october 29, 2008 - peel region...brampton, on l6t 4b9 via fax: 905-791-7920 comments are requested...

October 29, 2008

Peel Discussion Paper

© Region Of Peel, 18 Sept 08 ROP Sustainability Discussion Paper

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COMMENT SHEET

Region of Peel Sustainability Discussion Paper

This comment sheet is to be used to provide comment s on the Sustainability Discussion Paper (October 2008 ). We invite you to provide general comments on the di scussion paper and specific comments on the different policy options that are b eing considered by the Region. Please provide your contact information below. Your information will not be given to any other party and will be used only for follow-up purposes related to this project1. Name: . Address: . Postal Code: Phone: Email: . Name of affiliated group(s), school or agency if applicable: .

Please email your comments to [email protected]:

Via mail to: Naheeda Jamal Principal Planner Planning Policy and Research Division Regional Municipality of Peel 10 Peel Centre Drive, 6 th Floor Brampton, ON L6T 4B9

Via Fax: 905-791-7920

Comments are requested by December 5 th, 2008

1 Notice With Respect To the Collection of Personal I nformation Personal Information collected as a result of this stakeholder consultation is being collected pursuant to the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13 and will be retained, used, disclosed and disposed of in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.56. All names, addresses, opinions and comments collected will be used to assist in making a decision on this planning matter. Questions regarding this collection may be directed to the Director, Planning Policy and Research Division, Environmental, Transportation and Planning Services, 10 Peel Centre Drive, 6th Floor, Brampton, Ontario, L6T 4B9.



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REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

Re-Viewing the Peel Region Official Plan through a Sustainability Lens: Discussion Paper

By EMA

David V. J. Bell, PhD Consultant

and

Claude Williams, Project Manager

October 29, 2008

“As you read this, we are on the verge of a [profound] cultural shift — the moment when human culture grows out of a prolonged adolescence and recognizes our place in the global ecosystem and our responsibility for all other life on Earth. The people on the front lines of this transition are people working at the local level to improve the quality of life. Communities everywhere are increasingly aware of the connections between their local well-being and the global state of the economy, the social fabric, governance, and the environment.”

Preface to the EarthCAT guide to Community Development

(based on the principles of the Earth Charter)



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................................5

2 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................7 2.1 History of Region Official Plan .......................................................................... 7 2.2 Overview of the PROPR Process........................................................................ 8 2.3 Major Steps of the Sustainability Focus Area................................................... 10 2.4 Overview of Key Points about the ROP and Sustainability ............................. 16

3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM BACKGROUND PAPER ON SUSTAINABILITY ..........................18 3.1 Context: The Challenge of Sustainability ......................................................... 18 3.2. Municipal Sustainability Planning.................................................................... 20 3.3 Sustainability in Official Plans ......................................................................... 21 3.4 Legislated Requirements for a Sustainable Future ........................................... 21 3.5 Sustainability Principles.................................................................................... 23

4 SUMMARY OF SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP .....................................................25

5 SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE PLANNING...........................27

6 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................35

7 GLOSSARY ...................................................................................................51

APPENDIX A: PLACES TO GROW IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE (EXCERPTS)53

APPENDIX B: PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT 2005 (EXCERPTS) ...........................56

APPENDIX C: EXCERPT FROM REGION OF PEEL MEMO ON ICSP PROPOSAL FOR PEEL (SEPT. 12, 2007)..........................................................................................58

APPENDIX D: EXCERPTS FROM REGION OF YORK’S ADVISORY GROUP ON SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................................59

APPENDIX E: LIKELY IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ONTARIO ............................62

APPENDIX F: SUMMARY OF OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES IN OTHER MUNICIPALITIES..................................... ..................................................63



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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This paper contributes to the Peel Region Official Plan Review (PROPR) by drawing on the Background Paper and the discussions that took place in the June 6, 2008 Sustainability Workshop to suggest revisions to Regional Official Plan policies that will achieve conformity with new provincial planning directions and contribute to the Region’s broader sustainability strategy. Suggestions and recommendations are made in this paper to stimulate further discussion by stakeholders. Once circulated for comment, the sustainability provisions contained in this paper will help inform the sustainability Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA). Sustainable communities use their resources to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources are available for future generations; they seek a better quality of life for their residents while maintaining nature’s ability to function over time. Sustainable communities can only be achieved through sustainability planning, which contains elements common to best practices in planning including having a vision; selecting specific, measurable objectives with appropriate indicators; and developing the means to achieve the vision. Sustainability planning needs to be undertaken as part of a framework which helps “connect the dots” across all aspects of planning, breaking down the separation that is often found between the various elements of an official plan, and between the departments which have responsibility for its implementation. In undertaking this ROP Review, the Region has chosen to address the quadruple dimensions of sustainability – economic, social, environmental, and cultural – in future policies and decisions, thereby allowing decisions to be made which maximizes economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits. The aim of the sustainability approach is, wherever possible to find “multiple wins” by integrating (not balancing) the dimensions of sustainability. Creating the capacity to make decisions that are systems based; that integrate the four dimensions of sustainability; and that are prospective, focusing not only on the short term but also the long term implications for future generations; will ultimately require reconsideration of Peel’s decision making structures and processes. As with all efforts to achieve sustainable communities, moving the Region along the path toward a more sustainable future will depend on an appropriate sustainability governance2 framework, culture of sustainability, and decision making tools. As part of its contribution to subsequent phases of the

2 The term sustainability governance is now in widespread use among sustainability practitioners, particularly at the municipal level. As indicated above, it differs from the narrow focus on accountability and transparency implied by the term “corporate governance”.



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Region’s sustainability journey, this Paper places considerable emphasis on governance as a key element in sustainability planning. The current PROPR process has been designed to ensure that sustainability pervades all elements of the ROP rather than appear as an add-on to the other concerns. It aims for a holistic, inclusive use of sustainability as a lens through which the entire process is viewed, and as a set of principles to guide the development of ROP policies. This Paper is organized by Chapter as follows. Chapter 2 provides background to the PROPR process and an introduction to the paper noting that the Region’s interest in strengthening incorporation of sustainability principles in the Plan is rooted in previous sustainability initiatives taken by the Region. Major steps undertaken during the sustainability review are described. Chapter 3 presents condensed material from the Background Paper on Sustainability that describes the context in which the concepts of sustainability were formulated world-wide (including in the United Nation’s Agenda 21) and provides a brief overview of some important global and local sustainability challenges. It gives examples of how sustainability planning is being done elsewhere and outlines federal and provincial policies related to sustainability planning. Key principles of sustainable development are also described. (Readers wanting more explanation of sustainable development should consult the Background Paper on Sustainability) Chapter 4 provides a summary of the Sustainability Workshop Chapter 5 outlines recommended policy directions for key components of the ROP Chapter 6 (the Conclusion ) proposes a number of possible changes to the ROP and comments on the urgency and importance of increased sustainability initiatives, including strong support for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The Appendices provide additional background information.



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2 INTRODUCTION

2.1 History of Region Official Plan Peel Region is undertaking a review of its Region Official Plan to fulfill a provincial requirement for review of Official Plans every 5 years (Planning Act section 26(1). The review process is entitled the Peel Regional Official Plan Review (PROPR). The ROP was adopted by Peel Council in 1996 and updated in 2002. 3 The current review features a more comprehensive commitment to sustainability, and builds on previous initiatives by the Region such as the Energy Management Plan, the Clean Air Strategy and Liveable Peel. The Liveable Peel initiative commenced in 2003 and led the following year to the development of a Service Strategy Business Plan (SSBP) which provided a Corporate framework to examine growth and change and its impacts on Regional programs and services. Input to the Liveable Peel initiative came from two major conferences attended by delegates from across Canada and the US. (conference proceedings are posted on http://www.peelregion.ca/planning/liveable-peel/conference.htm ). Through the Liveable Peel initiative, Peel Region was the first upper-tier municipality in Canada to embrace the "cultural" aspects of sustainability and one of the first to critically look at the impact of changing demographics, immigration, growth, and aging on the provision of regional programs and services. Overall, the Liveable Peel Initiative provides a strong foundation for applying sustainability to planning in the Region and is supported by the Region’s Executive Management Team and Council. The Regional Official Plan (ROP) is one of the most important elements of governance and decision making both for the Region and for its constituent area municipalities (the City of Brampton, The City of Mississauga and the Town of Caledon). The ROP “provides the Regional Council with a long term policy framework for decision-making.”4 It also provides a context for planning at the area municipality level. Because the scope of the ROP is broad, it affects nearly every aspect of the Region’s policies (including those regarding population growth, environmental preservation, economic development, and culture and heritage); and services , which comprise transportation, water, wastewater, health services (including health policy e.g. obesity and air quality), human services (including social housing and Ontario Works) as well as regional planning.

3 Since 1996 there has been one update to the ROP, the 2002 ROP Strategic Update (ROPSU), available at http://www.peelregion.ca/planning/officialplan/2002regoffplan-updt.htm . 4 Region of Peel Official Plan Office Consolidation November 2005 [hereinafter referred to as ROP] “Foreword” p.ii.



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The first chapter of the current ROP calls it “the primary long range strategic land use policy document for the Region….”5 It outlines the purposes of the plan as:

• “guiding growth and development”,

• applying to Peel relevant Provincial legislation and policies

• guiding area municipal official plans

• recognizing the urban and rural “duality” of the Region

• ensuring “environmental sustainability”

• “protecting and enriching the natural and cultural heritage”

• health and safety

• “fiscal sustainability”

The concept of sustainability pervades all components of this list and is specifically referenced in four of the purposes of the Plan. Sustainable development is also recognized (alongside the ecosystem approach and healthy communities) as one of the three themes of the ROP.6 2.2 Overview of the PROPR Process Section 1.3.6 of the ROP sets forth the “general goals of the Plan” which have a noticeable sustainability thrust:

5 Emphasis added. The list of purposes that follows suggests that the scope of the ROP is much broader than land use. 6 The Plan points out that these three “approaches” reflect the “vision in the Council approved Corporate Strategic Plan” which aspires to create “a strong Region, an economically vital community, a caring community, and a community which conserves and enhances its natural resources.”



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In undertaking a review of the ROP in order to conform to Provincial directives (such as Places to Grow) and to strengthen its sustainability components and commitments, the Region has established the following 15 focus areas (each of which is being managed by a Focus Area leader from the Region of Peel’s Environment, Transportation and Planning Services Department):

• Sustainability • Managing Growth (including urban development in Peel, and both hard

and soft infrastructure) • Air Quality • Employment Lands • Energy • Integrated Waste Management • Transportation • Agriculture • Greenbelt Conformity • Natural Heritage • Regional Housing Strategy • Water Resources • Monitoring • Consultation, Communication & Engagement • Planning Tools & Updates

1.3.6.1 To create a healthy regional community of communities for those living and working in Peel which is characterized by physical, mental, economic and social well-being; minimized crime, hunger and homelessness; a recognition and preservation of the region's natural and cultural heritage; and an emphasis on the importance of Peel's future as a caring community.

1.3.6.2 To recognize, respect, preserve and enhance the importance of

ecosystem features and functions and enhance the environmental well-being of air, water, land resources and living organisms.

1.3.6.3 To recognize the importance of a vital and diverse economy and a

sound tax base, and manage and stage growth and development in accordance with the financial goals and overall fiscal sustainability of the Region.

1.3.6.4 To support growth and development which takes place in an

effective and efficient manner, and which balances the environmental, social and economic responsibilities of the Region and the Province.



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While all matters relate to Provincial conformity, the focus areas related to energy and sustainability are not only inter-dependent but also over-arching concerns for each of the other PROPR project teams. Part of the challenge for Peel in undertaking a ROP review with 15 diverse focus areas was ensuring that sustainability became an over-arching theme pervading the entire ROP rather than serving as an add-on to the other concerns. Peel is aiming for a holistic, inclusive use of sustainability as a lens through which the entire process is viewed, and as a set of principles to guide the process. Sustainability requires that we “move upstream” in our thinking and build in sustainability concerns at the design stage of any undertaking, not try to retrofit sustainability “at the end of the pipe” after the process has been completed. Accordingly the PROPR project teams are using sustainability concepts and ideas in reviewing their respective focus areas. The aim of the sustainability approach is, wherever possible finding “multiple wins” by integrating (not balancing) the dimensions of sustainability. 2.3 Major Steps of the Sustainability Focus Area PROPR is only the first phase of work in the development of Peel’s sustainability “reorientation”. Subsequent phases will look at possible initiatives related to corporate sustainability and determine how various Corporate initiatives such as the Strategic Plan, Energy Management Plan, the Clean Air Strategy and initiatives such as Liveable Peel can be integrated into the overall sustainability thrust. By examining the challenges and opportunities it faces through the lens of sustainability, the Region will (in Phase 1) strengthen its Official Plan policies to address new provincial planning directions and the quadruple dimensions of sustainability – economic, social, environmental, and cultural – in future policies and decisions. Besides the review of the ROP, the concepts and principles expressed in this paper will ultimately lead (in subsequent phases) to additional work on corporate sustainability and climate change plan. For example, the Region will consider how its decision making and processes can move towards a more sustainable future. This paper will contribute to all phases of work but will primarily focus on revisions to the ROP. The process for addressing sustainability in the ROP review is shown in the following diagram, Figure 1.



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PeelRegion Official Plan

(ROP)

Peel ROP(Revised)

Peel RegionOfficial Plan Review

Subsequent Phases

CorporateSustainability

Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP)Sustainability Review

Background Paper on Sustainability

Discussion Paper on Changes to ROP

SustainabilityWorkshop

Phase 1

Figure 1: Sustainability Review is a vital part of PROPR

The sustainability review has three major steps. The first of these steps was preparing the Background Paper which provided information on municipal sustainability planning: what is required by the Province, what others are doing, what directions should be considered for Peel. The paper provides a brief, thorough account of how the concepts of sustainable development have come about, the legislated requirements and standard outlines of how to plan for sustainability. It is available on the Region’s website: http://www.peelregion.ca/planning/officialplan/sustainability.htm. Step two was a Sustainability Workshop that took place on June 6, 2008, in which a wide cross-section of the Region, the area municipalities, neighbouring communities, businesses and residents gathered to explore the concepts of sustainability and apply them to some sustainability planning issues facing Peel. Preparation for the workshop started with development of a sustainable development worksheet, sometimes called a sustainability lens. It is a short guide to help analyze policy. The ‘lens’ contains brief definitions of the ten key principles for sustainability described in the Background Paper and a few questions to probe into the policy content and context. It is a simple way to apply the concepts presented in the Background Paper to review policy. The full sustainable development worksheet is shown in Table A. Note that sections 8 and 10 of the worksheet and the questions in grey font were not used in the workshop however are helpful in reviewing policy from a sustainability perspective.


© Region Of Peel, 23 Sept 08

ROP Sustainability Discussion Paper

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Sustainable Development Worksheet

Table A: Sustainability Lens Utilized by Participan ts at the Sustainability Workshop

Sustainable Development (SD): Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, from the Brundtland Commission, 1987.

