Many cities have subsidized physical activity programs to help those with limited finances, but how effective are they and is there room for improvement?
In a bid to improve physical and mental health for thousands, researchers from the University of Toronto and the University of Alberta have joined forces to evaluate ActiveAssist – a fee-assistance program designed to help low income individuals and families participate in physical activity and recreation programming within the City of Mississauga.
John Spence, professor and vice dean at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, initiated the project and Katherine Tamminen, assistant professor at U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, executed the third-party evaluation for the city.
As a result of their findings, the city council has recommended expanding the program by another 2,000 spaces. A vote to approve the decision will take place at the City of Mississauga City Council meeting on Wednesday, February 22.
“Our research looked at the benefits of the program as well as challenges and barriers that should be addressed,” says Tamminen. “The results demonstrated that there’s great value in increasing access to this program – beyond financial support and health benefits, it provides important community connection for individuals living in low income.”
The program’s benefits extend well beyond physical activity.
“Some parents said that their children felt socially connected when they had opportunities to participate in the same sports programs as their peers,” says Tamminen. “We also know that engaging in physical activity is important for the treatment and prevention of mental illness, which has a high prevalence among individuals living in low income.”
The program started in 2009 with 2,500 participants and in 2014 welcomed 12,500 participants. The city provides a credit of $275 per person each year to use for courses, programs and memberships at community centres – using unfilled space in existing programs.
Tamminen’s findings revealed that a portion of participants weren’t using the subsidy due to barriers, including transportation challenges, childcare issues and lack of free time. The city is now proposing that credits not used within six months be transferred to others on the waitlist. It also plans to target its marketing to specific communities that would benefit from the program, including Canadian newcomers.
Previously, the city lacked comprehensive data on how participants used the program. Tamminen’s research consisted of two phases – an evaluation of participant data and interviews with 24 clients.
“We knew we had issues related to physical inactivity and certain populations weren’t as engaged as others, but we really didn’t have a lot of evidence to point towards solutions,” says Jennifer Cowie Bonne, manager of community and neighbourhood development for the city. “
The program could provide a model for other cities to follow – Mississauga is Canada’s sixth largest city, where 22 per cent of households report an annual income under $40,000.
“Since there have been so few reports or surveys of these types programs, we really need to look at how to maximize their effectiveness,” says Spence, who also studied the effectiveness of the Canada child tax benefit. “Other municipalities have stepped forward and are potentially interested in having their programs evaluated.”
The team presented their findings through a webinar for Parks and Recreation Ontario, and they plan to publish their results and present their research at future conferences.
They anticipate the program will continue to grow in the future.
“Sport and recreation are part of healthy childhood development and lifelong health,” says Tamminen. “Now we have evidence that this program, and others like it, isn’t just about reducing the financial costs or increasing healthy habits, but it also demonstrates how physical activity can reduce isolation and build community.”
Visit the City of Mississauga's website for more information about ActiveAssist.
Funding for this evaluation was provided by the Ontario Government – Local Poverty Reduction Fund.