If you live in Hamilton you can now get a prescription for access to nature, here’s how
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Warning: This story contains mention of suicidal ideation.
Patients in Hamilton can now be advised to have access to nature.
The PaRx program, an initiative that allows healthcare providers to prescribe Nature Passes to patients, is now available for Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) sites.
This prescription will allow patients to access a 30-day membership pass in conservation areas.
For Paul Stacho, who lives in Stoney Creek, access to conservation areas has been life-changing. He said if people are able to overcome the financial barrier to spending time outdoors, they will realize how much help it can help.
“In my case, (nature) saved my life,” he told CBC Hamilton.
Stacho began visiting HCA sites in the mid-90s when a serious workplace accident changed his life, leaving him with chronic pain, insomnia, depression, respiratory problems and suicidal thoughts.
Stacho had no natural prescription then, but his doctors still advised him to do activities he enjoyed while living in his home country, now called Slovakia, which included hiking in the mountains.
“Slowly and surely I started to recover,” he said. “I’m 71 years old and I’m still hoping to live.”
Removing barriers to ease access
Any registered healthcare provider in Hamilton can register with PaRx to dispense prescriptions.
Once the patient has been given a prescription, they must fill out an online form on the HCA website. A $10 administrative fee will still apply, according to HCA website.
Passes range from an annual parking pass of about $130 to other rates.
The BC Parks Foundation launched the PaRx initiative in 2020, which aims to connect people with nature while bringing awareness to conservation.
Dr. Meghan Davis, who lives in Hamilton, said the city is surrounded by “incredible natural places.”
“But not every patient feels able or even allowed to prioritize time there,” he said in a statement.
“Removing the cost barrier with these passes makes it more likely that patients will actually go, and keep going.”
The program has many partners across the country, including Conservation Halton, Parks Canada, the Canadian Medical Association and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
It was launched in Halton in late 2024. Dr. Stephen Chin, then-interim vice president, said that walking outside for 20 minutes “can make a big difference in our health.”
“But beyond just being outside, spending time in nature can also improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and even increase life expectancy,” Chin previously said.
The Hamilton Public Library also offers day passes to the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and Grand River Park.
‘My battery is charged’
When Stacho began visiting HCA sites about 30 years ago, he started with short trips to the Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area.
He said that going hiking rekindled his love for photography. He said that the process helped him overcome depression and suicidal thoughts.
“I started thinking positive and nature was basically my sanctuary,” he said.
Stacho still goes at least twice a week, either alone or with his wife. He takes a thermos with coffee and a snack or a piece of cake and spends several hours at the sites. His current favorite is Westfield Heritage Village.
“It’s good for my lungs.” He said. “I had respiratory problems and if I go (conservation areas) my battery gets charged.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some places to get help:
