Wheelchair use in Canada
A 2016 study estimated that Canada has about 288,800 wheelchair and other mobility aid users. This represents about 1% of the total Canadian population. However, due to aging population, this specific demograpahic is predicted to grow in long-term. Below is the graph illustrating age distribution and type of mobility aid used (Smith et al., 2016).
Urban Green Spaces
Presence of green spaces in urban settings are associated with improved well-being encompassing both increased physical activity and better mental health (Larson, Jennings, & Cloutier, 2016) . The World Health Organization notes an accumulation of new evidence of these positive effects. They report that improved mental health, reduced cardiovascular morbidity, obesity and risk of type two diabetes are all beneficial effects of urban green space (WHO,2016) .In general, wheelchair accessibility of interior spaces and housing in particular has been a part of legal requirements for buildings in British Columbia; accessibility of green spaces and urban landscapes is not as well defined and integrated.
