Burnaby has been chosen to participate in a research study exploring the participation of racialized and immigrant communities in public recreation services in the province.
Langara College recently secured a $355,000 research grant, explaining the research will investigate obstacles communities face in accessing services and help create initiatives alongside municipal staff to improve access and social integration.
Four community partners are included in the study: City of Burnaby, City of Courtenay, B.C. Recreation and Parks Association and the South Asian Community Hub.
“As one of the most diverse communities in Canada, it is essential that we ensure that City services and programs are accessible and welcoming to folks from all walks of life,” Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley added in the release.
“We’re proud to be at the forefront of this important initiative, and we’re looking forward to seeing the results and recommendations that result from this study.”
Key objectives of the study include:
- Understanding if and how immigrant and racialized communities' views on recreation differ from those of Canadian-born public recreation users
- Identifying barriers to accessing public recreation for these communities
- Establishing a sustainable, co-creative process for developing public recreation initiatives that strengthens the community
“Enhanced access to public recreation for these communities could lead to better community integration, stronger community bonds, increased sense of belonging, and greater social cohesion,” lead researcher and Department of Recreation Studies Chair Yue-Ching Cheng said in a news release.
“We’re hoping that our research will help to create a framework or tools that can help municipal staff work with and empower all under-represented groups in their communities."
Funding for the study originated from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund.
