Written by Molly Hogan-Thomas, B.Sc. (Hons.). Edited by Chelsea Pelletier, Ph.D & Gloria Fox, M.A.Introduction
Our last post talked about how the barriers to physical activity for rural and northern B.C. are largely related to the built environment (things like sidewalks and recreation facilities) and safety concerns for outdoor activities. People in rural and northern areas often have to travel farther to access places to be physically active. A lack of safe access or knowledge about these spaces can make it harder to use. For a deeper dive into the barriers to physical activity in rural and northern communities, click here. Things that help make physical activity easier are called facilitators. Like barriers, these are often unique to rural and northern areas.
Community
A key consideration when examining physical activity in rural and northern B.C. is that community and social health are highly valued and closely related to their physical activity. When we talk to people living in rural communities, most of them tell us that social connections boosted their ability to stay active, and that physical activities strengthened their communities.¹ These findings are consistent with other research with youth in rural and Northern B.C, where they often express their motivation for being active is making friends and spending time with them.² In previous research we also see that community matters more for health behaviours in rural areas.³ In areas where there is a lack of resources, people often seek support from their communities.³ Community support fills gaps in resources, and physical activity boosts that community support.¹
Creativity
Another factor is the growth of infrastructure and resources that support physical activity. When this isn't possible, recreation leaders can use creative problem-solving to fill the gaps.⁴ A study found that a walking program was more effective when activities took place in school hallways. This change allowed participants to engage without worrying about weather.⁴
Nature
Proximity to nature is also an important facilitator of physical activity. It is well established that most rural and northern communities in B.C. have more undeveloped land. Access to green spaces can help people live active lives and supports less common activities like canoeing, snowshoeing, and hunting.¹
Conclusion
Rural and northern communities are diverse and unique. However, when it comes to physical activity facilitators, some areas show overlap. Community and social support help people stay active. In turn, being active strengthens community ties. More resources and better infrastructure are crucial. Smart problem-solving can help address the lack of places to be active. Also, supporting active living in all settings gives people easier access to physical activity and allows for more unique, culturally relevant opportunities for movement. Finally, while research evidence can provide some knowledge common across rural, remote, and northern communities, it is important to remember every community is different, and thus every community will have its own unique needs. The best way to figure out these needs is to ask the community members as they are the experts.¹,²
References
1. Pelletier, CA, Ward, K, Pousette, A, Fox, G. Meaning and experiences of physical activity in rural and northern communities. Qual. Res. Sport Exerc. Health. 2020;13(4): 690-703. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2020.1761434
2. Walia S & Leipert B. Perceived facilitators and barriers to physical activity for rural youth: an exploratory study using photovoice. Rural Remote Health. 2012;12:1842.
3. Iverson T, Schulze M, Gill K, Switkowski Y, dos Santos IK, Ashe MC. Older adults and social support in rural Canada: A rapid mixed methods systematic review to inform social prescribing. Arch. Gerontol. Geriatr. 2025;139:106022. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2025.106022
4. Pelletier CA, Pousette A, Ward K, et al. Implementation of Physical Activity Interventions in Rural, Remote, and Northern Communities: A Scoping Review. Inquiry. 2020;57:46958020935662. doi:10.1177/0046958020935662