Concept Questions Comments 1. “Prospective” Thinking

(futures-oriented) Intergenerational responsibility

a. For the initiative/policy identified, what is the vision we are trying to achieve?

b. How does the vision show multi-generational responsibility?

c. What is the state at the end of this timeframe; is it sustainable?

d. What goals support the vision?

e. Is the short-term action different than the envisioned future?

2. Environmental imperative of conserving and improving ecosystems, fostering self-sustaining biodiversity, minimizing our ecological footprint* by reducing it over time, and living within the global biophysical carrying capacity. • promotes a diverse

ecological system • provides natural resources

for humans and other species

• continually performs life sustaining functions

a. Does the policy protect natural resources?

b. How does the policy minimize our ecological footprint?

c. Is the policy aimed at local, provincial, national or global environment?

d. How does the policy protect, improve or connect habitats?

e. Is the policy intended to preserve or increase biodiversity?

Topic

Date:

Prepared By:




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Concept Questions Comments 3. Social imperative of ensuring

healthy communities and the development of democratic systems of governance including a commitment to social cohesion and social inclusion that will ensure that basic needs are met

i. Provides for the health of all people

ii. Secures long-term affordable housing for all

iii. Has respect for and recognizes the needs of a diverse population

a. How are all portions of society included or benefited?

b. How will the quality of life be preserved or improved?

c. How does the policy foster respect for one another, inclusiveness, kindness and human dignity?

d. How does the policy include new arrivals with grace and speed?

e. How does the policy ensure a civil and peaceful society for all people?

4. Economic imperative of ensuring a vibrant economy that operates on sustainability principles and provides for local employment and sustainable livelihoods • A strong vibrant economy

that is competitive • Offers a range of jobs • Adapts to change • Provides long-term

security to the community • Recognizes social and

ecological limits

a. How does the policy promote more local jobs?

b. How does the policy sustain vibrant economies where all people can realize their full potential?

c. How does the policy encourage local business?

d. How does the policy reduce the cost of doing business locally?

e. Does the policy improve personal incomes?

f. Is the policy inflationary?

5. Cultural imperative of arts, culture and heritage, cultural assets/quality of place • Is central to tourism and

downtown revitalization strategies

• Recognizes and appreciates cultural heritage

• Stimulates economic creativity

• Creates authentic urban environments

a. How does the policy preserve or develop our collective culture?

b. What culture or cultures benefit from the policy?

c. How will the policy attract and retain talented people, and encourage creativity and entrepreneurship?

d. How will the policy create buildings and public spaces that are beautiful and accessible?

e. How does the policy build on our distinctive human, cultural, historical and natural characteristics?

f. How will the policy foster places where people take personal responsibility for the success of their community?




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Concept Questions Comments 6. Integrated Systems Thinking

“Connecting the dots” between environment, economy, society and culture

a. How does the policy integrate the imperatives?

b. Is the policy balanced or win-win?

7. Governance/Decision Making Intragenerational Equity, Inclusion, Dignity, Basic services, Human rights, Stakeholder voices, participatory processes

a. Who should be part of the planning process?

b. Was the planning process stated and inclusive?

c. Are all parts of society involved?

d. Are other stakeholders in the policy; who are they; have their views been obtained?

8. Implementability authority, collaboration, practicality, funding

a. Does the policy belong at the Regional level?

b. Are other governments required to implement the policy?

c. Are necessary collaborators named?

d. Is the policy enforceable?

9. Objectives: goals, targets, performance indicators and outcomes

a. What indicators are suitable?

b. What are the targets (at specific times)?

c. Are the targets realistic and achievable?

d. Are indicators easily measured?

e. What are the goals?

f. What are the objectives; are they achievable?

10. Amended policy ideas a. Review the analysis from the

beginning and adjust as needed.

b. How else could the policy be amended to be more effective in supporting sustainable development?

Italicized phrases are adapted from the vision for sustainable communities articulated by Prime Minister's External Advisory Committee on Cities and Communities. Other content was created by the focus area project managers.

Care for the Earth, Care for Each Other, Care for the Future (and get on with action!)




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About twenty policies or policy areas were analyzed using the ‘lens’ and presented to Focus Area leaders so that consistent review from a sustainability standpoint could be conducted on the whole ROP in the ‘design stage’. The Focus Area leaders were then trained on how to facilitate a small group discussion on an area of policy during the workshop using the ‘lens.’ The workshop process is shown in Figure 2.

Sustainability Workshop

Background Paper on Sustainability

Discussion Paper on Changes to ROP

Analyzed ROPfor Gaps in

Sustainability

CreatedSustainability Lens

Based on Paper

Trained Focus AreaLeaders on using

Sustainability Lens

Focus AreaLeaders Applied

Sustainability Lens in the Workshop

Figure 2: Sustainability Lens Provides a Practical Guide to Review Policy

Although the ‘lens’ itself is relatively simple, applying it to an area of policy with a group of stakeholders brings out the complexity of the issues that need to be resolved to achieve sustainability. Drawing on the Background Paper and the results of the workshop, this Discussion Paper (step three) describes how the Region could revise the ROP in order to address sustainability. The Discussion Paper is intended to present recommended changes to the ROP and various policies, and to elicit further discussion about approaches to the issue of sustainability.




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2.4 Overview of Key Points about the ROP and Sustai nability

1. The Ontario Planning Act implicitly mandates a sustainability approach by requiring that Official Plans contain “goals, objectives and policies established primarily to manage and direct physical change and the effects on the social, economic and natural environment”.

2. In revising the Official Plan, the intention is to promote Sustainable Development (SD) in Peel region. In order to accomplish this, each element in the ROP must be viewed through a sustainability lens.

3. This in turn requires each of the project teams working on the various “focus areas” to draw upon the well established sustainability discourse that has emerged around topics like energy, transportation, agriculture and so on. There is no need to re-invent any of these sustainability wheels; instead the ROP should connect to and reflect leading edge sustainability thinking and best practices. It should also declare a commitment to continuous learning in order to benefit from new sustainability ideas and practices.

4. Moreover SD provides an integrating framework that will promote policy coherence amongst these various focus areas.

5. Although the ROP remains a framework articulated at a fairly high level rather than a detailed programmatic set of prescriptions for action, it should nevertheless set out broad goals and establish systematic monitoring of progress. After the ROP policy is established, more detailed programs and actions, each guided by the sustainability principles outlined in the ROP, will be developed and implemented.

6. Many Canadian cities have embedded sustainability principles and values in their various “Master Plans” for transportation, housing, energy, economic development, culture, etc. The ROP should provide a framework for these other key planning documents.

7. Planning documents and guidelines achieve their impact through implementation. This requires staff at all levels who understand and support the sustainability thrust that animates the planning exercise. Accordingly the Region must establish staff training/professional development programs on sustainability principles and practices. (This constitutes “non-formal Education for Sustainable Development [ESD]” according to the UN guidelines for the Decade for ESD [UNDESD] which began in 2005 and runs until 2014.)

8. To promote public understanding of and support for Peel’s SD initiatives the Region should also support “formal” ESD (i.e. through the school systems) and “informal” ESD (particularly through the media and online). The ecological footprint could serve as both an indicator of progress




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toward making Peel more sustainable and as an education tool to improve understanding and awareness among students and (through the internet) to the wider community.




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3 HIGHLIGHTS FROM BACKGROUND PAPER ON SUSTAINABILIT Y

This chapter presents condensed material from the Background Paper on Sustainability that has been made specific to Peel Region based on the Sustainability Workshop. The background material is included here to maintain the rationale for applying the principles of sustainable development so that this Paper can stand alone. Those readers wanting more explanation of sustainable development should consult the Background Paper on Sustainability. Note that the Background Paper gives a number of definitions of sustainability and sustainable development. Some of these definitions are also included in this report in Chapter 7 – Glossary. This paper uses the term ‘sustainability’ to refer to the goal and the term ‘sustainable development’ to refer to the process of moving toward that goal.

3.1 Context: The Challenge of Sustainability

The future of humankind will be shaped by responses this century to a series of sustainability challenges that came into focus within the last 25 years. Population growth coupled with an increased rate of resource consumption, and waste accumulation, is creating environmental decay, and land, food, and water shortages. The global environment is undergoing significant changes that are having profound effects on society now and for the future, including climate change, increased waste and pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. Complicating all these problems is “peak oil” – the growing global demand exceeding the ever decreasing supply of oil. Although responses to climate change will ultimately require shifting from fossil fuels to other forms of energy, the transition to a low carbon economy is unlikely to take place smoothly. Because so much of what gets produced (even including the machinery and technology for alternative fuels!) is oil-dependent, soaring oil prices have far reaching impacts on all aspects of society and economy. For example diversion of agriculture to grow corn for ethanol has added to food shortages and skyrocketing prices, exacerbating already unstable social conditions in some of the poorest countries of the world. Like many other large municipalities in Canada and elsewhere, Peel Region faces in microcosm many of the global sustainability challenges that have galvanized the concern of scientists, business leaders, NGO’s and governments around the world. The list for Peel Region and its municipalities is daunting:

• Managing rapid population growth

• Safeguarding water quality and quantity, and treating waste water

• Preserving agricultural lands and ensuring food safety and security

• Avoiding ecosystem degradation/reduction in integrity




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• Ensuring social cohesion by minimizing crime and violence

• Achieving social inclusion and social equity

• Finding solutions to homelessness

• Maintaining or improving air quality

• Designing and implementing sustainable systems of transportation for both people and goods

• Shifting the economy to more sustainable forms of enterprise

• Developing and implementing effective strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Providing sustainable and reliable sources of energy

• Ensuring future development is sustainable and ‘green’

A number of demographic and population shifts in Peel have complicated these challenges. Between 1991 and 2006, the population rose by 61%. During that same period employment in the Region increased by only 41%. Forecasts for the 25 years from 2006 to 2031 reverses this imbalance, with employment projected to go up 64% while population is expected to grow by only 33%. Hopefully this will help reduce the proportion of Peel’s population (currently 20%) living at or below the poverty line. Perhaps the most dramatic change on the horizon is the aging of the population. By 2031 the population over age 75 will more than quadruple from the 2001 figure, while the 65-74 age group will more than triple. Peel intends to revise its planning policies and processes, and transform its corporate culture, to promote responses to these challenges that will be effective in the short term while ensuring a healthy ecosystem, vibrant economy, and good quality of life for future generations.




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3.2. Municipal Sustainability Planning Sustainability planning is not new to municipalities here in Canada or internationally. Local sustainability issues have been a focus internationally at least since Agenda 21 was adopted in 1992. ICLEI, the UN agency charged with the responsibility of promoting sustainability at the local level, has been monitoring sustainability planning best practices around the globe for nearly two decades. At the Earth Summit ICLEI secured broad endorsement for its “LA21 [Local Agenda 21] process”, which “leads to the preparation and implementation of a long-term, strategic plan that addresses priority local sustainable development concerns.”7 Reflecting the greater urgency of effective implementation following the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002, ICLEI refocused and renamed its LA21 program to Local Action 21.

Even though the ICLEI World Secretariat is located in Toronto, relatively few Canadian municipalities have chosen to follow the LA21 process for their sustainability planning activities. There appears to be more uptake on the The Natural Step (TNS) approach, that originated in Sweden. The Natural Step Canada (TNS) has developed an approach to community sustainability planning that has been adopted by a number of Canadian communities (for example, Whistler, BC, and more recently the Town of Caledon).8

When the Federal Government introduced the New Deal for Cities and Communities in 2003, the associated gas tax agreements (which promised infrastructure funding to cities and communities) included a clause requiring the provinces/territories to ensure that their municipalities (or regional authorities as deemed appropriate) develop Integrated Community Sustainability Plans (ICSPs). In order to clarify what was expected of ICSPs, Infrastructure Canada (the agency responsible for administering the program) prepared a Background Paper9 which outlined the planning approach.

York Region has made impressive progress toward embedding sustainability planning throughout its operations and policies, and provides a very handy “best

7 Quoted from the ICLEI website at http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=798 8 Some other approaches adopted (and adapted, since no single approach fits all) by Canadian municipalities include an interesting “Adaptive Management” approach developed by Vancouver-based The Sheltair Group. A brief description is available at http://www.sheltair.com/urbanplanning.html

9 Available at http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/cgi-bin/print-friendly.pl?page=/communities-collectivites/conf/documents/icsp-discussion_e.shtml . Note that the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) has also prepared various documents related to the ICS Planning, and held a conference on the topic in August 2007. Peel released a paper (Sept. 12, 2007) that relates various Region initiatives to the ICS principles, and also to the Melbourne Principles. See excerpts below in Appendix C.




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case” example. Some of the pertinent material from the York Region planning is provided in Appendix D of this paper.

3.3 Sustainability in Official Plans Sustainability and sustainability concepts have been referenced and used in many Official Plans in Canada and worldwide in recent years. The Region of York is using a study on sustainability to guide review of their official plan. The cities of Toronto, Hamilton and Kingston brought sustainability to the forefront in their official plans. One of the pioneering municipalities, Ottawa, received the 1992 Canadian Institute of Planners' Award of Excellence for its official plan. See Appendix F for additional information. 3.4 Legislated Requirements for a Sustainable Futur e Planning in Peel Region takes place within the context of Ontario’s four levels of government: provincial, federal, and upper and lower tier municipalities. Some of the most important provincial legislation pertaining to planning matters includes:

• Places to Grow Act 2006 – and “Places to Grow: Bett er Choices, Brighter Future Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe”

The thrust of this legislation is to require complete communities, increase intensification and to restrict future growth to designated areas in order to minimize greenfield developments and achieve strong “corridors” of development. One of the “Highlights” of the staff report on the final Provincial Growth Plan as presented to Regional Council succinctly summarizes this direction:

The growth plan has specific targets such as by 2015 a minimum of 40 per cent of all residential development occurring within the Region will be within the built-up area; by 2031 Downtown Brampton and Mississauga City Centre will achieve a gross density of 200 residents and jobs combined per hectare and the designated Greenfield area of the Region is to achieve a minimum density of 50 residents and jobs combined per hectare..

• Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2005

Provincial legislation is modified from time to time by “policy statements”, the most recent of which was released in 2005. It articulates the importance of the kind of integrated planning approaches that are the hallmark of sustainability-based planning:

“A policy-led planning system recognizes and addresses the complex inter-relationships among environmental, economic and social factors in land use planning. The Provincial Policy Statement supports a comprehensive,




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integrated and long-term approach to planning, and recognizes linkages among policy areas.”

The report to Peel Regional Council on the implications of the new PPS reaches the following conclusion:

The Planning Act requires that all decisions made by municipal councils after March 1, 2005 "be consistent with" the policies of the new PPS. The new PPS replaces the former policy statement that was issued on May 22, 1996 and introduces several key policy changes that will now need to be considered. These changes include more policy emphasis on growth management, intensification and redevelopment, protection of employment areas, transit supportive land uses, protection of natural heritage systems and water resources. The PPS establishes a new role for municipalities to coordinate planning matters that cross municipal boundaries.

