Case Studies

To save money, cut energy use, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the Peace River Regional District and four adjoining municipalities collectively developed plans to promote renewable-resource power and heating systems, as well as energy-efficient land use, waste disposal, travel and construction practices.

Learn about Cranbrook, BC's award-winning project to reclaim wastewater for irrigation.

Follow Ottawa's lead and integrate transit and cycling to increase bike use year-round.

Learn how a Quebec community creates biogas plus environmental and economic benefits from organic waste.

Learn how Brampton, ON, is preparing its older suburbs for climate change.

This article is part of a series called Six sustainability ideas that have gone mainstream in Canada.

The Town of Ladysmith commissioned three studies of contamination at a former industrial site on its waterfront, to review options for remediation.

As part of a plan to build a University of Waterloo satellite campus next to its downtown core, the City of Stratford completed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Remedial Action Plan for the Cooper Site, a 7-hectare former industrial site.

The City of Saint John studied the feasibility of a district energy system to serve buildings in the downtown area. These systems distribute thermal energy from a central facility to heat and cool multiple buildings.

The Town of Ladysmith developed a Sustainable Action Plan that provides the framework for sustainable prosperity throughout the 21st century. Adopting the plan is an important step toward achieving the Town's Sustainability Vision, which it developed in 2008-2009.

To revive a downtown drained of stores and shoppers by malls on the highway that has skirted the community since 1990, the district of West Kelowna drafted a 25-year plan to remake the central Westbank Centre neighbourhood as a pedestrian-friendly place to live, work and play.

Eager to showcase green technologies and save on electrical costs, Toronto's Exhibition Place replaced 50 high-pressure sodium lampposts along a pedestrian walkway with light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures.

To increase the efficiency of its water treatment process and reduce the use of chemicals, the City of Thunder Bay studied different methods for cleaning filtration membranes at its Bare Point Drinking Water Treatment Plant.

To make this northern Manitoba mining community a healthier, more sustainable, and recreation-rich place to live, the City of Thompson adopted a plan to enhance the wintertime appeal of its parks.

The City of Cold Lake studied the feasibility of different wastewater treatment systems to improve effluent quality.

The City of Grande Prairie studied the feasibility of turning a four-lane thoroughfare into a mixed-use street with bike lanes, wider sidewalks, shopping and other amenities.

Marwayne, AB revitalized its Center Street and reduced village's carbon footprint while creating an appealing space for residents doing day-to-day business and attending public events.

The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier created a sustainable community plan to influence planning and development decisions affecting village infrastructure, transportation, community design and the environment.

Already known for environmental sustainability, the City of Vancouver has adopted a plan to become the world's greenest city by 2020.

The northwest B.C. Town of Smithers has completed comprehensive sustainability plans that will reduce public and private sector energy use and GHG emissions.