Town of Oxford
Municipal Wellness Program
Employee physical health is crucial for a thriving and productive workforce. The wellbeing of municipal employees and elected officials is linked to their physical health. It encompasses more than just the absence of illness; it embodies the energy, resilience, and strength that employees bring to their roles each day.
In this section, you will find various resources and tools that promote physical health in 5 dimensions: smoking cessation, active living, healthier eating, sleep, and alcohol and other drug use. A healthy workforce not only enjoys reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs but also exhibits higher engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction, contributing to a more resilient and successful organization.
Smoking Cessation
Embarking on the journey towards a smoke-free life is a transformative and empowering decision. In today's workplaces, supporting employees in their quest to quit smoking is not just a gesture of goodwill; it's a fundamental investment in their health and well-being. This section provides a number of evidence-informed smoking cessation resources available to municipal employees and elected officials across Nova Scotia. From counselling services to nicotine replacement therapies and tailored cessation programs, these resources aim to provide the necessary support and guidance to individuals seeking to break free from the grip of tobacco addiction. By prioritizing smoking cessation initiatives, organizations demonstrate their commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles among employees, leading to a more vibrant, productive, and resilient workforce.
Here is everything you need for personalized and non-judgmental support to help you quit and stay quit. All services are free and confidential and include a quit line, text-based and online chat with counsellors.
- How To Quit Smoking: 7 Ways to Kick the Habit (clevelandclinic.org)
- Quit smoking Quit-smoking basics - Mayo Clinic
- Smoke Free Curious
- Smoking Cessation
- Your Journey to a Tobacco-free Life Starts Here
APPs
Quit-smoking apps for iPhone and Android devices that can help you track your progress on your mobile device. Examples include:
- Craving to Quit
- LIVESTRONG MY Quit Coach
- Qwit
- Quit Pro
Please be sure to check your NSFM Health and Benefits program to see if you are eligible for smoking cessation aids.
Your TELUS EAP Program provides a FREE self-paced, personalized and interactive Smoking Cessation Program. You can find this program under Work Life Services - Health and Well-Being on your app or online. Call 1-844-880-9142 or check it out online - TELUS Health One - NSFM or on your app.
pdf Check out this comprehensive list of tobacco-free resources across Nova Scotia(174 KB)
Active Living
Active living plays a pivotal role in enhancing both physical and mental well-being. It promotes a healthier lifestyle by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving cardiovascular health, boosting mood and mental clarity, enhancing overall energy levels, and fostering better sleep patterns. Additionally, it encourages stronger social connections and productivity, contributing to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Here are evidence-informed resources and tools to inspire and support your active living journey.
- 24-Hour Movement Guidelines – Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (csepguidelines.ca)
- Beginning Exercise: Best Way To Start Working Out (clevelandclinic.org)
- Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity - Mayo Clinic
- ParticipACTION
- Physical Activity - Canada.ca
APPs
Active Living apps for iPhone and Android devices can help you track your progress through your mobile device. Examples include:
- 8ft
- FitOn
- Jefit
- The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout
- Strava
Your TELUS EAP Program provides a FREE self-paced, personalized and interactive program called LIFT. It provides a full suite of FREE fitness offerings that make working out exciting, easy, and efficient. It’s like working out at your preferred gym or studio without ever leaving your home or office. It offers custom programs created by certified experts to help you reach your goals, and live chat with experienced fitness professionals to help you every step of the way. Get started today with TELUSHealth - LIFT
Healthier Eating
Nutritional health is the foundation of overall well-being, and influences employees' vitality and performance. The food choices individuals make daily profoundly affect not only their physical health but also their mental acuity and productivity. This section offers evidence-informed educational resources and wellness programs that empower individuals to make healthier, more informed dietary choices. By fostering a culture that values and supports nutritional health, organizations lay the groundwork for a workforce that thrives, excels, and enjoys improved overall wellness.
Here are evidence-informed resources and tools for healthier eating.
- Canada's Food Guide
- Dietitians of Canada
- How Many Calories Should You Eat In A Day? (clevelandclinic.org)
- Nutrition and healthy eating: Nutrition basics - Mayo Clinic
- Unlock Food
APPs
Active Living apps for iPhone and Android devices can help you track your progress through your mobile device. Examples include:
- Fooducate
- Lifesum
- Mealime Meal Plans & Recipes
- My FitnessPal
- Nutrition Coach
Please check your NSFM Health and Benefits program to see whether you have extended health benefits that cover Weight Loss Treatment and Dietitian Services.
