Grant: Project Grant

Intervening in the built environment of cities by building new housing, retail, public and green spaces may improve health and reduce social inequalities in health at the population level. Such interventions may, however, also have negative impacts on social isolation, stress, and well-being among residents and regular visitors of the intervened area. The city of Sherbrooke (QC) is undertaking major built environment improvements in its downtown area. The goal of our research is to examine how changes to the Sherbrooke downtown area impact young people's feeling of isolation, stress and well-being. We will also assess if impacts vary by socio-demographic groups (i.e., by gender, education level and ethnicity). Young adults aged 16 to 30 years-old will complete a survey before the changes are made and twice after that. We will compare their answers before and after to examine impacts. We will also conduct go-along interviews where participants will walk through the downtown area and talk about how it influences their day-to-day lives and their well-being. Our team includes geography, public health and social science experts. Our research is done with community, public health and municipal partners. The project will provide timely and high-quality information on how improving neighbourhoods in mid-size Canadian cities influences the health of young people of diverse social groups. With this information, key players will be able to act to make sure future built environment interventions benefit all young people equally, especially as we plan the post-COVID-19 recovery.