Pickering updating green development standards

A green city is a well-designed city, but what worked to make the City of Pickering an environmental champion in 2007 will need some new growth to work in 2021.

City staff received approval last week to update the Sustainable Design Standards for new development and re-development that has guided planning in Pickering for the past 14 years and positioned the City as a leader in sustainable building and development.

Green development practices have evolved quite a bit since 2007 and Council declared it’s “important” that these new guidelines reflect the innovative green best practices and technology of today, as well as the work being done by both the City and Region of Durham to address climate change, support urban forests, pollinators, waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, and access to local food and greenspaces.

This work will be funded through the Atmospheric Fund, with Pickering receiving an $86,000 grant. The Region of Durham will also contribute $10,000 to support these efforts, allowing the City to retain Urban Equation Corp., a consulting firm with significant expertise in the field of sustainable community building, to lead the project.

“The City of Pickering is recognized nationally as a leader in sustainability, and this exciting project will serve to bolster that reputation,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “By partnering with the Atmospheric Fund and the Region of Durham, we will be able to engage with our residents and stakeholders in establishing a leading edge development framework that will help ultimately help build a more sustainable city.”

Durham Chairman John Henry agreed, noting that updated design standards are “an important tool to help ensure that our communities are resilient to the changing climate and support our collective goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the path to net zero by mid-century.”

Those interested in participating are invited to stay tuned at LetsTalkPickering.ca, where a project will be launched with various community engagement opportunities.