By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Conservation Halton is making it easier for residents to improve their physical and mental health through nature. In a groundbreaking collaboration kick-started in December 2024 with Canada’s national nature prescription program, PaRx, individuals with a nature prescription can now access Conservation Halton Parks for ten free visits per prescription. As spring approaches, this initiative aims to enhance community well-being by encouraging people to spend more time outdoors engaging in activities such as walking, wildlife observation, and nature photography.
“This partnership with PaRx provides greater access to nature and creates pathways to better health and a deeper connection with our environment,” said Chandra Sharma, president and CEO of Conservation Halton. “This initiative exemplifies our dual commitment to ecological preservation and community well-being.”
PaRx, an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, allows healthcare providers to prescribe nature as part of a holistic approach to healthcare. The program is supported by extensive research highlighting the numerous health benefits of spending time in nature. Halton Healthcare is playing a leading role in this initiative, becoming the first hospital system in Ontario to partner with PaRx. Through its Connected Care Halton Ontario Health Team (CCHOHT), primary care physicians in the region are being encouraged to participate and prescribe nature as a therapeutic tool.
“Spending more time in nature has health benefits like improving mental health, lowering blood pressure, and even extending life expectancy,” said Dr. Stephen Chin, interim vice president of medical affairs at Halton Healthcare. “The partnership between PaRx and Conservation Halton allows health professionals to prescribe an effective remedy to our patients. Nature prescriptions offer an accessible and sustainable way to improve the health of our community and are a wonderful complement to the care we provide.”
Chin emphasized the broader impact of the initiative on preventative healthcare. “By integrating nature into our treatment plans, we are empowering patients to take control of their well-being in a way that is both proactive and enjoyable,” he noted. “This program is an innovative step toward reshaping how we approach healthcare, moving beyond traditional medicine to embrace lifestyle-based interventions.”
Craig Machan, director of parks and operations at Conservation Halton, shared further insights on the program, emphasizing its accessibility and impact.
“All eight Conservation Halton parks are open to participants of the PaRx program,” said Machan. “While special events require separate tickets, our parks are available year-round, including on almost all statutory holidays.”
To enhance the therapeutic experience for visitors, Conservation Halton offers guided activities and wellness programs. “Our Wellness Series, running from June to August, includes activities such as yoga, open-water swimming, and guided trail running, available through a drop-in, pay-as-you-go model,” Machan explained.
Ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges is also a priority. “Mobility scooters and motorized wheelchairs, classified as mobility aids, are permitted on our trails,” Machan noted. “We have various trail levels to accommodate different mobility needs, and guests with specific concerns can reach out to our Visitor Services team for assistance.”
For individuals who do not have a formal nature prescription, there are still opportunities to incorporate nature into their wellness routines. “Visitors can access our parks with a small per-person fee, or they can take advantage of our Park Pass-it-on program in partnership with local libraries, where they can borrow a Conservation Halton membership for free,” Machan said.
Local healthcare providers and community organizations can support this initiative by registering as prescribers through the PaRx website. This will help build awareness about the health benefits of spending time in nature and encourage more people to experience the benefits firsthand.
Chin reiterated the importance of this initiative in addressing modern health challenges. “We live in an age where stress and sedentary lifestyles contribute significantly to chronic health conditions,” he said. “Encouraging people to get outdoors and immerse themselves in nature is a simple yet highly effective strategy for improving both mental and physical health.”
Milton MP Adam van Koeverden expressed strong support for the initiative. “This collaboration is a game-changer for our community,” said van Koeverden. “It encourages outdoor activity, fosters a connection with nature, promotes physical health, and nurtures mental resilience and environmental stewardship.”
As Conservation Halton continues its mission of connecting people with nature, this partnership marks a significant step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for the Halton community. Residents are encouraged to speak to their healthcare providers about obtaining a nature prescription for free access to Conservation Halton Parks.
