Pearson Eco-Business Zone Policy Harmonization Feasibility Study

Aerial view of Toronto Pearson International Airport

Partners in Project Green (a partnership managed by the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority) created tools to help harmonize land-use policies in the eco-industrial area around Toronto's airport.

Designated as the Pearson Eco-Business Zone, the area is governed by four municipalities: the Region of Peel, the City of Toronto, the City of Mississauga and the City of Brampton. To help the municipalities coordinate their bylaws and land-use policies, Partners in Project Green developed tools that include policy templates, training materials, examples of eco-business best practices, and case studies.

The toolkit will help pave the way for eco-business practices across the zone and business-to-business collaboration on greening operations, site design and municipal infrastructure.

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • Eco-friendly development initiatives will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Green stormwater treatment and wastewater systems will improve water quality
  • Municipalities will see more tax revenue with the promotion of green business
  • Businesses will save on administrative costs and staff time thanks to streamlined processes
  • Improved site design and building requirements will make the eco-business zone a better place to work
  • Walkability and transit will be a focus, as will green space

Challenges

  • Involving staff from across municipal departments, since many of the proposed policy tools affected multiple areas
  • Keeping the project from stretching out too long, with so many people to be consulted

Lessons learned

  • Get the development industry and business groups on board - their perspective on policy barriers to green development is vital.
  • Engage planning, engineering and other relevant departments from the get-go.
  • Present examples to both municipal staff and developers of how planning tools and incentives have worked elsewhere.

Partners and Collaborators

Project Contact

Chandra Sharma
Senior Manager
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
T. 416-661-6600, ext. 5316

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