Other important pieces of provincial legislation that apply to Peel include:

• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan (2001) • Greenbelt Plan (2005) (45% of Peel covered by Greenbelt, majority in

Town of Caledon) • Clean Water Act (2006) • Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act (initially passed in

1973) and the Niagara Escarpment Plan (initially passed in 1983) [Excerpts of some of this legislation appear in the Appendices to this paper.] Over the past few years Ontario (along with several other Canadian provinces) has mandated municipalities to build sustainability into planning and development, shifting the rules of the game so that instead of sustainability initiatives being voluntary, they have increasingly become a legal requirement. � Ontario Planning Act or Planning and Conservation L and Statute Act,

2005 (Bill 51)

Without explicitly using the term sustainability, the 2005 Planning Act requires that Official Plans contain “goals, objectives and policies established primarily to manage and direct physical change and the effects on the social, economic and natural environment”. The Planning and Conservation Land Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 (known commonly as “Bill 51”) made numerous changes to the Planning Act and went a step further. The legislation received Royal Assent in October 2006 and a number of the changes took effect in January 2007. Among the changes Bill 51 refers explicitly to sustainability as a matter of “provincial interest:”

Section 2 of the Planning Act is amended by adding the following clause:




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q) the promotion of development that is designed to be sustainable, to support public transit and to be oriented to pedestrians.

Section 2 directs that the Minister, Councils, the OMB and local boards shall have regard to the list of provincial interests in Section 2 of the Planning Act, which now includes item q above, in carrying out any of their responsibilities under the Planning Act.

Sustainability planning by municipalities needs to be undertaken in the spirit of cooperation in order to “connect the dots” to achieve integrated, holistic approaches to the various sustainability challenges. This in turn requires effective collaboration between jurisdictions within the same geographical area that have shared responsibilities which are complementary or overlapping. 3.5 Sustainability Principles

Social, cultural, economic, environmental imperativ es

Although there is near universal agreement among sustainability theorists and practitioners that sustainability has at least three dimensions (social, environmental and economic), an approach used by most municipalities in Canada include a fourth dimension, namely culture, which in effect highlights an element of the social dimension. The image presented below shows these four dimensions of sustainability and illustrates the importance of integration.

IntegratedBalanced

Environment

Society

Economy

Culture Sustainability

Environment

Society

Economy

Culture

Environment

Society

Economy

Culture

Four dimensions model of sustainability showing the importance of integration

The use of four dimensions by many local governments in Canada stems in large part from the federal gas tax legislation and the strong belief of the then Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, John Godfrey, in the importance of the cultural dimension. Because in other contexts sustainability approaches typically do not include culture as the fourth pillar, it’s useful to indicate what it entails. The Ontario Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2005 has a section on “Cultural




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Heritage and Archaeology” that is largely focused on ensuring that development does not threaten “significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes”. From a sustainability perspective, however, the concept of culture is much broader. It includes:

• Arts, culture and heritage • Cultural tourism (a component of economic development/revitalization) • Cultural assets/Quality of place to attract talent, investment (Richard

Florida’s work on the “creative class”) • Multiculturalism and social cohesion • Cultural values • “cultural contributions” of immigrant groups (art, cuisine, festivals) • Attracting “cultural industries” • “Culture of Sustainability”

Note here the important role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in helping promote a culture of sustainability by raising awareness, providing needed skills and training, and promoting a greater understanding of and commitment to sustainability. This is the UN Decade for ESD [2005-2014] and Canada has joined the rest of the countries around the world in promoting ESD-related strategies. There are opportunities for Peel Region to engage with school boards and organizations such as Learning for a Sustainable Future (www.lsf-lst.ca) and the Education Alliance for a Sustainable Ontario (EASO: http://sustainable-ontario.org) in advancing all three types of ESD in Peel:

• Formal ESD (i.e. through schools and classrooms from pre-Kindergarten to post secondary )

• Non-formal ESD (through training programs in workplaces, including for Peel employees)

• Informal ESD (reaching out to all members of the community particularly through the media and the internet)

Governance: the fifth dimension The term governance refers broadly to how decisions are made on the basis of sustainability considerations. This usage of the term is different from the narrow focus on accountability and transparency in corporate settings. The term governance (or sustainability governance) is now in widespread use among sustainability practitioners, particularly at the municipal level. For example it is included as a key component of TNS sustainability planning. Sustainability requires wiser choices that will ensure a better future by embarking on a development path that both generates economic growth and distributes its benefits equitably; that regenerates the environment rather than destroying it; that empowers people; and that improves quality of life across all dimensions including health, culture, and happiness. This broad agenda has implications for




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both the substance and process of decision making. In order to “bend the curve” toward a more sustainable future, society must not only change many key decisions but also change how decisions are made. That is why governance is an absolutely critical element of SD. Integrated Solutions Sustainable development is solution-focused. It requires decisions that integrate the four components of economic prosperity, ecological health, cultural enhancement and societal well-being, showing concern for both present and future generations. This entails thinking long term while responding creatively to immediate needs. The goal of sustainability-based decision making is to find solutions that deliver multiple “wins” rather than forcing uncomfortable trade-offs. One aspect of this challenge is to ensure that the plethora of policies emanating from different government ministries and agencies are themselves “coherent”. Because public policy is characteristically made with incomplete information in organizational “silos”; and because comprehensive sustainability metrics for all four dimensions of sustainability are still emerging, typical policies have a singular focus that may achieve economic objectives at the expense of social, cultural or environmental goals, or vice versa. Future Planning Visioning as part of strategic planning is very much linked to leadership. Strategic planning requires long term (25-50 years), multi-generational thinking as well as medium term (5-10 years) consideration.10 Developing a shared vision of the future is fundamental to sustainability planning. 4 SUMMARY OF SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP

Presentations on sustainability principles were made to the participants by Arvin Prasad and Dr. David Bell. After each presentation, participants broke into small groups to apply the principles to an area of policy or specific policy. Discussion in the breakout groups was guided by the sustainability principles and the set of questions in the sustainable development lens. The lens was applied to specific policies, general policy areas or visioning depending on the stage of PROPR for the policy area. Whatever level was discussed, the lens provided the structure for addressing the whole topic in terms of sustainability. Each of

10 This is not quite as ambitious as the Aboriginal practice of “planning for the seventh generation,” which requires the gathering of the four generations alive today (great grand parents, grandparents, parents, and children) who together try to reach decisions that will be good for all of those living and also for the next three generations yet unborn. Nor is it as demanding as planning for the disposal of nuclear waste, in which the next 300 – 500 years is considered the “short term”




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the eleven policy areas were given significant input into policy development by the participants. Key messages arising from the discussion in each group are as follows:

Key Messages:

Focus Area Key Message Agriculture Agriculture should be sustainable, promoting local food

supply, responding to demographic changes and be economically self-sufficient.

Air Quality Integrate clean air objectives into policies of other policy areas.

Employment Lands Focus development in appropriate places so as to foster live-work lifestyle; provide sufficient employment land to accommodate forecasted employment.

Energy Require gold or platinum LEED standard for buildings to conserve energy. Develop policies to incent on-site, distributed energy generation for homes and businesses.

Housing Integrate public housing into transportation policy to promote economic, social and cultural development.

Integrated Waste Management

Increase opportunities to reduce consumption and increase recycling.

Managing Growth Increase intensification but ensure it is not done at all costs- need to consider environment, social and cultural considerations.

Sustainability Formally adopt sustainable development as the theme of the ROP; put greater emphasis on energy considerations, and underscore the urgency of actions to advance sustainability.

Transportation Combine transportation and land use planning so that the results are complete communities that are self-sustaining with integrated land-use, employment and transportation.

Natural Heritage Protect existing natural heritage features and areas, include greater consideration for natural heritage system planning and move to restoration and linking islands of green.

Water Resources Because water resource sustainability is so fundamental to ecological, social, economic and cultural well-being water resource policy should address all four pillars from a systems perspective.

The workshop report and full workshop notes will be posted on the Region’s website at http://www.peelregion.ca/planning/officialplan/sustainability.htm




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5 SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE PLAN NING

From a review of various approaches developed here in Canada and in other countries, we have distilled a set of required steps for effective sustainability planning. Peel has already taken a number of these steps; others will be the focus of subsequent phases of the sustainability work.

1. Commitment to initiating the process (political will and requisite human and financial resources).

2. Research and analysis of past trends and the “current reality”.

3. Engagement of key stakeholders.

4. Identification of sustainability principles.

5. A visioning process, preferably one that involves stakeholders including some representatives of the general public.

6. Development of an Action Plan with goals, targets and timelines.

7. Careful review and revision of key planning documents (such as ROP, infrastructure master plans, etc) and policies.

8. Development of a system of metrics and indicators to monitor progress.11

9. Changes in the decision making processes to ensure sustainability-based governance.

10. Ongoing professional development, education and training to ensure requisite skills and knowledge.

11. Continuous learning and refining of the management process.

Peel currently has a number of components that could and should contribute to an overall Sustainability Strategy (like York Region’s). These components are:

• Council Strategic Plan

• ROP

• Focus on long-range planning

Peel also intends to (in subsequent phases of the current sustainability planning initiative) undertake work related to climate change and corporate sustainability. More specifically, the Region is currently working with the Conservation Authorities on the development of a Service Strategy Business Plan (SSBP) that identifies activities that need to be undertaken to address climate change. The SSBP reviews specific actions that need to be undertaken in order to better understand local level changes and their impacts on climate change in Peel and develop a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy. The corporate sustainability work will be inwardly directed and focus on ensuring that the 11 For more detail see Section 6.1 of the Background Paper.




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corporation has the capacity to undertake and support sustainability planning and review its operations and processes based on a sustainability lens. Peel’s many sustainability planning strengths provide an excellent foundation for further initiatives. One strength is the approach that has been taken for PROPR, with the establishment of 15 focus areas related to the most significant components of the ROP. A key requirement for Phase 1 of PROPR is to achieve coherence among the 15 projects in order to ensure that the entire final document is framed in terms of sustainability concepts and objectives. Since “everything is connected to everything else” each component of the ROP should highlight key linkages between related sections. For example, more sustainable energy use depends on changes in housing and community design, transportation patterns and choices, agricultural practices, and so on. To provide a sustainability frame for the entire document, the ROP should begin with a significant introductory section that would appear in the new plan. The current ROP states the themes as follows:

Here sustainable development is juxtaposed with an environmental and a societal theme and is associated almost exclusively with economic considerations. The elements of sustainable development are present throughout the current ROP, however, appropriate labeling and framing is generally absent. A draft of proposed wording for this section which uses a more comprehensive sustainable development approach follows.

1.3.5 Theme of the Plan (current) A number of themes have moved to the forefront of planning in recent years, including the ecosystem approach, sustainable development and healthy communities. Each theme approaches planning issues from a different perspective and has a different primary focus. The ecosystem approach highlights the importance of the environment and its integrated systems, sustainable development is strongly tied to economic growth, and healthy communities are concerned with the implications of planning on people and society. Each theme has its particular strengths when applied to regional planning for an area like Peel. Viewed together, the themes provide a balanced and flexible overall basis for the formulation and analysis of policy. These three approaches also reflect the vision in the Council approved Corporate Strategic Plan (referred to hereafter as the Strategic Plan): a strong Region, an economically vital community, a caring community and a community which conserves and enhances its natural resources. Therefore, this Plan contains balanced yet flexible goals and objectives that promote equilibrium between ecosystem approach, sustainable development and healthy communities.




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Suggested Introductory Section to the ROP: The over-arching theme of this Plan is sustainable development. In recent years sustainable development frameworks have been formulated to provide holistic approaches to planning, action and measurement. By adopting the framework below, the Plan will guide the Region in its quest to become and remain a sustainable community. The framework is based on “Prospective” Thinking (futures-oriented vision) that sets intergenerational responsibility for four integrated imperatives:

1. Environmental imperative of conserving and improving ecosystems, fostering self-sustaining biodiversity, minimizing our ecological footprint* by reducing it over time, reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems. 2. Social imperative of creating conditions conducive to healthy citizens and healthy communities while developing increasingly democratic systems of governance committed to achieving social harmony and social inclusion so that basic needs are met. We are striving to have a society that encourages healthy lifestyles and fosters respect for one another; inclusiveness, kindness and human dignity; that includes newcomers with grace and speed; and that ensures a civil and peaceful society for all people. 3. Economic imperative of promoting a vibrant economy that operates on sustainability principles while providing for adequate local employment and sustainable livelihoods where all people can realize their full potential. 4. Cultural imperative of promoting arts, culture and heritage, and quality of place that will attract and retain talented people, and encourage creativity and entrepreneurship; create buildings and public spaces that are beautiful and accessible; build on our distinctive human, cultural, historical and natural characteristics, where people take personal responsibility for the success of our community; and promote civic engagement and social cohesion, placing great value on the many diverse ethnic, religious, cultural and racial groups that make up the rich fabric of Peel’s population.

Through the use of the sustainability lens, objectives and policies in the Plan are integrated between environment, economy, society and culture to reinforce them within each sector of the Plan. The governance process that created the Plan was participatory and heard representatives from all key stakeholder groups. Policies address implementation through direction, encouragement and collaboration of the stakeholders. Where possible, objectives have been stated with targets, performance indicators and outcomes to be achieved. In summary, the values underlying the Plan are to care for the earth, care for each other, care for the future (and get on with action)! In that spirit Peel Region is committed to modeling best sustainability practices in its own operations, and institutionalizing corporate decision making that embodies sustainability values and principles. Through its support of formal, non-formal and informal Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Peel Region is also helping to foster a “culture of sustainability” both within the corporation and in the broader community.




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PROPR has established a comprehensive sustainability framework for the ROP. Sustainability considerations have been identified either in the Background Paper or through the Sustainability Workshop. Additionally, focus area leaders have been trained in the use of the suggested sustainability framework, thus providing reasonable assurance that the ROP will be consistently developed on the basis of sustainability principles and practices. We recommend that the new ROP explicitly endorse as its core concept and guiding framework sustainability (defined in its four dimensions: environmental, soc ial, economic, and cultural). This commitment will have implications for how the policies outlined in the ROP are conceptualized and implemented. It will require the application of the sustainability quadruple lens to all components of the ROP and in the development of future policies. This practice will illustrate the interconnectedness among all areas of the ROP as well as within and between other policies. But how can the Region translate high level sustainability ideas into specific OP policies and policy directions? It is helpful to look at how other jurisdictions have strengthened the sustainability thrusts in their own Official Plans. Appendix F provides a summary of Official Plan policies from several Ontario municipalities (including both Brampton and Mississauga) that address key sustainability issues such as energy, climate change, transportation, groundwater, housing etc. In addition, valuable suggestions were put forward by the Workshop breakout groups that each focused on a particular ROP policy area. The following table highlights possible new actions in the key PROPR focus areas. Possible Future Actions for Sustainability

Major Goal PROPR Focus Areas

Importance for Sustainability

Possible Policy Directions

Sustainable Economy/Sustainable Enterprise

Employment Land Attracting sustainability-focused businesses

Encouraging complete communities thereby striving for live/work lifestyles and reduced commuting

Providing sustainable livelihoods for Peel residents

Promoting green community planning and building standards

Sustain economic growth through planning for long-term protection and supply of employment lands

Plan for complete communities

Promote the sustainable economy sectors

Promote green development standards, green roofs and green practices




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Sustainable Energy Use and Systems

Energy Climate change mitigation by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions

Encouraging low-carbon economy by using renewable energy Increased $ savings through energy conservation

Improving energy system resilience through local energy production

Improved air quality by reducing carbon-based fuel emissions

Promote renewable energy and alternative energy systems – District Energy, Cogeneration & Geo-thermal

Investigate alternative energy sources i.e. wind, energy from waste

Plan and protect for utility corridors

Promote Green Building Standards LEED-ND or equivalent

Partner with the Province and area municipalities on programs

Partner with Peel Corporate Energy Management in setting up energy indicators and targets for sustainable development

Promote Fleet Smart programs & hybrid vehicles

Join Climate Change Action Plan

Healthy Enhanced Natural Heritage System

Natural Heritage

Protection and where possible enhancement/expansion of natural areas to ensure ecological integrity, biodiversity and continued provision of “ecological goods and services”.

