Inactivity costs British Columbians $185.7 million each year in health costs (hospital, physician, drug, institutional and other costs) plus an additional $236M in indirect costs due to premature death and disability.

BC’s total economic burden from physical inactivity is $422 million annually. Poor nutrition, tobacco use and physical inactivity are the largest contributors to B.C.’s health-care costs.

A study found that regular physical activity can save up to $2,500 per person each year on healthcare costs. Swimming is the most common sport in Canada. Beyond the social and community benefits, it would only take 10% of Victoria using Crystal Pool for healthcare cost savings of $24M annually.

Providing sport and recreation facilities has the potential to reduce the enormous human and economic burden of physical inactivity. Crystal Pool can play a key role in saving our healthcare system.

Let Victoria’s Mayor and Council know their role in providing better healthcare is to provide a fitness centre and pool. Email them at mayorandcouncil@victoria.ca