COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake is considering a partnership that could make getting active more accessible for residents through the "Prescription to Get Active" (RxTGA) program.
This initiative, discussed during the Sept. 17 Corporate Priorities meeting, offers an opportunity to enhance community health.
RxTGA is a national not-for-profit organization aimed at improving Canadians' health by promoting physical activity through partnerships between healthcare providers and recreation facilities, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
“It's kind of for health and wellness within the community, and whether municipalities would partner with organizations and health organizations in order to provide access and trial periods at the Cenovus Wellness Centre,” explained CAO Kevin Nagoya.
The proposed program would allow physicians to prescribe physical activity, providing patients with access to a one-month trial membership at the Cenovus Wellness Centre. The initiative is designed to encourage physical activity for individuals who may otherwise face barriers, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
Nagoya further elaborated, saying, “There would be some education requirements with the local physicians in order to do something, a prescription that they can get through the program, and then they can come to the Energy Centre and get a one-month membership for free as a trial period.”
Council discussed the need for policy amendments to the Recreation User Fee Policy to implement the program, with Nagoya noting that they first wanted to gauge if council supported the initiative.
Council passed a motion to support the Prescription To Get Active (RxTGA) program in principle and directed administration to draft an amendment to the Recreation User Fee Policy to include free access to the Cenovus Wellness Centre according to the program’s guidelines.
