fraser healthA medical health officer from Fraser Health says about 37% of people surveyed in Chilliwack said they were obese, 10% higher than the Fraser Valley average and 15% higher than Metro Vancouver.

Doctor Andrew Larder says Fraser Valley residents are much more dependent on their cars.

“It’s a much less urban environment in the communities in the Valley so dependence on cars to get to work and to get to other places is much higher. But also the way the communities are designed and the access to public transport will also affect how much people are using active transportation, biking and walking.”

Larder says community planners are likely aware of the importance of active transportation but says more can always be done to encourage people to be active.