A two-year research project focused on finding ways to improve Brandon’s active transportation and public space is celebrating a summer installation this year that vastly improved a vacant lot downtown.
Join us downtown and at the Riverbank!
Everyone is welcome to join members of the team on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. at the vacant lot at 901 Princess Avenue (kitty-corner from Princess Park) to explore the temporary enhancements placed there this summer, and to learn more about the group’s findings.
Later, at about 4 p.m., the group will reconvene at the picnic shelters at the Riverbank Discovery Centre (a group bike ride between downtown and the Riverbank is an option), where the team will share their findings with visitors to Paddlefest.
The Riverbank Discovery Centre was one of the top public spaces identified in all the research team’s focus groups and surveys. Meanwhile, downtown was often mentioned as an area where people wanted to see more attention. Highlighting both places allows the team to showcase strategies that could work anywhere.
Lessons from Walk the Walk in Smaller Cities: Creating Healthy Public Spaces
What makes a city healthy, and how does public space play a role? A healthy city empowers its residents to shape their surroundings, promoting well-being through shared spaces. Public space like parks, sidewalks, and paths are an important part of healthy cities. These spaces help people move and connect, whether by walking, biking, or using a wheelchair.
The Walk the Walk Project
Our project in Brandon focuses on learning how to create a healthier city through public spaces. Our team includes members from the City of Brandon, Prairie Mountain Health, and Brandon University. Over the last year and a half, we conducted several rounds of focus groups in collaboration with Seniors for Seniors, Age-Friendly Brandon, Westman Immigrant Services, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, and the Sexuality Education Resource Centre including 90 focus group participants. We conducted an online survey including 199 survey respondents and we learned from experts and other cities like Saskatoon and Copenhagen.
What We Discovered
Brandon residents value public spaces and want them to be more flexible, safe, and accessible. People want places with seating, shelter, and programming that bring the community together.
The Labyrinth
With these ideas in mind, we created a labyrinth in Brandon—a peaceful space with trees, flowers, and a walking path. It’s designed for people to pause, explore, and enjoy the area. Small changes, like adding new elements each week, show how public space can evolve. Through the summer, we added seating areas, arches, plants, and trees.
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.