Sustainable Development

Our Region's Status

Without sustainable development planning, urbanization can have negative impacts on our farmland, water quality, rural areas, transportation routes and environmentally sensitive areas. As developable land near metropolitan core areas and major centres becomes scarce, neighbourhoods are built farther away from the city.

Our region has experienced steady growth in the past and this is expected to continue into the future. Greater efforts are needed to accommodate growth through higher densities and investments in multi-modal transportation systems in order to support economic vitality, strengthen community wellbeing and respect the limits of natural systems. Cultural norms and expectations regarding low density development may need to change to achieve a more sustainable built form.

Help Shape Our Future

To learn more about the regional context and policy options developed for regional sustainable development read the Sustainable Development Policy Option Paper.