Your TELUS EAP Program provides a FREE self-paced, personalized and interactive Eating for Health Online Program. You can find this program under Work Life Services - Health and Well-Being on your app or online. Call 1-844-880-9142 or check it out online - TELUS Health One - NSFM or on your app.
Sleep
In this post-pandemic world of economic, social, and climate issues, the importance of promoting healthy sleep patterns among municipal employees and elected officials cannot be overstated. Sleep is key to physical and mental health and affects productivity, focus, and overall well-being. In this section, you will learn the critical role that prioritizing healthy sleep habits plays within the workplace. You'll explore evidence-informed strategies, policies, and educational initiatives aimed at fostering better sleep hygiene. The benefits are clear—enhanced cognitive function, improved mood, reduced absenteeism, and heightened creativity. By embracing and advocating for healthy sleep practices, organizations not only nurture a culture of well-being but also lay the groundwork for a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient employee population.
Here is everything you need for evidence-informed resources and tools for a better night's sleep:
- Canadian Sleep Society(css-scs.ca)
- Sleep tips: 6 steps to better sleep - Mayo Clinic
- Sleepwell (mysleepwell.ca)
- Sleep: What It Is, Why It’s Important, Stages, REM & NREM (clevelandclinic.org)
APPs
Sleep apps for iPhone and Android devices that can help you track your progress through your mobile device. Examples include:
- Calm
- Headspace
- Sleep Reset
Alcohol & Other Drug Use
Substance misuse issues can affect anyone. This section offers evidence-informed resources, support and guidance for municipal employees and elected officials who may be concerned about their own or a loved one's misuse of alcohol and/or drugs. These resources not only promote employee health and wellbeing but also help maintain a safer work environment, reduce absenteeism, enhance productivity, and foster a culture of care and support within municipalities. Embracing and implementing alcohol and other drug use workplace programs marks a proactive step towards ensuring the holistic health and success of both employees and the organization as a whole.
Here is everything you need for evidence-informed resources and tools to help you manage substance use issues.
- Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (ccsa.ca)
- Get help with substance use - Canada.ca
- Nov Scotia Health Stop Smoking Program
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health | CAMH
Please check your NSFM Health and Benefits program to see if you are eligible for a psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker through the Extended Health Benefits Program.
Your TELUS EAP Program provides FREE access to short-term counselling, which can support you in finding long-term specialized care or support you if you are living with or are concerned about a loved one's use of alcohol and/or other drugs. You can find this service under Get Support on your app or online. Call 1-844-880-9142 or check it out online - TELUS Health One - NSFM or on your app.
You're eligible for great savings on any of our Membership options! Want to try us first? Book your free 3-visit pass.
Did you know you have access to a GoodLife Fitness Corporate Membership? Both new and existing GoodLife members can take advantage of this great offer. An added benefit of the Corporate Membership Program is the ability to add a family member to your Corporate Membership. Eligible family members include your spouse, extended family at or over the age of majority, child(ren) or any minor under your guardianship, as long as they are 12 years of age or older.
What is the Corporate Membership rate?
GoodLife is pleased to offer employees more membership options this year. Employees will continue to enjoy $0 enrollment and access to professionally trained staff, all while taking advantage of a 30% corporate discount off of club pricing.
Learn more and start saving today!
Registration Process
- Contact wellness@amans.ca to obtain your unique login information to register online for your GoodLife Fitness Corporate Membership.
- Use the unique login information to register at GoodLife
The enrolment process will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Have your payment information and your existing GoodLife Membership number or key tag barcode (if applicable) readily available. If you also wish to enroll a family member, have their information available before you begin the registration process. GoodLife will send you a copy of your membership agreement electronically after you’ve completed the online registration process.
Want to try GoodLife Fitness before joining?
As a municipal employee, you can sign up to book a tour and get a one-day trial pass.
What’s included?
- Waived enrollment fee exclusive to corporate partners (regular fee $99+tax)
- The corporate rate extended to one family member
- State-of-the-art cardio equipment
- Free weights and weight machines
- Showers available
- World-renowned Group Fitness classes (select memberships only)
- Professionally trained staff to assist you in achieving your goals
- 24-hour locations (select Clubs only)
Visit GoodLife Fitness for a complete list of club locations and amenities.
Find a class that works for you!
