Riopel honoured with new award

Andre Riopel, well-known Sault physiotherapist, environmentalist, bicyclist and trails/fitness advocate, won Algoma Public Health’s (APH) inaugural Public Health Champion award for 2018 as APH held its 50th anniversary celebrations at its 294 Willow Ave. offices Wednesday.

Moving forward, the APH award will be given each year “in  recognition of individuals and organizations who work to improve health and health equity across Algoma communities.”

Riopel is one of the original members of the Sault Trails Advocacy Committee (STAC), having worked to make the John Rowswell Hub Trail a reality, along with the pump track at Esposito Park.

“My utopia is a world without cars. I guess I’ll move to Mackinac Island,” Riopel quipped in his acceptance speech.

“I see the bicycle as a critical solution for many of our urban and social woes, as it is the most efficient way to move about in an urban environment,” Riopel said.

“We have our first of many planned bicycle lanes on Queen Street...next year we should have Northern Avenue fitted with bicycle lanes. Currently STAC is working on a comprehensive plan to build a network of cycling and walking trails with a goal to connect every school to a car- free trail system. We’re working hard on that to convince our politicians, then we’ll get that,” Riopel stated.

Thanking all his colleagues for their support, Riopel quoted Margaret Mead, an American author and speaker, by saying “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

“When you hear Andre’s name in the community it is often attached to cycling. He has passionately advocated for safe and active transportation, regularly advocating for active transportation, mobility, and healthy urban design, giving special attention to vulnerable populations, children, youth and families,” said Ian Frazier, APH board chair.