1 York Region Sustainability Strategy “Towards a Sustainable Region” Preliminary Draft Planning and Economic Development Committee March 7, 2007

2 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

3 Trends Affecting the Region York Region Global Aging Society Ethnically Diverse Society Energy Use Obesity Cardiovascular Disease Pandemics Mental Illnesses Increasing Urbanization Resources Consumption Lifestyle Choices Poverty Social Isolation Pace of Growth Human Services Infrastructure Natural Heritage Intensification Agriculture Quality of Life Water & Air Quality Financial Resources Energy Public Health Climate Change

4 What did our Public Say? recognition of the Links between a strong economy, housing and transportation 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 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. the provision of Human Services that keeps pace with Growth. reduction of Energy consumption and exploring alternative sources reduction of Energy consumption and exploring alternative sources Culture, heritage and good design are essential to our Communities Culture, heritage and good design are essential to our Communities provision of future Employment land and opportunities. provision of future Employment land and opportunities.

5 Why a Sustainability Strategy? Makes Good Business Sense Makes Good Business Sense Translates Theory into Practical Action Translates Theory into Practical Action Improves Regional Image/ Credibility Improves Regional Image/ Credibility Align/Coordinate Current Initiatives/ Directions Align/Coordinate Current Initiatives/ Directions Expectation of the Public and Regional Employees Expectation of the Public and Regional Employees PURPOSE: Long-term framework for making smarter decisions about growth management and municipal responsibilities that better integrate the economy, environment and community.

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

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

8Partnerships Regional Council Area Municipalities Province Federal Public Private Sector Interest Groups Community Leaders Education Sector Conservation Authorities

9 The Function of the Strategy Plans & Strategies Update Implement Monitor Vision HOW WHAT and more…

10 Guiding Principles for Implementation 1. Leadership and a Long-Term View 2. Short-term Achievable Actions Contribute Towards Sustainability Legacy 3. Triple-Bottom Line Approach 4. Improvement and Innovation 5. Targets and Monitoring 6. Partnerships and Engagement 7. Raise Awareness and Education 8. Sustainable Lifestyles, Needs & Expectations

11 Action Areas 1. Corporate Culture of Sustainability 2. Healthy Communities 3. Economic Vitality 4. Sustainable Natural Environment 5. Education, Engagement and Partnerships 6. Sustainability Implementation and Monitoring

12 Action Examples

13 Action Examples Cont’d

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