From quick 5-minute activity breaks to full 45-minute workouts, GoodLife’s Workplace Wellness program offers a wide range of fitness classes—from stretching and mindfulness to cardio, strength and core. Explore the full class list to find options that fit your goals, schedule and fitness level.
Explore GoodLife’s Workplace Wellness Fitness Classes →
Find Wellness Support That Works for You
Looking for ways to move more, manage stress, eat well or simply feel your best? GoodLife’s Workplace Wellness services include fitness classes, wellness seminars, nutrition consultations, healthy cooking demonstrations, massage and more. Explore the options available to help you make wellness part of your workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Find a list of frequently asked questions
- Have more questions? Please contact corporateprograms@goodlifefitness.com or 1-800-387-2524.
Overview and Guidelines
The 2027-2028 Grant Program application process will launch in Spring 2027 on the NSFM Funding Portal.
The Municipal Wellness Program offers an annual grant program. The purpose of the grants is to fund projects that promote workplace wellness for municipal employees and elected officials through new initiatives, including but not limited to activities, events, projects, or enhancements to existing initiatives.
- Eligibility: These grants are only available to municipal units participating in the NSFM Group Benefits program. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact the Municipal Wellness Program Coordinator.
- Deadline: Complete the application form by the prescribed deadline.
- Selection: Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee. The Project Lead for each proposal will be contacted directly and informed about the status of their application.
Important Application Information
All proposals should promote one or more of the five dimensions of health:
- financial
- mental/emotional
- physical
- social
- workplace/workload management
In addition, applications should:
- Includes a well-defined rationale, objectives, and clearly explained methodology with expected outcomes
- Outline an evaluation process to determine how well the objectives have been met.
- Contain an appropriate and justified budget, with an explanation of associated costs.
- Demonstrate benefit to a significant number of employees and elected officials, either directly or indirectly.
- Explain how the project benefits will continue beyond the grant period of one year, as applicable.
- Include an endorsement from the unit’s CAO on the proposal.
Guidelines for Approval
- Proposals are invited for projects within the following dollar amount guidelines:
- Benefits to municipal employees – up to $3,000
- Benefits to municipal employees and elected officials – up to $4,000
- The evaluation committee reserves the right to award an amount different from the requested amount.
- This is not an equipment fund. However, if the project merits equipment, that component may be considered for funding. Applicants must demonstrate that the equipment is unavailable at the municipal unit and is instrumental to the project.
- If a proposal is for partial funding of a larger project, a clear distinction must be made for what specifically needs funding from the Municipal Wellness Grants Program.
- Only one application per municipality can be submitted.
Project Procedures
- The successful applicants will have one calendar year from the date the funds are released to spend the total fund amount and complete project activities
- Updates on progress throughout the project timeline are required and encouraged. Periodic reports and updates will be requested
- A final report, including an expense breakdown, is required within one month following the project completion date as indicated in the proposal
- Transfers of funds to other budget accounts are not permitted
- Any unused funds must be returned
- NSFM reserves the right to communicate information about funded projects and their outcomes internally or externally, as deemed appropriate
2026–2027 Municipal Wellness Grant Recipients
Congratulations to the municipalities selected as recipients of the 2026–2027 Municipal Wellness Grants!
These grants support initiatives that promote workplace wellness for municipal employees and elected officials through activities, events, projects, and enhancements to existing wellness programs.
View the 2026–2027 Municipal Wellness Grant recipients (PDF)
LIFT is provided through TELUS Health and provides a full suite of FREE fitness offerings that make working out exciting, easy, and efficient. It’s like working out at your preferred gym or studio without ever leaving your home or office. It offers custom programs created by certified experts to help you reach your goals, and live chat with experienced fitness professionals to help you every step of the way.
Get started today with TELUSHealth - LIFT
Municipal Wellness Champions are employee volunteers who play a key role in creating healthy workplace environments by providing support and resources to help employees and elected officials thrive in their wellness journeys. We currently have a Municipal Wellness Champion Network of over 70 employee representatives who help inform, direct and support the wellness program.
The Aims of the Program
- Support employees and elected officials' health and wellbeing needs
- Provide tools and resources to support health and wellbeing initiatives within the municipalities
- Provide opportunities to build knowledge and apply learnings in the municipalities
Roles and Responsibilities
- Work directly with the Municipal Wellness Program to help engage employees and elected officials
- Promote and encourage participation in health and wellbeing initiatives
- Ensure employees and elected officials have access to available materials
