Perceptions of Neighbourhood Walkability

Summary

The planning and development of liveable, vibrant, neighbourhoods has gained more interest over the past few decades as a way to increase physical activity, prevent chronic diseases, and promote health and wellbeing. There is however, mixed views and perspectives between homebuyers and sellers, real estate professionals, and community developers about what features contribute to a livable, vibrant, and healthy neighbourhood.

Researchers at the University of Calgary are recruiting participants for a study exploring perceptions of neighbourhood “walkability”, “bike-ability”, “vibrancy”, “livability”, and “health” in Alberta among new homebuyers, Real Estate Professionals, and land developers. The findings from this study will be used to identify commonalities and differences in the terminology and language used by these groups to describe neighbourhoods and communities. We hope to develop universal terminology that can be used by professional, trade and academic groups and the general public when describing neighbourhoods and communities.