Develop new vision, policies and targets for natural heritage systems.

Long-term protection of natural heritage features

Implement renewed vision, priorities, resources and coordination through Regional Greenlands Strategy.

Enhanced public awareness

Increase the number of acres protected through the Greenlands Securement Project

Increase the urban forest canopy

Sustainable and Healthy Watersheds

Water Resources Water resources are essential to the health of humans, ecosystems and economies

Develop a broad regional strategy for watershed sustainability that is implementation focused.

Partner with the area municipalities and conservation authorities to develop a strategy for enhancing the urban forest canopy.

Provide policy support and clarify Regional roles for enhanced stormwater management

Safe High Quality Drinking Water

Water Resources Critical to human and ecosystem health

Protect groundwater and surface water at its source

Develop and implement source water protection plans

Monitor water quality and quantity

Consider new technology and programs to increase water conservation and revise targets




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Protection and Preservation of Agricultural Areas

Agriculture

Air Quality

Provide food (to sustain human and domestic animal populations, locally to minimize energy for distribution and reduce market pressure for depleting less affluent regions)

Buy Local programs

Protect prime agricultural land as an agriculture reserve

Examine concept of Agricultural Enterprise Zone in Caledon with the Province, Town of Caledon etc.

Update GTA Agricultural Action Plan

Improved Air Quality Air Quality

Sustainability

Work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating effects of climate change

Work with Federal and Provincial governments, other Regions within the GTA, local municipalities and citizens

Prepare an air quality management plan for the Region

Promote stronger emission standards for vehicles, industries and energy producing facilities

Monitor air quality on a regular basis; Reviewing all corporate operations to ensure that these minimize air pollution

Promote compact urban form in attractive communities that provide alternatives to the use of the private automobile;

Develop a transportation system that emphasizes transit, walking and cycling; Protecting and expanding the tree canopy across the Region

Develop programs to retrofit existing buildings in order to reduce energy consumption and air pollution

Work on a Climate Change Plan (working with partners such as Conservation Authorities)

Green Buildings and Community Development

Managing Growth

Sustainability

Decrease Ecological Footprint especially with respect to energy use; opportunity to build healthier, safer communities

Develop green development standards (i.e. LEED)

Monitor and reduce energy use in Regional buildings

Health and Safety in our Community

Regional Housing;

Integrated Waste Management;

Transportation

A critical component of sustainability

Provides a focus and a goal for SD

Health indicators a good proxy measure of the results of a broad range of sustainability initiatives

Safety and security can be positively affected by SD

Improve integration of immigrants into communities

Expand active transportation options

Champion anti-poverty and affordable housing initiatives

Sustainability-Based Governance and Decision making

Sustainability

Consultation, Communication and Engagement;

Planning Tools and Updates

Improved decision making Adopt sustainability decision-making processes and tools

Review operations and processes from a sustainability lens

Adopt sustainability as a theme in the Regional Official Plan




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Fostering a Culture of Sustainability in the Corporation and in the Broader Community

Sustainability

Consultation, Communication and Engagement;

Integrated Waste Management;

Public understanding and support critical for effective implementation of sustainability polices

Support and promote sustainability education

Ensure programs, both external and internal, such as waste and purchasing incorporate sustainability principles in its decision-making

Train leaders and staff on sustainability

Sustainable Transportation for Peel

Transportation Transportation affects human health, Quality of Life and social equity (availability of affordable public transit) air quality, GHG emissions, economic efficiency and effectiveness (traffic congestion, freight issues etc)

Promote active transportation (including bicycling)

Consider sustainability when planning for all modes of transportation

Improve transit for persons with disabilities

Arguably the most important sustainability challenge for Peel (one that will require effective collaboration with the area municipalities) is managing population growth, which is projected to reach 1,640,000 by 2031. In order to conform with provincial policy, at least 40% of this growth must occur through “intensification” within the built-up area by 2015 and this level must be maintained or increased between 2016 and 2031. The intention of this regulation is to promote an efficient use of land and preserve agricultural areas. Any future greenfields developments that do take place must achieve a Regional level density target of 50 residents and jobs per hectare. These targets have been established to support other sustainability-related objectives regarding transportation, energy use, air quality and human health. The expectation is that intensification will support public transit, decreasing the reliance on single occupancy vehicle travel for work and shopping. This will reduce traffic congestion and transportation related emissions of greenhouses gases (GHGs) and air pollutants. Sustainably designed houses and neighbourhoods will be safer, healthier, more energy efficient, create less waste, promote better community cohesion, stronger sense of community and will support active mobility, increased volunteerism, local employment and local (urban) agriculture. The Region’s Growth Management policies should embrace these multiple sustainability objectives and should welcome the opportunity to create so many inter-related positive outcomes. Fortunately Peel has developed considerable policy strength in responding to growth. One important way the ROP can mandate a process of sustainable community development is to include in the ROP green development standards and




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guidelines12 and to encourage the Area Municipalities to require future development projects (residential and possibly even non-residential including commercial/institutional/industrial) to meet such standards. The City of Toronto has recently announced its “Green Standard” to guide future development. It places emphasis on a wide range of environmental issues including air quality, reducing GHG, energy efficiency, water quality and reduced use, reducing waste, protecting urban forest and wildlife, habitats, and reducing light pollution. Development applications that meet the new standard will be fast-tracked. As an alternative to developing its own standard and guidelines, Peel could reference an already existing set of “third party” standards such as LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design), which sets out various levels (silver, gold and platinum).13 The Town of Newmarket has issued an RFP for proposals to build a 34-unit development that will meet LEED Platinum standards. This example shows that new initiatives of this kind can begin on a small scale. The point is to take a first step.14 Equally important is to link development standards that focus on individual buildings to a broader requirement for green development of entire neighbourhoods and communities. LEED now had a standard for “neighbourhood development” (LEED ND) that provides a useful archetype.15 The Town of Caledon encourages green development through the Town’s new and innovative green development program. As of June 1, 2008, this program will provide development charge discounts for new “green” commercial and industrial buildings that incorporate LEED certification or green technologies. The green technologies include: solar hot water systems, transpired solar collectors, solar photovoltaic systems, permeable pavement and storm water cisterns. The dc discounts range from 20-27.5% for LEED certification and is 5% for green technologies. To be eligible for this program, a completed green development application form is required at the time of building permit application.

12 See for example the Sustainable Community Development Guidelines for Downsview Park, available at http://www.pdp.ca/media/FullGuidelines-Dec07-r080515.pdf 13 Initially developed in the US, LEED standards have been adapted to Canada. See http://www.cagbc.org/leed/what/index.php 14 One complicating factor is the recent amendment to the Ontario Building Code Act (BCA 2006) which does require new houses built after 2009 to have greatly increased insulation and window efficiency, better heating systems etc. But the new BCA standards are not the same as LEED standards and this new legislation overrides all local/municipal codes, including Official Plans. This problem must be resolved before inscribing new standards into the ROP. 15 “The LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design.” Among its many benefits this type of development promises to “reduce urban sprawl, encourage healthy living, and protect threatened species.” http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=148




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6 CONCLUSION

Perspective

“We must now lift our nation to reach another goal that will change history. Our entire civilization depends upon us now embarking on a new journey of exploration and discovery. Our success depends on our willingness as a people to undertake this journey and to complete it within 10 years. Once again, we have an opportunity to take a giant leap for humankind.”

Al Gore, in a speech calling for the elimination within 10 years of carbon-based electricity production in the United States16.

The current challenges facing Peel and other municipalities in Ontario, in other parts of Canada, and around the globe, present both risks and opportunities. Perhaps the greatest risk is to underestimate the urgency and the gravity of the challenges. Business as usual is not sustainable over the long term, and is increasingly under pressure in the short term as well. The longer we postpone the shift toward more sustainable policies and practices, the more intractable the problems become. We need to take action now. Some transformations are already being driven by market factors. Even non-economists understand that major changes in price produce changes in behaviour. If the price of oil continues to rise as dramatically as current forecasts suggest, fundamental changes will take place in the every day lives of Peel residents. (Even the current unprecedented high prices are beginning to have a significant impact.) Where people live, where they work, how they move around, what foods they eat (and where these foods are grown), how they recreate and vacation will all be affected. Of course price change is not the only driver of new behaviour. Nor can we rely on the market to solve sustainability challenges, particularly in relation to energy and climate change. Indeed one could argue that the climate change crisis is the greatest and potentially most catastrophic example of market failure that has ever occurred. In helping society effect a transition toward sustainability, there is an important role for government, especially at the local level. Alongside the risk inherent in sustainability challenges, therefore, is the opportunity for wise planning decisions that will promote and underpin shifts toward more sustainable practices in terms of house construction, transportation, energy production17 and use, land use and community design, water source protection and use, ecological protection and restoration, employment land development, healthy lifestyles and so on. 16 Available at http://www.wecansolveit.org/pages/al_gore_a_generational_challenge_to_repower_america/




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Governments must provide the requisite infrastructure, along with a supportive policy framework of regulations, partnerships, and market-based incentives, for sustainability life choices in all these areas. Accomplishments In its review, the sustainability focus area has aimed to accomplish the following:

• Address Provincial conformity requirements

• Establish the four pillars of sustainable development as a foundation within the ROP

• Establish sustainability within the ROP through broad and more specific policies in the ROP (including encouraging area municipalities to adopt green development standards).

• Ensure sustainability is addressed within other PROPR focus areas (for example policies regarding energy and air quality).

• Provide a basis to broaden the incorporation of sustainable development in subsequent policies and programs i.e. Corporate Sustainability work and climate change plan.

Recommendations In addition to the recommendation made in Chapter 5 for incorporating sustainable development into the ROP, the following recommended actions are highlighted for consideration: 1. Given the importance and responsibility in working towards sustainable

development, it is recommended that the Region address sustainable development through incorporating this theme in pol icies, programs, operations and processes . Therefore, the Corporate Sustainability Work should be pursued as it will ensure operations and processes are reviewed and updated from a sustainability lens. Given the threat of climate change to

17 Most of the energy used in Peel is produced beyond its borders. But there are significant opportunities for local smaller scale production of renewable energy from solar, wind, geothermal, and biofuels from waste. Noting that “sharp cost reductions now beginning to take place in solar, wind, and geothermal power - coupled with the recent dramatic price increases for oil and coal - have radically changed the economics of energy,” Al Gore has recently put forward a goal for the United States to eliminate fossil-based electricity production within 10 years.




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sustainability, the Region should also work closely with its partners to comprehensively address climate change from a technical and policy perspective.

2. Vision and foresight coupled with knowledge and leadership will help – but

sustainability requires as well public understanding and support, and this entails developing methods for engaging stakeholders in meaningful, well-informed “conversations about the future.” Here education and awareness play a key role in drawing attention to challenges and pointing to optimum ways of responding to changed social and economic conditions. Therefore it is recommended that Peel engage its leaders in formal and informal sustainability education as part of its overall sus tainability education. The Ecological Footprint could serve as both an indicator of progress toward making Peel more sustainable and as a device for education and awareness among schools and (through the internet) to the wider community. As part of its outreach to the community, the Region of Peel should also consider adopting appropriate “social marketing”18

approaches to encourage public support for and uptake of new policies.

3. ‘In order to mobilize both the support and the assistance of key stakeholders,

Peel should establish a Sustainability Advisory Gro up to bring fresh perspectives to the quest for a sustainable future. Not least on the agenda of items for consideration by such a group is the economic future of Peel Region.

4. For example with respect to employment lands – logistics and warehousing

are prime areas but these are very low density; are these the directions of the future? There are fortunes to be made in the sustainable economy of the future for those sectors and companies that can provide sustainable solutions to local and global problems. It is to Peel’s benefit to attract to the Region companies and businesses that have a strong commitment to sustainability and/or are producing sustainability solutions through their goods or services. Therefore it is recommended that the area municipalities develop Sustainable Enterprise Master Plans and establish e conomic “clusters” based on current strengths and emerging opportuniti es. One such cluster might be in pharmaceuticals. Given the direction towards wind energy within the region, there are possible opportunities for supporting alternative energy opportunities that create economic opportunities in R&D and the potential for new manufacturing jobs building alternative technologies that could become another economic cluster.

18 There is an extensive international literature on social marketing. One of Canada’s leading theorists and practitioners is Douglas McKenzie Mohr, whose website on “community based social marketing” is at http://www.cbsm.com/ .




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5. Moving from the economic to the social/cultural dimension of sustainability, one aspect of Peel’s future sustainability path should involve drawing on the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage. Therefore the Sustainability Advisory Group should involve local Aboriginal People in dec ision making.

6. As a follow-on from the very successful Liveable Peel Conference, we

recommend that Peel host a conference on A Sustaina ble Future for Peel, where leading practitioners and sustainabilit y professionals could give the Region the benefit of their experience, su ccessful examples, best thinking and most promising new ideas.

7. We recommend that in collaboration with the Area Municipalities and

key stakeholders, the Region and Area Municipalitie s develop a set of green development standards or guidelines (drawing on best case examples such as those developed for Downsview Park ) and the Region and the Area Municipalities to incorporate into the ir Official Plans policies related to green development standards or guidelines both for individual buildings and for entire neighbourhoods. One consideration is to mandate all residential and non-residential developments to adopt green development standards.




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The Sustainability Background Paper raised a series of questions about future directions for Peel, and the Sustainability Workshop discussions have provided many of the answers to these questions.

Question Key Issues Recommendations

2.1 ROP Section 1.3.5 - Themes of the Plan currently adopts three themes: ecosystem approach (environment), sustainable development (economic) and healthy communities (people and society). However, properly understood sustainable development comprises four pillars: environment (ecosystem approach), social (healthy communities), economic (prosperous sustainable economy) and culture. Should this section of the plan be rewritten to establish sustainable development as the overall framework for policy development?

Ensuring a clearer understanding of the nature and implications of a comprehensive sustainability approach throughout the ROP

Section 1.35 to be rewritten with wording suggested above (refer to Chapter 5)

2.2 If sustainable development is adopted as the overarching framework for the plan, then at what levels of the plan should it be applied: individual policies, policy areas and/or the plan as a whole?

How comprehensive is the commitment to sustainability?

Apply SD to the Plan as a whole (as per previous recommendation) but also use the sustainability “lens” in reviewing specific policies

2.3 How will the definitions in the Glossary at the back of the ROP need to be changed to reflect a sustainability approach?

Including key terms related to sustainability

Include in the Glossary the terms defined in this paper.




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3.1 How should the framework of sustainable development be applied to PROPR and subsequent sustainability initiatives?

ensuring that the framework is made operational so that key principles can be translated into policies

Use the sustainability lens as a tool for developing and analyzing policies develop a sustainability strategy to guide and coordinate subsequent sustainability initiatives

3.2 How can the Region of Peel’s sustainability efforts connect with and complement the sustainability plans of other municipalities within Peel and surrounding areas.

ensuring effective collaboration reaching out to key stakeholders

Collaborate on green development standards as stated in Recommendation 6.

3.3 If sustainable development is a process rather than an end state, how can the process be continued after the conclusion of the PROPR exercise?

ensuring that the momentum is not lost after the completion of PROPR

Establish a Sustainability Advisory Group Provide sustainability training to leaders in Peel




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3.4 How can Peel Region and its area municipalities attract and support sustainability-based companies and enterprise?

Important to adapt the Region’s economy to emerging needs and opportunities related to a knowledge-based, low-carbon economy Appeal to companies that have a strong commitment to sustainability in their operations and companies that are providing solutions to sustainability challenges. Encourage business practices that reduce the ecological footprint of operations and employees

The Region direct the area municipalities to develop Sustainable Enterprise Master Plans as stated in Recommendation 3.




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4.1 How should climate change considerations (both mitigation and adaptation) be included in the new ROP?

Climate change is accelerating faster than most of the models used by the IPCC to forecast impacts. “Scientists with access to data from Navy submarines traversing underneath the North polar ice cap have warned that there is now a 75 percent chance that within five years the entire ice cap will completely disappear during the summer months. This will further increase the melting pressure on Greenland. According to experts, the Jakobshavn glacier, one of Greenland's largest, is moving at a faster rate than ever before, losing 20 million tons of ice every day, equivalent to the amount of water used every year by the residents of New York City.”19 Even if all GHG emissions were to cease immediately there are still significant impacts that will occur for the rest of this century from the elevated CO2 levels that have already occurred.

Peel should adjust Master Plans (e.g. for Water/Waste Water and Transportation) to ensure appropriate adaptation to likely climate change impacts Peel should join the Climate action Plan and adopt short medium and long-term targets for GHG reduction

19 Al Gore, op cit.




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4.2 How should the Regional Official Plan address the development of energy efficient systems such as cogeneration and geothermal energy plants, and distributed energy systems and encourage area municipalities to develop renewable energy systems.

“the sharp cost reductions now beginning to take place in solar, wind, and geothermal power - coupled with the recent dramatic price increases for oil and coal - have radically changed the economics of energy.”20

Develop a policy context where incentives for local energy generation for homes and businesses is supported and local energy distribution networks (to accommodate distributed energy generation) is created.

4.3 How should disparate plans (ROP, ICSPs, area municipality plans, Region strategic plans and capital/community improvement plans) be integrated? How can such integration be achieved?

Stakeholders need to trace their expressions of needs to the solutions being planned. Planned actions will be more effective and efficient if they work together toward the objectives and take advantage of synergy.

Ensure an integrated approach to plans by drawing on area municipal and Regional Strategic Plans and similar strategies. In order to be sustainable, that is conforming to the principles of inclusion and integration, develop the ROP according to the principles of sustainable development.

4.4 Should Peel’s ROP be its Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, or should the ICSP comprise several Regional documents (or be a separate stand-alone document)?

The purposes of the ROP and those of the ICSP do not necessarily overlap.

Develop the ROP separately from the ICSP in order to clearly achieve their separate purposes.

20 Ibid.




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4.5 What is the most effective way to include people from the community in the planning process in order to fulfill an important principle of sustainability governance? What do we mean by “community” as it relates to Peel? Does the term apply to the entire Region of Peel as a community, or are there several communities / sub-communities within Peel, with different conditions and needs?

Planning in Peel is undertaken within a complementary system where Regional and area municipal plans complement each other. This may require an explanation to stakeholders when request for clarification is raised. Given the above, getting to specific policy details and wording requires time, patience and facilitation

Coordinate inclusion of stakeholders such that their input, once given, is applied to all related plans and provide opportunity for the broader public to obtain information and provide input.

4.6 How could Peel prepare to be sustainable beyond a car oriented culture? What are the land use and transportation options?

Possible scenarios of the future range widely from one where high energy costs make the car oriented culture unviable to one where alternative technology and energy sources enable the car oriented culture to continue. The Province, Metrolinx, the Region and the area municipalities are all planning transportation systems for Peel.

Prepare for alternate futures by considering various scenarios when developing the ROP.




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4.7 While various current and future documents such as the Regional Official Plan, the Strategic Plan, area municipal official plans and future sustainability plans are undertaken with a significant amount of collaboration, should any or all of these documents be integrated? How can such integration be achieved?

Integration is applied to obtaining winning solutions to environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions. It is also applied to:

• Coordinating plans of overlapping or adjoining planning authorities

• Meshing policies of different planning areas

Supporting policies with capital investment plans There are many plans.

While approaches to sustainability should be comprehensive and integration of concerns is necessary for a comprehensive approach, the issues is that documents need to be effective. As such when dealing with each plan, consistent ideas and messaging is important across various plans i.e. Official Plan and Sustainability Plan. .

5.1 How is sustainable development planning different from the planning approach used in the past and how should this new approach be articulated in official plans?

Focus has shifted toward seeking synergy (integration) rather than balance between environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions. Policy development is more inclusive in order to obtain greater commitment to implementing the plans. The present use of resources will greatly affect future generations.

Incorporate sustainable development as the theme of the ROP, fully addressing the principles of the Plan. Develop methods for applying sustainability principles and practices to planning. Train planners and other staff on planning for sustainable development.

5.2 How can we immediately support sustainable transportation as called for in the transportation planning work, given that the world’s oil production is very near (or perhaps beyond) its peak?

The cost of energy is rapidly increasing and is affecting our use of automobiles, putting more demand on public transportation and local availability of goods and employment.

Plan immediate actions to support sustainable transportation in strategic business plans and in the ICSP.




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5.3 To what extent can policies on air quality change the quality of our air?

Half of the pollutants in the air in the Region come from beyond the Regional boundaries. Air quality is greatly affected by land use and transportation policies

Develop policy to influence Provincial, Federal and international bodies to improve air quality. Reference objectives for air quality in all planning areas that affect air quality and cross-reference those policies as part of planning for air quality.

5.4 What policy directions on climate change can make a meaningful overall contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction?

GHG emissions produced in Peel are mainly due to transportation and heating. Carbon sinks (especially trees) can serve as offsets to GHG generation Some agricultural practices can enhance carbon sequestration; some agricultural wastes can be used for biofuels

Require gold or platinum LEED standard for buildings to conserve energy. Develop distributed energy generation policies (see question 4.2) to promote alternative energy generation. Integrate energy conservation objectives into Growth Management policies. Ensure that Agricultural polices enhance carbon sequestration and biofuel production from waste Increase the availability of public transportation. Increase the forest cover in conservation land and urban areas. Promote active transport and provide dedicated active transport infrastructure




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5.5 What housing policies can address sustainability? Should the form/design/layout/ and structural changes be called for in policy circles?

The demand for new housing is largely met by developers who determine form, design, layout and structure. Building codes are set by the Province.

Continue to influence the form of housing in land use policies in official plans. Influence the Province to set higher energy conservation standards in the Building Code.

5.6 What policies could significantly encourage the use of local foods and local food production? What is the role of urban agriculture?

Agriculture is under severe competitive pressure from distant food production. Agricultural land is under severe pressure from development and urbanization.

Require food sold in the Region to state its carbon footprint information. Provide land for food festivals and local food sale.

5.7 What sustainability indicators and other metrics will be required to monitor progress on these and other ROP policies?

Over 600 indicators have been formulated for measuring sustainability. (Note extensive discussion of indicators in Section 6.1 of the Background Paper) Few targets have been determined as being sustainable.

Establish sustainability indicators for each policy or policy area such that they correlate to policy objectives. Work to establish targets for key indicators.

6.1 What is our vision for the future of Peel?

The Region is under constant pressure from rapid population growth and demographic change, rapid increase in the cost of energy, the impact of global warming, continuing solid waste disposal and other pressures. To bend the curve toward a more sustainable future will require wise policies and practices

Make vision setting a part of policy development to capture changes in our awareness of how we want to live.




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6.2 Should our vision include such aspects as education and health?

Planning documents and guidelines achieve their impact through implementation. This requires staff and the public to be educated on sustainability principles and practices. Health is a critical component of our quality of life; health indicators are good proxy measures of the results of a broad range of sustainability initiatives.

Make education an element of change in our culture toward sustainability. Include health in our vision for growth and development.

6.3 How will we develop a vision that all or most of us share? Can we build on the vision articulated in Liveable Peel?

Visions fade without renewal. Build on the vision in Liveable Peel to retain the values and aspirations of those who set it and to incorporate values and direction of our evolving society.

6.4 What should the ROP say about sustainable transportation? What policies are needed to move Peel toward a more sustainable transportation system? How should we shape our road patterns, pedestrian and cycle ways to achieve greater sustainability?

Transportation is a major component in addressing all imperatives of sustainable development and is facing major change due to increasing energy costs.

Coordinate policy areas to plan the live-work balance concept. Continue to plan road patterns, pedestrian and cycle ways to achieve greater sustainability.

6.5 What will be required to achieve the intensity targets set out by the Province?

The sustainability of growth targets is an open question. Intensification will mean a change to the development industry as well as to people’s satisfaction with the quality of life in areas of intense development.

Continue planning of land use for housing intensity as well as employment intensity in coordination with transportation policies.




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6.6 How can convenient and low-cost transportation be provided so that all Peel residents can get to and explore the natural and rural parts of Peel?

Access to natural and rural areas is important for health and exercise.

This issue should be referred to the area municipalities for consideration.

6.7 Should we revise our goals for biodiversity across the Region?

The ecosystems of the urban and rural environment differ in what they will support, the pressures and the means to promote sustainability. Is biodiversity an appropriate subject for the ROP?

Develop new policy and initiatives to enhance biodiversity and natural heritage and track indicators to measure success.

6.8 What use can be made of taxes and levies to encourage sustainability in Peel?

Taxing to discourage poor environmental practices may have detrimental impact on the economy and society and thus not be sustainable.

Influence Provincial and Federal governments to offer more incentives for communities and individuals to become sustainable.

6.9 How could the mix of housing, commercial, industrial and open space be changed to enable people to rely much less on automobiles?

This question is at the heart of Growth Management and Employment Land policy, trying to achieve live-work balance.

Develop live-work policies in conjunction with area-municipalities. Encourage area municipalities to favour live-work policies.

6.10 From a sustainable development point of view, what is the ideal split in housing types: single family, multiple family, and high density? How would the ideal split be determined?

The demand for new housing is very strong, putting severe pressure on Greenfield sites. Intensification targets will require a shift in housing type as well as brownfield development.

The split in housing type should be set by policy to match growth projections to available land resources. See Question 5.4 and 5.5




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6.11 How could we use indicators and reporting to encourage greater awareness of and commitment to sustainability goals and targets? What other education and awareness strategies are needed?

Processes such as ecosystems a take long time to show change in indicators. The relationships between targets and sustainability are often not well understood by the public. Planning documents and guidelines achieve their impact through implementation. This requires staff and the public to be educated on sustainability principles and practices.

Improve and continue to publish sustainability indicators (including the Ecofootprint) in relation to policy and targets (where targets are set). Provide opportunities for all three types of Education on Sustainable Development and train Peel staff on sustainability principles and practices.

6.12 Should the ROP specify that Peel develop and implement a sustainability-based procurement policy?

The quadruple bottom line for the full life cycle is difficult to determine for most goods and services. The ROP may not be the appropriate plan for procurement policy.

Develop a sustainability-based procurement policy for the Region based on policies of the Corporate Energy Management Group.

7.1 Is the draft statement of the sustainable development framework suitable for all ROP themes?

Sustainable development is a holistic framework with strong potential for improving the planning process and results. Many sustainable development principles are mandated by legislation.

Adopt the sustainable development framework for all ROP themes (see Question 2.1).




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7 GLOSSARY

CMHC – Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

CSII – Canada's Sustainability Indicators Initiative

CVCA – Credit Valley Conservation Authority

ESDI – Environment and Sustainable Development Indicators

GGH – Greater Golden Horseshoe

GTA – Gas Tax Agreement

ICLEI -- International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives

ICSP – Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

LEED – Leadership in Energy Efficient Design

MFA – Municipal Funding Agreement

NRTEE – National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

OMB – Ontario Municipal Board

PPS – Provincial Policy Statement

PROPR – Peel Region Official Plan Review

ROP – Regional Official Plan

ROPA – Regional Official Plan Amendment

ROPSU – Regional Official Plan Strategic Update

TAC – Technical Advisory Committee

TNS - The Natural Step

TRCA – Toronto Region Conservation Authority

WSSD – World Summit for Sustainable Development

WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development

ESMI – Environmentally Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure

CIP – Capital Investment Plan

Liveability is about building stronger local communities and enhancing quality of life through action to improve the quality of local environments and the places where people live." UK Parliamentary answer, April 2003. The classic definition of sustainable development is from the 1987 report of the Brundtland Commission, formally the UN World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED): "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" meaning development that takes full account of the social, economic and environmental impacts of decisions, over the long term.




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Other Definitions 21 of Sustainable Development: Sustainable development requires environmental health, economic prosperity and social equity. Earth Council Sustainable development involves the simultaneous pursuit of economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity. Companies aiming for sustainability need to perform not against a single, financial bottom line but against this triple bottom line. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development Improving the quality of life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems. World Conservation Union Each generation is entitled to the interest on the natural capital, but the principal should be handed on unimpaired. Canada's Commission on Conservation (in 1915) Sustainable development means implementing a process that integrates environmental, economic and social considerations into decision making. This reinforces the World Commission on Environment and Development's conclusion that development should be sustainable for the benefit of current and future generations. Environment Canada Living on the earth's income rather than eroding its capital. It means keeping the consumption of renewable natural resources within the limits of their replenishment. It means handing down to successive generations not only man-made wealth, but also natural wealth, such as clean and adequate water supplies, good arable land, a wealth of wildlife, and ample forests. The United Kingdom's Sustainable Development Strategy

21 Taken from The Sustainability Report (http://www.sustreport.org/background/definitions.html#experts )




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APPENDIX A: PLACES TO GROW IN THE GREATER GOLDEN HORSESHOE (EXCERPTS)

1.2 Vision for 2031 for the Greater Golden Horsesho e

More than anything, the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) will be a great place to live in 2031. Its communities will be supported by the pillars of a strong economy, a clean and healthy environment and social equity. The GGH will offer a wide variety of choices for living. Thriving, liveable, vibrant and productive urban and rural areas will foster community and individual well-being. The region will be supported by modern, well-maintained infrastructure built in accordance with a broad plan for growth. Residents will have easy access to shelter, food, education and health-care facilities, arts and recreation and information technology. Getting around will be easy. An integrated transportation network will allow people choices for easy travel both within and between urban centres throughout the region. Public transit will be fast, convenient and affordable. Automobiles, while still a significant means of transport, will be only one of a variety of effective and well-used choices for transportation. Walking and cycling will be practical elements of our urban transportation systems. A healthy natural environment with clean air, land and water will characterize the GGH. .The Greenbelt, including significant natural features, such as the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, has been enhanced and protected in perpetuity. These will form the key building blocks of the GGH’s natural systems. The GGH’s rivers and streams, forests and natural areas will be protected and accessible for residents to enjoy their beauty. Open spaces in our cities, towns and countryside will provide people with a sense of place. Unique and high-quality agricultural lands will be protected for future generations. Farming will be productive, diverse and sustainable. Urban centres will be characterized by vibrant and more compact settlement and development patterns and will provide a diversity of opportunities for living, working and enjoying culture. The evolving regional economy of the GGH will have matured into an economic powerhouse of global significance. It will function as Canada’s principal international gateway. The Greater Toronto and Hamilton area will be a thriving metropolis with an extraordinary waterfront. At the heart of this metropolis will be Toronto, a celebrated centre of influence for commerce, culture and innovation. All of this will translate into a place where residents enjoy a high standard of living and an exceptional quality of life.

1.2.2 Guiding Principles

The vision for the GGH is grounded in the following principles that provide the basis for guiding decisions on how land is developed, resources are managed and public dollars invested:




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• Build compact, vibrant and complete communities. • Plan and manage growth to support a strong and competitive economy. • Protect, conserve, enhance and wisely use the valuable natural

resources of land, air and water for current and future generations. • Optimize the use of existing and new infrastructure to support growth in

a compact, efficient form. • Provide for different approaches to managing growth that recognize the

diversity of communities in the GGH. • Promote collaboration among all sectors – government, private and

non-profit –and residents to achieve the vision.

As the GGH grows, so will the overall demand for water, energy, air, and land. The ongoing availability of these natural resources is essential for the sustainability of all communities.

4.2.4 A Culture of Conservation

1. Municipalities will develop and implement official plan policies and other

strategies in support of the following conservation objectives:

a) Water conservation, including – i. water demand management, for the efficient use of water ii. water recycling to maximize the reuse and recycling of water.

b) Energy conservation, including –

i. energy conservation for municipally owned facilities ii. identification of opportunities for alternative energy generation and distribution iii. energy demand management to reduce energy consumption iv. land-use patterns and urban design standards that encourage and support energy-efficient buildings and opportunities for cogeneration.

c) Air quality protection, including reduction in emissions from municipal

and residential sources.

d) Integrated waste management, including – i. enhanced waste reduction, composting, and recycling initiatives and

the identification of new opportunities for source reduction, reuse, and diversion where appropriate

ii. a comprehensive plan with integrated approaches to waste management, including reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, diversion, and the disposal of residual waste

iii. promotion of reuse and recycling of construction materials iv. consideration of waste management initiatives within the context of

long term regional planning, and in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities.

e) Cultural heritage conservation, including conservation of cultural

heritage and archaeological resources where feasible, as built-up areas are intensified.




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Compact Urban Form A land-use pattern that encourages efficient use of land, walkable neighbourhoods, mixed land uses (residential, retail, workplace and institutional all within one neighbourhood), proximity to transit and reduced need for infrastructure. Compact urban form can include detached and semi-detached houses on small lots as well as townhouses and walk-up apartments, multi-storey commercial developments, and apartments or offices above retail. Complete Communities Complete communities meet people’s needs for daily living throughout an entire lifetime by providing convenient access to an appropriate mix of jobs, local services, a full range of housing, and community infrastructure including affordable housing, schools, recreation and open space for their residents. Convenient access to public transportation and options for safe, non-motorized travel is also provided. Transit-supportive Makes transit viable and improves the quality of the experience of using transit. When used in reference to development, it often refers to compact, mixed-use development that has a high level of employment and residential densities to support frequent transit service. When used in reference to urban design, it often refers to design principles that make development more accessible for transit users, such as roads laid out in a grid network rather than a discontinuous network; pedestrian-friendly built environment along roads to encourage walking to transit; reduced setbacks and placing parking at the sides/rear of buildings; and improved access between arterial roads and interior blocks in residential areas.




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APPENDIX B: PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT 2005 (EXCE RPTS)

Part IV: Vision for Ontario’s Land Use Planning Sys tem

The long-term prosperity and social well-being of Ontarians depend on maintaining strong communities, a clean and healthy environment and a strong economy.

Ontario is a vast province with diverse urban, rural and northern communities which may face different challenges related to diversity in population levels, economic activity, pace of growth and physical and natural conditions. Some areas face challenges related to maintaining population and diversifying their economy, while other areas face challenges related to accommodating and managing the development and population growth which is occurring, while protecting important resources and the quality of the natural environment. The Provincial Policy Statement reflects this diversity and is based on good planning principles that apply in communities across Ontario.

The Provincial Policy Statement focuses growth within settlement areas and away from significant or sensitive resources and areas which may pose a risk to public health and safety. It recognizes that the wise management of development may involve directing, promoting or sustaining growth. Land use must be carefully managed to accommodate appropriate development to meet the full range of current and future needs, while achieving efficient development patterns.

Efficient development patterns optimize the use of land, resources and public investment in infrastructure and public service facilities. These land use patterns promote a mix of housing, employment, parks and open spaces, and transportation choices that facilitate pedestrian mobility and other modes of travel. They also support the financial well-being of the Province and municipalities over the long term, and minimize the undesirable effects of development, including impacts on air, water and other resources. Strong, liveable and healthy communities enhance social well-being and are economically and environmentally sound.

The Province’s natural heritage resources, water, agricultural lands, mineral resources, and cultural heritage and archaeological resources provide important environmental, economic and social benefits. The wise use and management of these resources over the long term is a key provincial interest. The Province must ensure that its resources are managed in a sustainable way to protect essential ecological processes and public health and safety, minimize environmental and social impacts, and meet its long-term needs.

It is equally important to protect the overall health and safety of the population. The Provincial Policy Statement directs development away from areas of natural and human-made hazards, where these hazards cannot be mitigated. This preventative approach supports provincial and municipal financial well-being over the long term, protects public health and safety, and minimizes cost, risk and social disruption.

Taking action to conserve land and resources avoids the need for costly remedial measures to correct problems and supports economic and environmental principles.




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Strong communities, a clean and healthy environment and a strong economy are inextricably linked. Long-term prosperity, environmental health and social well-being should take precedence over short-term considerations.

The fundamental principles set out in the Provincial Policy Statement apply throughout Ontario, despite regional variations. To support our collective well-being, now and in the future, all land use must be well managed.

The Vision for Ontario’s Land Use Planning System may be further articulated through planning direction for specific areas of the Province issued through provincial plans, such as those plans created under the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001, which are approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.




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APPENDIX C: EXCERPT FROM REGION OF PEEL MEMO ON IC SP PROPOSAL FOR PEEL (SEPT. 12, 2007)

Overview of Regional Planning Initiatives Alignment with ICSP Principles &

Objectives

Planning Initiatives

Coordinated Approach

(Linkages of various plans)

Integrated Planning ( pillars of

sustainability)

Collaboration

with Other Municipalities

Engaging

Residents in Long Term

Visioning and Planning

Contributes to

Key Sustainability

Objectives (e.g. cleaner

water and air)

LIVEABLE PEEL o Community visioning o Consultation o Research & assessment

o Immigration o Watersheds o Housing o Raising Awareness of

sustainability

While there are linkages with the

Region’s strategic plan,

the ROP review, there is room for

improvement

√ (all pillars)

√

√

√

COLLABORATION WITH CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES ON Developing watershed plans Terrestrial and natural heritage studies

√

Focus on Environmental

pillar but integrates the other pillars

√

√

√

COLLABORATION WITH PEEL NEWCOMERS STRATEGY AND WORKING GROUP

Parallel community led initiative that complements the immigration work being done under Liveable Peel

√

Cultural Pillar mostly which

positively affects the

others

√

√

√

PEEL REGION OFFICIAL PLAN REVIEW –

Conformity to provincial policies

Focus areas for research & policy updates including

Sustainability, air quality, energy, transportation & managing growth.

√

(All pillars)

√

√

√




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APPENDIX D: EXCERPTS FROM REGION OF YORK’S ADVISOR Y GROUP ON SUSTAINABILITY

The Advisory Group set up by York Region to help propel it along the path “toward sustainability” offered the following advice about changes needed in York’s ROP:

Natural Environment

• Invest in protecting, enhancing and restoring York Region extensive greenlands system

• Invest in protecting the Region’s precious aquifers • Invest in providing green connections between core areas in order to

create a linked Greenland system. • Create a land securement reserve larger than the current $1.4 million

per year • Establish immediate and long-term time frames for creating Greenland

linkages and carrying-out acquisitions • Develop comprehensive natural heritage mapping with partners. • Support Conservation Authorities in the development of new

Hazard/Fill/ Floodplain Mapping • The emphasis should be on quality not just quantity natural heritage

land protection • Identify innovative natural heritage enhancement projects • Develop a Bio-Diversity Strategy for York Region. • Reduce the Region’s per capita ecological footprint. • Develop a series or standards or a checklist to ensure continuing

protection of Regional greenlands • Protect the Region’s system of Kettle lakes • Continue Greening Strategy implementation

Infrastructure

• Utilize emerging technology and engineering best practices to limit impact on the natural heritage and landscape.

• Emphasize public transit and the need for a GTA integrated transit system.

• Increase modal split throughout York Region. • Provide a system of walking and cycling paths. • Mitigate impacts of infrastructure construction. • Utilize best practice green infrastructure construction techniques to

minimize and mitigate impact. • Emerge as a leading edge municipality for environmental solutions for

restoration and BMPs • Utilize individual Environmental Assessments (EAs) for major projects

and group projects together in order to assess total impact. • Develop an Emergency Preparedness Action Plan.

Water Conservation

• Develop a broad water strategy for York Region including water budgeting.




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• Develop a water conservation program for York Region buildings. • Play a key role in the preparation and implementation of Source Water

Protection Plans. • Develop a surface permeability standard for new development. • Develop a comprehensive groundwater database with partners and

adjacent municipalities. • Support the Lake Simcoe Water Quality Improvement Program and

LSEMS Strategy. • Develop a River Restoration Strategy. • Support the Lake Ontario Restoration Initiative. • Examine innovative ways to improve storm water quality and reduce the

quantity of runoff. Economic Vitality

• Develop stronger relations with the business community. • Develop long-term infrastructure plans with significant lead time for

approval/construction. • Create an investment climate that encourages private sector

involvement. • Ensure efficient movement of goods. • Encourage sustainability-focused businesses to locate in York Region. • Promote a sustainable agriculture system in York Region, including an

emphasis on organic and local food sources. • Promote York Region as a “Centre” or “Campus” of Innovation.

Energy

• The Region, in the long term, should be an exporter of renewable energy.

• The Region should partner with energy providers. • Solicit creative energy solutions (e.g. wind power, LEED buildings). • Work to include a wider range of energy efficient technology in homes

and business, including green roofs, building materials, solar panels, district heating, Energy Star and R2000 construction standards.

• Petition the Province and Federal Governments to institute a comprehensive program of energy efficiency incentives.

• Promote and develop renewable energy sources in York Region. • Encourage green building standards for York Region community

building. • Promote and support local food production in York Region.

Intensification

• Achieve 40% intensification in built areas. • Focus on Centres and Corridors to accommodate growth. • Establish compact, transit supportive development standards for new

development (i.e. the other 60%) • Encourage mixed use, multi-storey retail/commercial development. • Petition the Province for more effective planning and fiscal tools to

achieve intensification.




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• Province should provide “as of right” development (pre-zoning) in Centres and Corridors where full planning studies have been completed.

• Help broker a development industry/ environmental sector campaign to proactively support intensification.

• Housing affordability and choice are key ingredients to a sustainable community

• Encourage a mix of uses. • Develop and implement “Alternative Development Standards” for the

design and construction of communities. • Emphasize quality urban design to create attractive communities with a

sense of place. • Implement transit supportive Land Use Planning Guidelines. • Organize a design charrette with all stakeholders to explore the issues

and opportunities in developing new Greenfield communities. Social/ Cultural

• Recognition and curation of Aboriginal Heritage. • Strengthen cultural heritage policies. • Highlight and address human health issues in York Region such as

exposure to toxins and youth obesity. Implementation/Measuring Success

• Develop clear targets and indicators to measure success in the economy, environmental protection and enhancement, as well as quality of life/ community

• Report regularly to the public and stakeholders on progress • Be prepared to adjust or augment policy programs and operations as

the result of monitoring. • Develop a budget for the implementation of TSYR recommendations

that outlines short-, medium- and long-term funding priorities, sources of funding and other cost considerations.

Public/ Stakeholder Engagement

• Region should develop a sustainable development communication plan. • Promote ongoing Public Information Centre. • Utilize the internet to make information and reports readily available. • Develop an outreach program to schools and youth.22

22 Towards Sustainability in York Region Advisory Group, Advice for a more Sustainable Regional Official Plan And a Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy For York Region. Final Report, April 2006. Not all elements of this advice were adopted but York Region has undertaken a comprehensive strategy to establish sustainability as a core element of all policies and actions.




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APPENDIX E: LIKELY IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN ON TARIO

A Senior Climatologist for Environment Canada, has evaluated the most significant storms in Ontario for the first few years of the 21st Century including studies of heavy rainfall events in Spring and Summer 2000 (7 storms, including the Walkerton event); the Northwest Ontario flood of 2002; the 2004 Peterborough storm; the 2004 remnants of Hurricane Frances; and the 2005 storm in Toronto. As an outcome of these in-depth studies, also citing the International Joint Commission reports and the report, Climate Change, Environment Canada reports the following:

• There are no consistent trends in extreme rain events in Ontario to date, but there is an increasing societal vulnerability to extremes

• Modeling of Ontario predicts an increase in extreme rain events (30 to 50% increase in days with 25 mm or more rainfall by late 21st century)

• A storm of a given size will occur more frequently (i.e., storm return values (2 to 100-year) will increase by 20 to 70% by late 21st century)

• Modeling predicts continued or worsening dry conditions in mid- to late-summer, but an increase of rainfall from April to November, which means that there will be heavier spring and fall storms with continued low water conditions in summer.

• As a result, flooding conditions will occur more frequently (a 10 to 80% increase is predicted for stream flow return periods by late 21st century).

On a regional basis, severe storms are becoming more common, with severe results:

• The remnants of Hurricane Frances in 2004 brought a new one-day rainfall record to Ottawa

• Over $200 million was spent to address infrastructure deficiencies following the Peterborough storm; about $87 million in insurance claims were reported

• The majority of the Peterborough storm sewer system was designed for the 2-year storm event; during the storm the groundwater inflow to the storm sewer system was five times normal

• The 2005 Toronto storm that tore out a portion of Finch Avenue was the most expensive storm in Ontario history with a cost of about $500 million

• The 21st century has already redefined the regional storm for northwest Ontario, and

Toronto has seen 7 storms in 20 years that have 25-year return periods (i.e., large storms that one would “expect” to see only once every 25 years)23.

23 This section is drawn from City of Kingston, “Sustainability and the New Official Plan: Official Plan Review Background Report” (2008)




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APPENDIX F: SUMMARY OF OFFICIAL PLAN POLICIES IN OTHER MUNICIPALITIES 24

City of Brampton 2006 Draft Official Plan ENERGY CONSERVATION 4.10.4 Implementation (Urban Design) 4.10.4.6 When utilizing the implementation tools stated in Section 4.10.4.3, all

development and redevelopment will be subject to the consideration of the following elements:

(xiii) Energy Conservation: How the physical design contributes to promote effective energy conservation e.g. how the building design and orientation maximize passive solar energy gain and minimize energy loss from prevailing winds; how plant materials are utilized to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer; and how land use and supporting facilities are arranged to encourage energy conservation lifestyles. CLIMATE CHANGE 4.4 Transportation: …In addition, there is an ongoing concern with vehicular emissions

contributing to air pollution and the creation of greenhouse gases that are triggering global climate changes.

SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE - Sustainability mainly mentioned in S.3, “Sustainable City Concepts” and in introductory paragraphs for some of the sections. 4.1.6 Affordable Housing 4.1.6.5 The City shall give consideration to alternative development standards to

facilitate housing affordability objectives in accordance with the principles of sustainability.

4.4.1 Transportation System 4.4.1.1 The City shall undertake to create a balanced transportation system consisting of

strategic elements relative to Roads, Transit, Highway Linkages, Rail, Pathways and other major transportation facilities that are accessible to all members of the Brampton community including persons with disabilities. A comprehensive set of specific initiatives and programs will be created to support each of the strategic elements to provide efficient and accessible transportation services that contribute towards economic vitality and a sustainable and healthy future for Brampton.

4.5.5 Groundwater Recharge/Discharge

24 This information first appeared in City of Kingston, “Sustainability and the New Official Plan: Official Plan Review Background Report” (2008)




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4.5.5.6 The City shall discourage land uses or agricultural practices, which exert impacts on groundwater resources that are not sustainable.

4.10.3.3 Transit Oriented Development 4.10.3.3.1 Transit-oriented development must be sustainable and affordable. 4.10.4 Implementation 4.10.4.1 Urban design objectives and principles shall form an integral part of the City’s

planning and decision-making processes to ensure that the goal of achieving an attractive and sustainable physical environment is met. All forms of development shall be subject to the policies of this section.

4.10.4.6 When utilizing the implementation tools stated in Section 4.10.4.3, all

development and redevelopment will be subject to the consideration of the following elements:

(i) Sustainability: How the design promotes the wise use of the limited resources especially non-renewable resources taking in account anticipated long term social, economic and environmental needs and projected ability to maintain the new buildings, landscapes and infrastructure.

City of Brantford (Consolidated Jan 2005) ENERGY CONSERVATION 10.6 Energy Conservation 10.6.1 The practical application of innovative ideas relating to energy conservation

through site planning, building design, renewable energy sources, alternative energy sources, and efficient equipment and operations will be encouraged throughout the municipality;

10.6.2 Development will be encouraged which conserves energy through appropriate community planning and design principles, a compact and contiguous urban form, and infilling and redevelopment within existing developed areas.

10.6.3 Mixed use developments, where complementary land uses would be concentrated as a means of conserving energy, will be encouraged.

10.6.4 Innovative zoning and subdivision designs that incorporate energy conserving principles will be encouraged.

10.6.5 Protection of solar access in all development will be encouraged to locate in areas with access to public transit.

10.6.6 High density residential development will be encouraged to locate in areas with access to public transit.

10.6.7 Council will encourage public transit use, pedestrian and bicycle traffic as energy conserving modes of transportation. New development will be encouraged to incorporate an integrated walkway and bicycle path system, where it is safe and secure to do so, interconnecting residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas, schools, public buildings and major recreation facilities.

10.6.8 Landscaping for winter and protection and summer solar protection will be encouraged by council and tree planting programs in rights-of-way and on private property which creates more temperate microclimates will be encouraged.




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City of Burlington (Council adopted revised OP 2006 ) ENERGY CONSERVATION 2.6 Energy Conservation and Environmental Management 2.6.2 Policies (excerpts) b) Best Management Practices for energy conservation and efficiency shall be utilized in

all facilities owned and operated by the City. c) Where feasible, alternative or innovative environmental friendly energy sources will

be utilized for City facilities. g) Energy conservation shall be encouraged through community and site planning,

design, and the use of energy-efficient materials and landscaping. When development applications are reviewed, consideration shall be given to energy conservation measures such as the solar orientation of streets and buildings, increased densities and the use of landscaping and building materials.

h) Energy conservation and efficiency shall be encouraged in all facilities owned and operated by the City, as well as in all new private development and /or redevelopment.

i) The City will encourage proposals for new and innovative methods of energy generation, including the construction of private wind power generating towers, subject to compatibility being achieved with surrounding land uses and the environment. Small-scale structures designed to serve individual residences shall not require an Official Plan amendment and may be considered through individual application for variance to the zoning by-law, or in the case of proposals in the Niagara Escarpment Planning Area, through individual applications for development permit. Large-scale wind farms are not permitted.

2.7 Sustainable Design and Compatibility 2.7.2 Policies b) Site plans will be reviewed for such sustainable development considerations such as

but not limited to: (iv) passive solar heating (vi) energy efficiency 5.5 Downtown Mixed Use Centre 5.5.8 Downtown Core Precinct 5.5.8.2 Policies J) Applications for increased building heights for mid to high rise buildings in the Downtown Core Precinct may be required to provide an angular plane study, identifying visual, sun shadowing and wind impacts, and demonstrating how such impacts can be mitigated to acceptable levels. 3.0 Transportation 3.2.2 Policies c) In developing the transportation system, the City shall evaluate and provide

infrastructure to allow for alternative travel modes based on its capabilities, cost-effectiveness, environmental impacts, health effects and energy consumption.

10.0 Community Improvement 10.3 Policies




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Criteria for designation of Community Improvement Project Areas shall be based on one or more of the following conditions being present: (v) buildings, building facades, and/or property, including buildings, structures and lands

of heritage and/or architectural significance, in need of preservation, restoration, repair, rehabilitation, energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements, or redevelopment;

(xii) any other environmental, energy efficiency or community development reasons. CLIMATE CHANGE 2.6 Sustainable Development and City Operations 2.6.2 Policies f) Wherever possible, the City will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE 2.3 General Policies b) The City will maintain a citizens’ advisory committee to advise and assist Council and

staff on the implementation of Principles and Objectives of Sustainable Development (see Appendix F) through the review of development applications and other matters of interest in accordance with the terms of reference adopted and periodically reviewed by Council.

2.6 Sustainable Development and City Operations 2.6.2 Policies e) Capital projects undertaken by the City will demonstrate compliance with the

principles and objectives of Sustainable Development as adopted by Council. 2.7 Sustainable Design and Compatibility 2.7.3 Policies Involves policies (a) through to (p) 3.0 Transportation 3.9.2 Policies Role of TDM a) The City recognizes the role of Travel Demand Management in

promoting the more efficient use of existing transportation infrastructure, making automobile use more sustainable, and promoting increased transit use. The proponent of a major employment development may be required, prior to the occupancy and use of land, to establish with the City a transportation demand management plan and implementation strategy for the development. Priority shall be given to measures that are not capital intensive (e.g. flexible work hours, priority parking spaces for car pool vehicles) and which are feasible given the scale, ultimate ownership and location of the development.

6.5 Design Guidelines Policies m) All development shall be designed having regard for Sustainable Development

considerations as set out in Part II, Section 2.7.2 of this Plan. 2.3 Community Benefits Provisions 2.3.2 Policies




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a) Community Benefits provisions pursuant to Section 37 of The Planning Act may be used by the City in the Zoning By-law to allow increases in height and density of development beyond those permitted by the Zoning By-law in exchange for facilities, services, or matters of public benefit as are set out in the Community Benefits section of the implementing Zoning By-law. The City may encourage the use of community benefits provisions with regard to the following matters:

(xii) provision of green technology and sustainable architecture, such as ‘green roofs;’ 2.5 Site Plan Control c) An application for Site Plan Control approval shall include the submission of plans and

drawings showing the location of all buildings and structures to be built and all facilities to be provided as part of the proposed development, as well as matters relating to exterior design, including without limitation, the character, scale, appearance and design features of buildings, and their sustainable design.

6.3 Environmental Monitoring In order to ensure the continuing effectiveness of policies for Sustainable Development and environmental protection as well as to meet Remedial Action Plan targets it is necessary to monitor the environment over an extended period of time. a) Once each Council term, the City shall prepare a State of the Environment Report to

serve as background information for the comprehensive review of the strategic plan and may utilize a citizens’ advisory committee for this purpose.

b) The State of the Environment report may include, but is not necessarily limited to, indicators of sustainable development under the headings of Environment, Economy and Quality of Life.

City of Cambridge (2004 OP Consolidation) ENERGY CONSERVATION 4.4 Urban Design 4.4.1 The City recognizes the importance of urban design to the quality of its

environment. In order to promote the practice of comprehensive urban design, the city shall establish guidelines or otherwise advance its interest in achieving key elements of desirable development including:

c) compact urban form in the interests of such matters as neighbourhood identity and the efficient use of energy, land and infrastructure.

18.14 Conservation of Resources The City encourages the conservation practices of reduction, re-use and recycling. In particular, the protection of air, land and water, as well as energy and building conservation, and waste reduction are recognized as key issues in land use planning matters. SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE 2.2 Settlement Pattern It is the policy of the City: a) To plan for a moderate and environmentally sustainable level of growth in the City of

Cambridge to a forecast population of 132,300 by the year 2016;




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City of Guelph (2005 Consolidation) ENERGY CONSERVATION

3.8 Energy Conservation and Climate Change Protection Objective a) To promote a compact urban form and develop an energy efficient pattern and mix of

land use. b) To maximize opportunities for the use of energy efficient modes of travel and reduce

energy consumption for motor vehicles within the City. c) To ensure efficient site planning and design for future subdivisions and development

projects. d) To encourage energy efficient building design and construction techniques that

minimizes space heating and cooling energy consumption. e) To promote a reduction in energy consumption in all sectors by encouraging the

upgrading/retrofitting of existing buildings and facilities. f) To encourage a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in order to minimize Guelph’s

contribution to climate change impacts. General Policies 3.8.1 The City will encourage and facilitate, where feasible, the effective use and conservation of energy through the upgrading and retrofitting of buildings and facilities. 3.8.2 In an effort to promote increased sustainability, the City will implement a climate

change protection program that is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy consumption in Guelph. The year 2010 targets for this program are set to reduce corporate Municipality greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and community greenhouse gas emissions by 6%, based on 1994 baseline emissions. To implement this program, the following steps will be completed:

a) Prepare a baseline emissions analysis and outline a forecast of emissions growth; b) Establish reduction targets for the community c) Develop and implement action plans that assist in reducing emission and energy use

in the City’s operations and the community at large. These action plans will include City leadership initiatives as well as measures to improve community information and heighten awareness; and

d) Establish a benchmarking and monitoring system to measure the success of this program.

3.8.3 The City may, by amendment to this Plan, introduce specific policies and regulations requiring energy conservation and climate protection measures.

Urban Form 3.8.4 It is the policy of this Plan to promote a compact urban form in order to reduce

energy used for municipal services, transportation and space heating by: a) Phasing expansion and directing development to areas contiguous to the built-up

edge of the City in order to optimize use of existing infrastructure b) Encourage the infill of vacant and underutilized lands as well as residential

intensification;




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c) Considering increased density of residential development; and d) Discourage the down-zoning of existing of multiple-unit zoned land in instances

where multiple-unit density buildings are appropriate. Land Use 3.8.4 It is the policy of this Plan to promote an energy efficient pattern and miss of land use by: a) Encouraging the concentration of major economic activity; b) Encouraging the distribution of convenience food stores and personal services within

walking/cycling distance of residential areas; c) Encouraging joint education /recreation facilities close to high density residential

areas; d) Discouraging strip commercial development along the major roads of the City; e) Restricting service commercial and highway-oriented service commercial

development to designated areas; f) Encouraging combined forms of commercial development, with shared parking,

limited entrances, and shared walls; and g) Promoting mixed use commercial-residential development in appropriate locations. Site and Design 3.8.6. In order to reduce artificial heating/cooling demands, it is the policy of the City to encourage energy efficient design in the preparation and approval of secondary plan, plans of subdivision and site plans. 1) The City will encourage more intensive development (higher density) for all forms of housing in plans of subdivision. 2) The City will encourage innovative design that optimizes the potential for alternative technologies, energy production and conservation. 3) The City will encourage the retention of woodlands and the expansion of tree cover to assist in moderating micro-climatic conditions in localized areas of the City. 2.87 Where solar access has been incorporated into subdivision or building site plan design, the City may pass by-laws or otherwise regulate the height and construction on lands which could cast shadows on adjacent building. 2.8.8 The City will facilitate a reduction in energy consumption for the construction and servicing requirements of subdivision and other development by: a) Considering the use of alternative development standards; and b) Maintaining the policy of requiring gravity feed sanitary sewers. 3.8.9 The City will promote the application of energy conservation measures in the design and construction of new buildings and in the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing buildings and structures.




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Transportation 3.8.10 Since transportation is the largest user of energy, it is the policy of this Plan to

reduce per capita energy consumption for motor vehicle travel by encouraging land use patterns which reduce travel needs, and maximizing the opportunity to use more energy-efficient modes of travel such a public transit, cycling and walking.

1) The City will promote land use measures to reduce the length and frequency of vehicular trips.

2) The City will maintain, and improve, where feasible, the free flow of traffic on existing and future roads.

3) The City will actively promote the use of public transit by support “transit friendly” land use planning measures.

4) The City will provide facilities for walking and cycling. 5) The City will encourage measures to increase automobile occupancy rates. City of Hamilton (2005) ENERGY CONSERVATION c.8 Energy 8.1 To promote energy efficiency in the growth and management of the City, Council will

endeavour to achieve the following: i) investigate and evaluate existing development practices and identify where new and

innovative energy efficiency measures, such as the use of the sun as an energy source, can be introduced by the development industry;

ii) encourage proponents of future development and/nor redevelopment to adopt, and incorporate in their proposal, energy saving measures to optimize the use of energy sources;

iii) formulate energy-oriented planning policies, with particular emphasis on mixed use, compact and higher density development and any other energy efficient development forms;

i) co-operate with the appropriate public and private agencies to inform the public of

energy concerns and promote energy conservation; ii) co-operate with other levels of government and private industry to assess the merit

of new and innovative energy conserving measures applicable to the City’ iii) promote the reduction of energy consumption and dependency on non-renewable

energy sources, particularly City owned, maintained, and/or operated facilities; iv) encourage greater use of public transit facilities as a means of conserving energy;

and v) co-operate with the Region to develop an efficient waste recycling program to protect

and conserve the supply of natural resources and energy. 8.2 Council will require that new residential areas of the City be planned in an energy efficient manner. Accordingly, it is intended in the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans, the following criteria be utilized to establish an energy efficient land use pattern i) define the energy characteristics of the environment and land form including surface

feature and drainage patterns by: a) utilizing climatic data, such as, but not limited to, air quality, temperature

fluctuation, hours of sunlight, heating and cooling degree days, precipitation and




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wind speed frequency/direction; b) constructing a topographic profile including slope gradient and orientation; c) evaluating all natural and man made features;

ii) design a street pattern by: a) aligning local roads in a direction that maximizes the use of direct solar energy; b) minimizing the length of local roads and reducing pavement widths; and c) limiting the number of access points from collector roads to arterial roads;

iii) distribute housing types in a manner that would maximize energy conservation. 8.3 Council will require in the design of any development or redevelopment proposals, the following features to be incorporated, where possible: a) the orientation of buildings in a manner that maximizes the use of direct solar energy; b) the elimination of shadow casting onto adjacent existing and approved buildings; c) the utilization or proper siting of plant material, have regard to their shadow casting

and windbreaking abilities Rural Hamilton Official Plan (September, 2006) ENERGY CONSERVATION 3.1.3 The following uses shall be permitted in the Agriculture, Specialty Crop, Rural,

Open Space and Utilities designations, provided the following conditions are met: a) A small scale wind energy facility generating electricity only for an individual property

shall be permitted as an accessory structure, subject to the requirements of the Zoning By-law and the Niagara Escarpment Plan, where applicable

3.4 Utilities 3.4.1 Lands designated Utilities shall be for electric power facilities, pipeline facilities and

natural gas pipelines, storm water management facilities, solid waste management facilities, water and wastewater service facilities, municipal works yards, major easements or rights of way and commercial wind farms.

