Capital nabs second spot in national survey
News that Fredericton has been recognized as one of the top walking cities in the country came as little surprise to Kelvin Perry as he and his dog Charlie took their daily stroll Thursday.
Perry and Charlie are relative newcomers to Fredericton.
But in the 18 months they've lived here, walks on the city's 85-kilometre trail system have become a daily habit.
"Sometimes we come out twice a day. Look at it, it's beautiful here - even in the pouring rain," Perry said, an umbrella in one hand, eight-year-old Charlie's leash in the other.
"You've got a great view. It's by the river. It's safe and very well kept, there's no rubbish," said the retiree, who relocated to the city from the Kawartha Lakes region in Ontario.
Fredericton was runner up in the 2008 Best Walking City in Canada contest released Thursday by the Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine. It's only to be expected that Fredericton's crown jewel would earn the green city even more accolades.
Fredericton's 85-kilometre trail system with its splendid views helped the city grab the attention of judges, as did its indoor walking tracks and dedication to efforts such as sidewalk plowing.
They were also taken by the walking culture that has blossomed in the city.
"What impressed me the most was the beauty of Fredericton," said Cindy Hartman, chairwoman of the Best Walking City committee for the federation of foot doctors.
Fredericton got top marks for air quality, attractive landscapes and the number of points of interest that could be walked to. It also did well when it came to the crime rate, she said.
In the end, one thing did the city in against Vancouver.
"The temperature," Hartman said.
News that the rainy West Coast city beat Fredericton raised some eyebrows.
"That's No. 1? You've got to be kidding me," said John Acheson, manager of the Running Room store in Kings Place, which runs walking and running clinics in the city.
There's no doubt in his mind that Fredericton - with its walkers and runners who go out despite our sometimes cold weather - is tops.
That's thanks in large part to the trail system, he said.
"The accessibility of the trails is the biggest thing. And it's always nice to have a great view when you're walking, and there's always somebody out there. You're always meeting up with friends."
He's not the only one who feels Fredericton is just as deserving.
"I really thought we'd get first," said Harold Boone, trails and projects co-ordinator for the city's parks and trees division, who prepared the city's entry.
"For a city the size of Fredericton, our attitude towards walking is second to none.
"We've got great vistas and views and physical activity has really become a part of our culture.''
Hartman said the federation - which represents foot doctors - wants Canadians to get the best use out of their feet.
"We decided to do this to celebrate and bring attention to communities that are recognizing their citizens' health and well-being," she said.
"Walking can be done anywhere and any time. It can be for enjoyment, exercise and transportation," she said, noting studies have shown people who walk have fewer incidences of cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity.
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