Planning Active Communities across Ontario (PACAO) is a committee working together to develop a joint land-use planning and public health framework to design, support and promote active communities.

This committee engages provincial policy makers, land-use planners and public health professionals to work collaboratively to develop tools and resources to support the design and promotion of active communities.

 Active communities are defined as built environments (e.g. sidewalks, recreation centres, and playgrounds) and natural environments (e.g. open spaces, ravines) that provide opportunities for residents to engage in daily physical activity in a safe, aesthetically pleasing environment.

Featured in Plan Canada Fall 2011 the Glossary of Terms for Planners and Public Health Professionals