The following is a City of Kamloops media release

Kamloops is hosting the 2012 Cities Fit for Children Provincial Summit on May 10th – 11th, 2012 at the Thompson Rivers University Residence and Conference Centre.

This summit is dedicated to the sustainable development of our cities by building healthy, safe communities, with the objective to emphasize the role of local partnerships and government policy, as well as strategies and successes that contribute to livable and healthy cities for children, youth, and families.

Intended outcomes include:

• Road maps and action plans for governments, non-profits, and the business community to address the needs of children and youth in the planning processes of social and community development.
• Recommendations of programs and policies that can be implemented to make our cities fit for children, youth, and families.
• Poster presentations that enhance the literature base for future research and project work.
• Recommendations on understanding disability and universal design through the Healthy Built Environment.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

• Paul Kershaw from UBC and the Human Early Learning Partnership (HELP) and his session will explore practical new solutions for raising youth children in today’s economy
• Lorraine Copas, of the Social Planning and Research Council BC (SPARC BC), presenting on “Communities that Work over the Life Course”
• Bob Peart, who is a professional registered biologist where he will provide a session on “Reconnecting Children with our Natural Environment”

AMONG THE DISCUSSIONS

• Mayors’ Panel of mayors from Kamloops, Nelson, Williams Lake, Vernon and Penticton.
• “Inclusive and Diverse Community: Empowering Youth” by Sharon Shepherd
• “Municipal Strategies to Recreate Children’s Play” by Bob Yates
• “Working Together in Aboriginal Culturally Diverse Communities” by Catherine Disbery and Carol Lust from Aboriginal CATCH(Community Action Toward Children’s Health”
• “Understanding Disability and Universal Design” by Heather McCain from the Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods.

The summit will also feature a pre-conference tour of the unique child-friendly places and spaces that Kamloops has to offer, as well as a networking wine and cheese night. Various community entertainment, ranging from the Beattie School of the Arts Dance Troupe to youth magicians to Japanese dancers, will intersperse the workshops.

More information or to register

Media Contact:

Nicole Beauregard
City of Kamloops
250-828-3728
nbeauregard@kamloops.ca