A place and space for change: Exploring residents' perceptions of their natural environment and health in Malton (Mississauga), Ontario

Linkages between the environment and health are a growing area of research, particularly at the local and neighbourhood levels. Perceptions of the environment have also been shown to influence health. While geographic scale is salient for the study of the environment and health, few studies have examined perceptions of the environment and health across scales. This research responds to this gap, presenting a study of perceptions of the environment and health across scales, with a focus on the local scale. Surveys and focus group sessions were conducted with participants from community groups in Malton (City of Mississauga), Ontario, in order to explore participants' perceptions of the Mimico Creek environment and health. Participants identified links between perceptions of the environment and health at various scales. Participants indicated that perceptions of the environmental health of the Mimico Creek influences health in Malton at both individual and neighbourhood levels.