Board of Health awards Public Health Champion

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

 

At Algoma Public Health’s 50^th anniversary event on November 28^th, the first Public Health Champion award was given out.

The award is provided to an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to population health in the Algoma district. Their passion is rooted in helping their community live a healthier life, regardless of age, income and socio-economic background.

The 2018 Public Health Champion is awarded to André Riopel.

 

“When you hear Andre’s name in the community, it is often attached to cycling. He has passionately advocated for safe and active transportation,” said Ian Frazier, chair for the board of health. “He regularly promotes creating low or no cost opportunities for people to be active no matter where they live or work.”   

He is also well aware of chronic disease and poor health outcomes when people are not physically active. He is all about creating a community supporting opportunity for people to stay active and be safe.

André is one of the original members of the Sault Trails Advocacy Committee (STAC) that advocated for and worked with numerous partners to get the John Rowswell Hub Trail built.  He was also instrumental in the Pump Track at Esposito Park.

Other advocacy work includes working on the Sault Ste. Marie cycling master plan, signage along the Lake Huron North Channel cycle route and creating a plan for Mountain Bike Trail development, including numerous hours volunteering in the community.

Congratulations to André Riopel on winning this award.

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