A pioneering research project launched in Calgary Thursday, aims to help raise healthier generations through new recreational programs and services.

A recent Canadian Health Measures survey reveals only 7 per cent of Canadian kids between 5 and 17 years of age get the recommended minimum of one hour of exercise each day.

The Raise the Bar campaign is a collaboration between Mount Royal University, the Flames Foundation for Life and Cardel Place which aims to increase kids physical activity levels.

“Getting more people, especially kids, more physically active is an urgent national challenge that demands local solutions,” said Cardel Place General Manager Sue Scott. “This research project will raise the bar for healthier generations and prove that Canada’s recreation centres can, and must, play a catalytic role in reducing health care costs.”

Its hoped research done at Cardel Place can be shared with other communities nation wide.