Ophea Expands Growing Healthy Places to Thunder Bay, Bringing an Equity-Centred Model for Healthier School Communities

THUNDER BAY, ON, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ -- Building on the success of Growing Healthy Places: Mississauga, Ophea, in partnership with Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. (Novo), is expanding this innovative school community-led initiative to Thunder Bay, marking an important milestone in helping to enable healthier, more equitable school communities for children and youth across Ontario.

Growing Healthy Places: Thunder Bay partners at the MOU signing event

Developed through a collaboration between Ophea and 8 80 Cities, with support from Novo, Growing Healthy Places is part of the global Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative from Cities for Better Health and is grounded in a simple but powerful principle: lasting change happens when communities help design the solutions. Rather than creating programs for communities, the initiative works with local partners to co-create sustainable approaches that improve access to nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity, and supportive environments where every child can thrive.

This expansion to Thunder Bay builds on the experience and learning of Growing Healthy Places: Mississauga, where schools, public health, municipal leaders, and community organizations came together to develop practical, place-based solutions tailored to local needs.

In partnership with Ophea, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board (TBCDSB), Lakehead University's School of Kinesiology, and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU), Growing Healthy Places aims to enhance evidence-based physical literacy approaches, improving access to active living, and overall quality of life for students. This multi-year initiative will launch across six schools: Our Lady of Charity, St. Margaret, St. Jude, St. Vincent, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Ann, addressing key health priorities by connecting community needs with meaningful opportunities that foster physical literacy.

Through this partnership, Ophea, TBCDSB, and TBDHU will lead the co-design and implementation of tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of local students. Researchers from Lakehead University's School of Kinesiology will lead the evaluation. The project team will work closely with community organizations to build trust and foster long-term collaboration.

The skills and knowledge gained through Growing Healthy Places will empower students with the physical and health literacy needed to lead active, healthy lives. In developing transferable movement skills and healthy habits, students will strengthen their overall well-being and support their physical, mental, and emotional growth.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, representatives from the TBCDSB, TBDHU, and Lakehead University, gathered at St. Vincent School to celebrate their partnership through Growing Healthy Places. The event highlighted the initiative's commitment to physical literacy approaches, showcased upcoming programming, and underscored the positive impact of creating healthier school environments. A photo from the event is included in this press release.

The Thunder Bay expansion further advances Ophea's commitment to bringing the education and school-based approach of Growing Healthy Places to more communities across Ontario, empowering local partners to create healthier futures for children through collaboration, equity, and community leadership. Funding for the expansion was provided by Novo as part of the partnership.

Interested in learning more about the origin of Growing Healthy Places? As part of the global Cities for Better Health initiative, Mississauga is spotlighted in episode two of their documentary series "Our City, Our Health" showcasing inspiring community-led solutions that already exist.

Partner Statements

• "Ophea is proud to partner with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to bring Growing Healthy Places to Thunder Bay. We know that meaningful, lasting change happens when solutions are shaped with and for the communities they serve, which is why this initiative puts local students, schools and community partners at the centre of the work. By strengthening opportunities for physical activity, we're helping equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make healthy choices and build active, healthy lives. We look forward to learning alongside our partners and supporting solutions that can have a lasting impact across Thunder Bay and beyond." – Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer, Ophea
   
• "This partnership is a wonderful opportunity to prioritize our students' health and well-being, enhancing their readiness to learn and equipping them with lifelong physical literacy skills. By collaborating with our community partners, we are excited to refresh our health and physical education focus to promote active, healthy living both in school and across our communities." – Frank Lacaria, Superintendent of Education, Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board

• "The Thunder Bay District Health Unit looks forward to building on our existing partnerships to expand the important work of the Growing Healthy Places initiative. By working with students, educators and caregivers, we can co-design practical and inclusive solutions that address barriers and make it easier for every student--regardless of their abilities, background or circumstances--to be active, spend time outdoors and reduce sedentary screen time. Some of my fondest memories as a child are the hours on end playing outside with my neighborhood friends. Those opportunities helped me build positive social connections, strengthened my sense of belonging, and improved my overall health and well-being. It is our desire through programs like this, to give the same wonderful opportunities to the next generation. As a community, through program initiatives such as Growing Healthy Places, we want to support every child and youth to reach their full potential." – Greg Holzman, MD, MPH, Medical Officer of Health (acting)/CEO, Thunder Bay District Health Unit
   
• "It's exciting to evaluate a project where partners share a unified vision: using an equity lens to help kids move more in a fun way! We know that being active can positively affect so much of a child's day – from their energy and attention, to their confidence and overall well-being. What makes this initiative especially inspiring is that students, educators, families, and community partners will all have a role to play! Their voices will help us understand what is working, and how we can make movement a natural and enjoyable part of the school environment. Increasing capacity to deliver quality physical education, providing more opportunities for outdoor play, and reducing screen time are just some of the key areas our team will aim to address." – Dr. Erin Pearson, Principal Investigator/Lead Evaluator, School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University 
   
• "Every child should have the opportunity to build healthy habits in an environment designed to help them succeed. The expansion of Growing Healthy Places to Thunder Bay brings together local expertise and student voices to create practical approaches that reflect the community's needs. Novo is pleased to support this next chapter and the shared ambition to create lasting health and well-being for children and youth across Ontario." – Iain Graham, General Manager, Novo

About Ophea
Ophea is a registered charity that champions healthy, active living in schools and communities through quality programs and services, partnerships and advocacy. Since 1921, we have worked in partnership with school boards, public health, government, non-government organizations and companies to develop ground-breaking programs and services. Our vision is that children and youth value and enjoy the benefits of healthy, active living. For more information, visit Ophea.net and follow us on social media @OpheaCanada.

About 8 80 Cities
8 80 Cities is a non-profit organization based in Toronto. Our mission is to ignite action and challenge the status quo to create healthier, more equitable, and sustainable cities for all people. We bring people together to enhance mobility, parks, and public space so that we can create more vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities. We are guided by the simple yet powerful idea that if everything we do in our cities is great for an 8-year-old and an 80-year-old, then it will be better for all people. For more information, visit 880cities.org.

About Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board
The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board (TBCDSB) is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and faith-filled learning environment where students are supported in achieving their full potential. Serving students and families across Thunder Bay, the Board offers quality Catholic education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community. Through innovative programming, meaningful partnerships, and a commitment to student achievement and well-being, TBCDSB strives to inspire lifelong learners who are empowered to make a positive difference in the world. For more information, visit tbcschools.ca.

About Thunder Bay District Health Unit
Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) is a public health unit serving urban, rural, and remote communities across Northwestern Ontario, supporting 9 school boards/education authorities, 15 municipalities, and 26 First Nations. We work with our partners to promote, protect, and achieve healthier communities and reduce health inequities through high-quality public health programs and services. The organization has longstanding partnerships with schools, community groups, and youth-serving agencies. We are committed to promoting the health and well-being of children and youth through evidence-based programs and initiatives. For more information, visit tbdhu.com.

About Lakehead University
Lakehead University is where ambition meets opportunity and where a degree leads to real-world impact. Known for small class sizes, hands-on learning, and unparalleled undergraduate research opportunities, Lakehead has earned national and international recognition for our student-focused approach–including being named Ontario's #1 primarily undergraduate university by Maclean's magazine in 2025, and ranked by 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings as the top university in North America (under 10,000 students) for our commitment to sustainability and social justice.

With campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia –and a new STEM Hub in Barrie– Lakehead offers a vibrant, close-knit, nature-rich environment for learning where students enjoy a uniquely balanced and enriching university experience. With more than 65 career-focused programs, Lakehead is a training ground for future leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers--graduates who think critically and drive meaningful impact in their communities and around the world. For more information, visit lakeheadu.ca.

SOURCE Ontario Physical and Health Education Association

Media Contacts: Ophea, Katie Glover, Director of Knowledge Mobilization, P: [phone] | E: [email protected]; Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, Alexandra Franków, Communications Officer, P: [phone] | E: [email protected]; Thunder Bay District Public Health, Hugh Mullally, Communications Coordinator; Thunder Bay District Health Unit, P: 807-625-7994 | E: [email protected]; Lakehead University, Lawrence Badanai, Communications and Media Relations Advisor, P: 807 620 3395 or 807 343 8944 | E: [email protected] or [email protected]