In case you haven't seen it yet, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has a new resource called "Shaping Healthy Active Communities" that provides practical advice. It looks at the role of the built environment and people's physical activity levels (including walking and cycling).

Active, healthy community design strategies – such as good public transit, well-maintained parks, and safe, efficient walking and cycling networks − make it easier to get the physical activity Canadians need to promote heart health, prevent stroke and maintain a healthy lifestyle. With Canada’s high rates of physical inactivity and obesity in adults and children, it is more important than ever to build active, healthy design supports into local environments. Residents and community organizations can play an important role in making this happen.