York Region Sustainability Strategy Towards a Sustainable Region Preliminary Draft

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York Region Sustainability StrategyTowards a
Sustainable RegionPreliminary Draft

• Planning and Economic Development Committee
• March 7, 2007

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What does Sustainability Mean to York Region?

• development that meets the needs of the present
  without comprising the ability of future
  Generations to meet their own.

triple-bottom line sustainability integrating
values of Economic vitality, healthy Communities
and sustainable natural Environment
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Trends Affecting the Region
Global
Aging Society
Ethnically Diverse Society
Social Isolation
York Region
Mental Illnesses
Pace of Growth
Poverty
Water Air Quality
Energy
Energy Use
Human Services
Lifestyle Choices
Quality of Life
Agriculture
Infrastructure
Obesity
Intensification
Public Health
Resources Consumption
Natural Heritage
Financial Resources
Cardiovascular Disease
Increasing Urbanization
Climate Change
Pandemics
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What did our Public Say?

• recognition of the Links between a strong
  economy, housing and transportation
• recognition of the value of our Natural Capital
  and the carrying capacity of the land
• the provision of Human Services that keeps pace
  with Growth.

• reduction of Energy consumption and exploring
  alternative sources
• Culture, heritage and good design are essential
  to our Communities
• provision of future Employment land and
  opportunities.

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Why a Sustainability Strategy?
PURPOSE Long-term framework for making smarter
decisions about growth management and municipal
responsibilities that better integrate the
economy, environment and community.

• Makes Good Business Sense
• Translates Theory into Practical Action
• Improves Regional Image/ Credibility
• Align/Coordinate Current Initiatives/ Directions
• Expectation of the Public and Regional Employees

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Regional Achievements

• Public Transit and VIVA Rapid Transit
• Water for Tomorrow
• Greening and Land Securement Initiatives
• Human Services Inclusivity Action Plan
• Housing Strategy
• Tom Taylor Place Energy Efficient Affordable
  Housing
• Corporate Clean Air Task Force
• LEED Buildings Programs Retrofits
• Smart Commute Initiative
• Wind Energy Feasibility Studies
• Centres and Corridors Strategies
• Waste Diversion Strategy
• And much more

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Local Achievements

• East Gwillimbury Energy Star Program
• Markham Green Bins, Pathway and Trails Master
  Plan
• Newmarket Pesticides By-Law
• Richmond Hill Wind Energy Project and
  Intensification Study
• Vaughan Sustainable Community Project Block 39

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Partnerships
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The Function of the Strategy
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Guiding Principles for Implementation

• Leadership and a Long-Term View
• Short-term Achievable Actions Contribute Towards
  Sustainability Legacy
• Triple-Bottom Line Approach
• Improvement and Innovation
• Targets and Monitoring
• Partnerships and Engagement
• Raise Awareness and Education
• Sustainable Lifestyles, Needs Expectations

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Action Areas

• Corporate Culture of Sustainability
• Healthy Communities
• Economic Vitality
• Sustainable Natural Environment
• Education, Engagement and Partnerships
• Sustainability Implementation and Monitoring

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Action Examples
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Action Examples Contd
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Next Steps

• Endorse Preliminary Draft (March)
• Consult with Key Stakeholders (April/May)
• Final Draft to Council (June)
• Continue with Implementation
• Annual Progress Reports to Council