning, communication and implementation strategies to create more liveable and active public spaces."

With $74,000 from the Ministry of Health Promotion as part of the Communities in Action Fund, Walk&Bike for Life will undertake this community engagement project in Peel, as well as Halton and Hamilton.

Brampton a good choice

Brampton is an ideal target for the initiative, said Rotz, because of its growth projections over the next 20 years.

"Brampton is in a position now that Mississauga was in 20 to 30 years ago, and we want to make sure a community like this grows properly and grows sustainably," said Rotz. "There are economical, environmental, transportational benefits for the community, as well as health benefits for the individuals."

Success with a similar undertaking in Mississauga south resulted in the organization working with the city, the ministry and a third party consultant to develop a formal bike plan for the community.

Rotz is urging anyone with ideas on or an interest in developing an action plan for Brampton to contact Walk&Bike for Life.

The organization plans to hold two workshops in the city this fall, and hopes to have the project complete by April 2009.

The workshops will be facilitated by Gil Penalosa, executive director of Walk&Bike for Life.