Supporting healthy community decision-making in municipalities: A synthesis of evidence-informed resources from across Canada

Abstract

Healthy communities encompass diverse intersecting factors that critically influence people's health. This analytic document review of Canadian toolkits sought to understand what evidence-informed resources and recommendations are currently available to support the creation and development of healthy communities. Nineteen documents published between 2006 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Attention was paid to key factors identified within the documents in addition to the key audiences, guidelines, and recommendations. Through latent content analysis, eight key healthy community factor themes were identified: transportation, economic development, housing, neighbourhood design, food environment, natural environment, social environment, and child- and age-friendliness. Themes identified were not mutually exclusive. Results identified important synergies and co-benefits - as well as trade-offs - across themes. While not directly stated within documents, our findings underscore the importance of multi-sectoral actions that contribute to the wellbeing, sustainability, and economic resiliency in our neighbourhoods and broader communities. Collaborative efforts are both directly and indirectly promoted through the interconnectedness of the key healthy community factors identified in this review. Systems-level solutions are needed to address the complex issues that underpin health disparities that exist within and across communities. Comprehensive, evidence-informed toolkits are needed to address key societal issues within their recommendations.