5.5 Waste Management Facilities 5.5.2 New methods of waste disposal such as Energy from Waste shall be explored by

the City to optimize the capacity of the Glanbrook landfill. SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE 1.16 Public Participation and Notification Policies One of the principles of sustainability is open and participatory government. In recognition of this principle, the City shall involve the various people and organizations throughout the City, including residents, business, special interest groups, non-governmental organizations and other levels of government Region of Hamilton-Wentworth Official Plan (June, 2 005) ENERGY CONSERVATION




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2.2 Energy Conservation 2.2.1 Facilitate energy conservation by: a) incorporating energy conservation practices in the design, construction and operation

of Regional capital works and equipment, and request that similar actions be undertaken by the area municipalities;

b) promoting compact urban form; c) developing and applying energy conservation criteria to assist in the evaluation of

private and public undertakings of regional significance; and, d) encouraging public and private agencies, industrial/ commercial operations, and

individuals to participate in energy conservation programs. 2.2.2 Promote innovation in housing design to facilitate the construction of energy efficient housing and encourage and promote the utilization of solar energy for space heating, where feasible. 3.1.1 Compact Mixed Use Form 3.1.1.7 Review, in conjunction with Area Municipalities, development standards and

policies which influence urban form, such as setbacks and road-widths and provide information on alternative development standards or subdivision layout which are more energy-efficient or require less land.

SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE -Entire document is subtitled, “Towards a Sustainable Region”. Therefore, terminology used throughout. Examples: HEALTH In striving to become a healthier community, attributes such as cohesiveness, biological/ environmental sustainability and economic prosperity must be emphasized. Therefore, the Region will: In the past, human activities which harvested vital elements of the natural setting tended to occur with little regard for cumulative, long term implications. New understanding of ecosystem function and the impacts of development allow us to manage our activities in such a way that the remaining natural areas are conserved or enhanced. Resource utilization of these natural areas should be carried out in a responsible manner, on the basis of sustainability. Soils are recognized as indispensable to the sustainability of this Region. 2.1.1 Agricultural Soils Protection Agricultural sustainability is a key element in the ability of future generations to feed themselves. The Region's approximately 42,500 hectares of cropland produces a variety of commodities. Maintaining the integrity of Urban and Rural Areas is a fundamental component of a land use strategy that is based on the principles of sustainability. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES




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Funding to facilitate Regional responsibilities will reflect the Region's commitment to sustainability. This will be accomplished through maximum use of existing Regional facilities and resources, efficient delivery of Regional services, provision of funds to implement the policies of this Plan, and a long term commitment to "pay as you go" capital financing. City of Kingston (policies currently in effect) ENERGY CONSERVATION 3.13.3 Energy Conservation Policies a) the use of public transit services should be encouraged through such means as

scheduling, route selection, maintenance, and facilities design; b) opportunities for development of bicycle paths and pedestrian access systems,

should be developed in the context of preparation and review of public works, community improvement, and private development initiatives;

c) the integration of public transportation systems should be arranged wherever possible to facilitate user access and convenience and system efficiency. Consideration should be given to the development of an inter-modal transportation facility in accordance with the policies of section 6.3(e) of this Plan;

d) safe, convenient, and efficient movement between land use areas should be provided through the application of relevant urban design principles;

e) energy-conscious building and site design should be encouraged in conjunction with site-specific assessment of micro-climatic conditions;

f) the siting and orientation of buildings should be arranged to maximize solar gain and minimize heat loss through infiltration and the cooling effects of winter winds;

g) the design of new development should accommodate adjacent existing buildings to ensure that solar access is protected and shadowing minimized. In some cases proponents may be required to prepare shadowgrams;

h) the Kingston wind rose identified by Environment Canada should be considered in the siting and orientation of new buildings and the design and location of public and private open spaces;

i) application of the building insulation guidelines of the Ontario Building Code should be encouraged and exceeded wherever possible;

j) improvement of the thermal performance of existing buildings should be encouraged through retrofitting and upgrading of heating and cooling systems;

k) landscaping should be designed and maintained to support energy conservation through such means as species selection, spacing, and the location of basic landscaping elements.

Former Township of Kingston (policies currently in effect) ENERGY CONSERVATION S. 2-3.2 Community Design Principles It is an objective of this Plan to set out design principles which are consistent with the principles of sustainable development. To achieve this objective new development and redevelopment will be encouraged to be designed in a manner which: (8) incorporates energy efficient features as may be appropriate




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S. 4-2.9.5 Urban Design Principles It is the intent of this Plan to promote the development of an attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable urban environment within Cataraqui North by consistently applying the following Urban Design Principles in the consideration of all private and public development projects: (c) encouraging energy efficient designs for plans of subdivision, site plans, buildings,

and public works. City of Kitchener ENERGY CONSERVATION Energy Conservation 1. Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing buildings through a minimum

Property Standards By-law to increase energy efficiency. Encourage the adoption of programs which will assist in the retrofitting of existing buildings to passive or active highly insulated buildings and other alternative fuels.

2. Encourage the building and development industries to incorporate energy efficiency

into buildings and design and to market a more energy efficient product. Support the initiatives of Regional, Provincial and Federal levels of government by participating in energy conservation programs. Cooperate with these levels of government and with private industry to assess the merits of potential energy conservation measures and to increase the use of renewable energy sources, wherever financially feasible.

3. Seek the support and cooperation of individual groups and organizations in

community wide energy conservation, through the distribution of energy conservation information, public education programs and displays, pilot projects and demonstration programs and through the example of energy conservation at the municipal level.

4. Continue to investigate means by which realistic energy conservation strategies and

opportunities can be achieved. 5. Develop a program for updating a Community Energy Profile which will document

energy consumption by fuel and land use type and which will be used to identify areas for potential energy conservation.

6. Promote the reduction in energy consumption in all City-owned, maintained and

operated facilities and equipment in a cost-effective manner. 7. Encourage, where feasible, heating schemes including low grade energy from

industrial, residential, commercial and institutional sources. 6 Urban Design 6.1 City Wide Urban Design 6.1.12 Landscaping Appropriate landscaping shall be required in all development in order to achieve the




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following: vii) protection from excessive wind and sun i) achieve energy conservation 6.1.23 Street and Building Orientation In areas of new development, the city shall encourage orientation of streets and/or lot

design/building design with optimum southerly exposures. Such orientation will optimize opportunities for active or passive solar space hearting and water heating. Also, where appropriate the city shall encourage direct sunlight access to all existing or future solar collector panels or solar oriented glass be protected during winter daylight hours.

6.1.14 Energy Efficiency Zoning regulations may accommodate building orientation, landscaping, lot coverage,

and other design feature in exchange for increased energy efficiency and enhancement of renewable energy sources.

SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE Downtown Policies 2. A Liveable, green Downtown

vii) Encourage, incent and support the use of L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) techniques and roof top gardens.

City of London (Proposed text changes to OP - 2007) ENERGY CONSERVATION 2.9 Environmental Planning 2.9.3. Environmental Strategies Council will consider the following strategies in the pursuit of the Environmental Goal: xvi) The City shall promote energy conservation and improved air quality by: (a) initiating, participating, and cooperating in conservation programs, including public

education and awareness programs; (b) encouraging denser, contiguous development: intensification of existing built up

areas and the efficient use of existing infrastructure; (c) incorporating energy conservation measures into site design, and into the design,

construction and renovation of buildings; and (d) encouraging the use of walking, bicycling, public transit and car pooling as

alternatives to private automobile use; (e) encouraging tree planting for windbreak protection and shade; (f) focusing major employment, commercial and other travel intensive land uses on sites

that are well served by existing or planned public transit service, and which facilitate the establishment of public transit;

(g) improving the mix of employment and housing uses to shorten commute journeys and decrease transportation congestion; and

(h) promote design and orientation of subdivisions and developments, which maximize the use of alternative or renewable energy systems, such as solar and wind energy, at appropriate locations.

18.2.11 Public Transit Policies




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vii) Council shall investigate and implement, together with the London Transit Commission, the business community, and the public, new initiatives for the cost-effective and energy efficient movement of people by public transit, primarily through and around the Downtown area but also major employment centres and activity nodes. 11.1 Urban Design Policies 11.1.1 Design Principles ix) The design and positioning of new buildings should have regard for the impact of the

proposed development on year-round sunlight conditions on adjacent properties and streets. In reviewing proposed development, access to sunlight for adjacent properties should be maximized to enhance the potential for energy conservation and the amenity of residential areas and open space areas, such as parkettes and outdoor plazas.

x) Landscaping should be used to conserve energy and water, enhance the appearance of building setback and yard areas, contribute to the blending of new and existing development and screen parking, loading, garbage and service facilities from adjacent properties and streets.

xx) New developments should be designed to minimize energy and water use and where feasible, to provide for the conservation of building materials through re-use, recycling and renovation.

City of Mississauga (Consolidated 2004) ENERGY CONSERVATION 2.7 Environment 2.7.2.10 To encourage energy conservation and reduce air pollution and greenhouse

gas emissions through site and community design, which supports alternative forms of transportation such as transit, cycling and walking

3.12 Environment Energy Conservation a) Mississauga will promote efficient use of energy through the following actions and

initiatives: -encourage development that is compact and compatible with existing development; - encourage infilling and development where appropriate; - encourage the location of public transit facilities and areas of medium and high density development in proximity to each other; - encourage mixed use development which reduce travel needs by integrating residential, commercial, employment, community, and recreational land uses, where permitted; -provide services and facilities which area accessible to pedestrians and cyclists; Encourage incorporation of appropriate energy conservation features in building design and construction…

b) encourage Province, Region and public and private utilities to enhance and expand their energy conservation initiatives; c) Mississauga will continue to pursue energy conservation in its corporate operations. 3.14 Urban Design Proposals for buildings higher than three (3) storeys will be designed to minimize overlook conditions, obstructions of grade level vistas and overshadowing of any adjacent properties. In this regard, sun and shadow studies, view studies and micro-climate studies may be required to determine the impacts of the proposal.




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3.15.4 Urban Form 3.15.4.3 Building and site designs which conserve energy and water will be encouraged.

Energy conservation will be addressed at the development application stage and during the preparation of building and site designs. Buildings should, wherever possible, be designed, constructed, oriented, and landscaped to minimize interior heat loss and to capture and retain solar heat energy in winter and to minimize solar heat penetration in summer.

City of Pickering (2005) ENERGY CONSERVATION General Policies 2.5 City Council will endeavour to: (d) encourage energy and water conservation, and the reduction, reuse and recycling of

waste Rural Area 2.2.4 Rural Employment Opportunities City Council shall accommodate rural employment opportunities in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, primarily as follows: (c) through rural diversification, including compatible recreational uses, businesses

related to environmental rehabilitation or energy and resource conservation, home occupations, home businesses, and;

4.0 Transportation 4.12 Environmental Considerations City Council shall, (a) consider converting, where necessary and feasible, municipal vehicles to low

emission and energy efficient vehicles 5.0 Economic Development 5.3 Job Creation and Diversification City Council shall establish a balanced, long-term program of local job creation with particular focus on the following, (c) building on existing energy producing, conservation, and environmental businesses Resource Protection and Enhancement - City Policy 10.9 City Council recognizes the importance of water and energy conservation; accordingly, Council shall: a) encourage the construction of water conserving and energy efficient buildings; b) encourage the maintenance or establishment of tree cover which provides winter

shelter and summer shading; c) encourage the placement of buildings to optimize passive solar energy gain to the

building site and adjacent lands; d) encourage water and energy conservation in all facilities owned and operated by the

City.




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13.4 City Council shall, a) evaluate existing vegetation to be preserved on properties subject to development

against the following criteria i) its ability to provide shading, screening or noise attenuation, both on-site and for

surrounding properties SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE -Vision with: “urban and rural sustainability” -However, our economic prosperity is tied to our ability to maintain healthy ecological and social systems -Rather than using the term ‘sustainability’, Pickering describes it using a ‘system’ and ‘interconnectedness’ framework 5.0 Economic Development 5.2 Economic Objectives City Council shall, (b) identify, attract and support businesses that can provide local employment opportunities that are socially and ecologically responsible, and that operate in a global economic setting…” City of Sarnia (2004 consolidation ) ENERGY CONSERVATION 2.3.2.2 Policies for Residential Uses 2.3.2.2.6 The City will encourage innovative housing designs particularly those which

offer energy efficiency, reduced municipal expenditures or lower costs to purchasers.

2.7 MAJOR OPEN SPACE AREAS 2.7.1 General Policies 2.7.1.7 The City shall endeavour to promote the use of bicycle and pedestrian corridors

wherever possible in the interests of fiscal responsibility, energy conservation, good health, recreation and environmental protection.

5.8 Energy Conservation 5.8.1 The City will promote the following energy conservation policies throughout the

municipality: a) encourage the use of public transit services through such means as scheduling, route

selection, maintenance, and facilities design; b) consider opportunities for the development of bicycle paths and pedestrian access

systems in the context of preparation and review of public works, community improvement, and private development initiatives;

c) provide safe, convenient and efficient movement of pedestrians and vehicles between land use areas through the application of relevant urban design principles

d) encourage energy conscious building and site design in conjunction with site specific assessment of micro-climate conditions;

e) arrange the siting and orientation of buildings to maximize solar gain and minimize heat loss;




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f) encourage the design of new development to accommodate adjacent existing buildings to ensure that solar access is protected and shadowing minimized; and

g) encourage landscaping which is designed and maintained to support energy conservation through such means as species selection, spacing and the location of landscaping elements.

SUSTAINABILITY/SUSTAINABLE 1.5.4 Physical Goals 1.5.4.1 Environmental 6. Encouragement of sustainable development and pollution prevention.

october 29, 2008 - peel region...brampton, on l6t 4b9 via fax: 905-791-7920 comments are requested...

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