Project 460706

Major government investments in urban design and transportation infrastructure are shaping Canada's cities. These investments happen outside of the health sector, yet they have an impact on both health and health equity. Cities are increasingly prioritizing equity through the development of equity frameworks. Practical guidance on how to meaningfully integrate equity in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of transportation interventions is lacking. Further, there are few opportunities for those on the front lines of transportation planning in Canada to connect over best practices for advancing equity, and to learn from leading researchers and advocates in this space. This proposal aims to establish the INTERACT Knowledge Hub, a pan-Canadian collaboration of partners involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating transportation interventions that promote healthy and equitable cities. It aims to strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange between urban researchers, professionals, advocates looking to unlock the equity-promoting potential of sustainable transportation interventions across Canada. The Knowledge Hub will: 1.Document equity frameworks in Canadian cities; 2.Capture lessons learned and best practices on using equity frameworks for sustainable transportation; 3.Establish a common research and action agenda for integrating equity in the planning and implementation of sustainable transportation interventions in Canada. Key activities proposed in the grant include an environmental scan to document equity frameworks in cities; interviews with planning staff from jurisdictions identified as leading in the transportation equity space; and case studies summarizing lessons learned, best practices, and growing pains. The project will close with a summit gathering Knowledge Hub members and leading experts to strengthen partnerships, discuss case studies, and establish a common agenda for integrating of equity in transportation planning.