Opportunity to receive $50 – Researchers at the University of Calgary want to hear your perspective

The planning and development of liveable, vibrant neighbourhoods has gained in popularity over the past few decades to increase physical activity, prevent chronic diseases, and promote health and well-being among community residents.

However, there are mixed opinions among homebuyers and sellers, real estate professionals, and community developers about what features contribute to a livable, vibrant and healthy neighbourhood.

Researchers at the University of Calgary are recruiting participants for a study exploring perceptions of neighbourhood "walkability," "bike-ability," "vibrancy," "livability" and "health" in Alberta among new homebuyers, real estate professionals and land developers.

The findings from this study will be used to identify similarities and differences in the language used by these groups to describe communities.

The researchers hope to develop universal terminology that can be used by professional, trade and academic groups, as well as the general public, when describing neighbourhoods.

Participation in the study will involve a 45-minute telephone interview scheduled at the participant's convenience. As a token of appreciation for completing the interview, participants will receive a $50 prepaid VISA gift card.

Eligible participants include those who have moved into a newly purchased home in Calgary, Edmonton, or Lethbridge within the past two months.

The study is led by associate professor Gavin McCormack from the Cumming School of Medicine and is funded by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and the Canadian Institute of Health Research.

This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB19-1069).

If you are interested in participating in the study, please contact research co-ordinator Dalia Ghoneim via email (dghoneim@ucalgary.ca) or phone (403-220-2976) to schedule an interview. You can also view the Study Information and Consent Form for more information.