Report: Sustainable land use practices in Canadian municipalities
The report identifies 10 replicable “high impact” practices with major potential to increase land use sustainability, lower GHG emissions and provide triple bottom line benefits (economic, social and environmental).
LAND USE
Report
Canadian municipalities face several key land use challenges, including lack of infrastructure, cost of housing and climate change impacts. So finds this Green Municipal Fund report focused on the main issues, strategic directions and best practices in the land use sector. The report provides examples of how municipalities are planning and designing new development, retrofitting and redeveloping existing built environments, and preserving and restoring natural areas.
The report identifies 10 replicable “high impact” practices with major potential to increase land use sustainability, lower GHG emissions and provide triple bottom line benefits (economic, social and environmental). They include:
- encouraging intensification through minimum density targets and infill guidelines,
- carbon-neutral mixed-use redevelopment,
- and “complete streets” strategies that accommodate all modes of transportation.
The most innovative and important currents of change in sustainable land use are also summarized. Examples range from an affordable rental housing strategy in New Westminster, BC to urban forest master planning in Halifax, NS.
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