2025 is officially the Year of Active Living in our city, and I extend a personal invitation to each of you to make this year about movement, health, and rediscovering what your body is capable of.
You don’t have to be training for a triathlon or spending hours lifting weights at the gym. Being active is about making a personal commitment to simply move more - taking that first step, going for a walk, riding your bike, or just getting outside and experiencing Red Deer in a new way.
Our city boasts over 110 kilometers of trails, primarily within the Waskasoo Park system, offering a natural invitation to explore the outdoors. Additionally, we have walking tracks at the Dawe, Collicutt, and Servus arenas, providing year-round opportunities to stay active, regardless of the weather. We are lucky to live in a community that prioritizes movement and accessibility, making it easier for all of us to take that first step toward an active lifestyle.
Physical activity is a powerful tool in preventing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. The benefits extend beyond physical health - regular movement also improves mental well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. By incorporating regular movement into our lives, we invest in our well-being, enhancing our quality of life and setting positive examples for those we love.
Red Deer has been recognized as Alberta's most active community for three consecutive years and ranked among the top in the country. This achievement reflects our collective commitment to health and vitality. It’s a testament to the many people in our community who have chosen to embrace movement as a way of life. But the work doesn’t stop there, we can always do more, inspire more, and encourage others to join us.
This initiative isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about creating a lifestyle shift, building habits, and finding joy in movement. Studies show that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Imagine the impact if each of us dedicated the next three weeks to intentional activity - what would that look like? Maybe it’s taking a daily walk with a friend, joining a fitness class, or simply standing up and stretching more throughout the day. Small, consistent efforts can lead to lasting change.
I know firsthand how rewarding it is to be active. There’s something about dusting off that old bike, heading out on a trail, and feeling the wind on your face. It reawakens childhood memories and reminds us of the simple joys movement can bring. Maybe it’s been years since you last laced up a pair of skates, but this could be the year you give it another try. Maybe you’ve never considered yourself “athletic,” but this could be the year you redefine what that means for you.
One of the greatest barriers to activity is the misconception that fitness has to be extreme. The truth is, being active looks different for everyone. It’s not about competition or reaching an elite level, it’s about finding something that works for you. Maybe it’s dancing in your kitchen, walking your dog a little longer, or trying yoga for the first time. Movement is movement, and every step counts.
We have an incredible resource in Red Deer’s longstanding partnership with the Primary Care Network (PCN) and the Move Your Mood initiative. These programs have been instrumental in promoting physical activity and mental wellness in our community, providing valuable support and motivation to those looking to get started.
If you’re not sure where to begin, there’s no better time than now. This weekend, we have Explore Sports Day at the Dawe Community Centre, a perfect opportunity to discover activities that resonate with you and to find new ways to get moving. This event offers a chance to try different sports, meet like-minded individuals, and connect with organizations that support active living in Red Deer. You might just stumble upon a new passion that keeps you engaged for years to come – or better yet, make a new friend to try it with!
Active living is one of the best investments we can make - not just for ourselves, but for our families and our community. We owe it to ourselves and to those we love to be our best selves. When we prioritize our health, we show up stronger for the people around us. We create a ripple effect, inspiring our children, friends, and neighbors to do the same.
As a famous athletic brand says, "Just Do It." I echo this sentiment and encourage you to take that step toward an active lifestyle. You never know what doors it might open, what connections you might make, or what positive changes you might experience.
So, Red Deer, let’s commit to making 2025 our most active year yet. Let’s embrace movement in all its forms, support one another, and celebrate the journey. Whether you’re taking your first step or your thousandth, you are part of something bigger, a community that values health, wellness, and connection.
Let’s get moving together.
Ken Johnston is the mayor of Red Deer.
