April 23, 2018 - The City's Mobility Coordinator, Adam Krupper, has been awarded a Walking College Fellowship as part of the 2018 Walkable Communities training program. The program, offered through America Walks, a US-based advocacy organization working to empower communities to create safe, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk, is a five-month training program designed to strengthen local efforts to make communities more walkable and livable.   

"We are delighted to welcome Adam Krupper as a member of the Walking College," said Emilie Bahr, Walking College Manager with America Walks. "It was a very competitive application process and he will be a great addition to the 2018 class. We look forward to developing his skills and are excited to see his work grow."

Adam Krupper recognizes that there is a great deal of interest in making Thunder Bay a great place for residents to walk. "I hope that by completing this program, I'll be better able to identify ways to create a more walkable community and to support the City and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to mobilize more concrete improvements," said Adam Krupper. "The Health Unit has shown a lot of leadership by promoting walking and creating a local Walkability Committee within the City's Earthcare framework."

The Fellowship covers the registration and travel costs for Krupper to complete a six-module, distance-education training program this summer, followed by an independent study project in Thunder Bay, and then attend the Walk/Bike/Places conference in September.  

The Walking College curriculum includes the science behind the benefits of walking, evaluation of built environments, as well as communication skills and building relationships with stakeholders and decision makers. Fellows work with other members of their class and a set of experienced mentors to develop the knowledge and skills needed to create community change. At the conclusion of the Walking College, Fellows will develop a Walking Action Plan for implementation using their new skills. 

About America Walks:  America Walks, a non-profit US-based organization, is leading the way in empowering communities to create safe, accessible, and enjoyable walking conditions for all. They provide a voice for walking and walkable communities with federal agencies, provide strategy support, training and technical assistance to statewide, regional, and local organizations. Learn more: americawalks.org 

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Contact:    Adam Krupper, Mobility Coordinator, 625-2163