Sustainable Community Plan for the Town of Collingwood

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TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLAN Goal: Minimizing Resource Use Recommended Actions Key Considerations for Sustainable Decision-Making Thinking long term Making balanced decisions Reducing our ecological footprint Engaging residents On going learning In-process and Future Action a) Develop an action plan so that the municipality becomes a “carbonneutral” operation. b) Continue to work with the County to develop a comprehensive and sustainable waste management strategy that explores stringent diversion rates and options for reducing waste and recycling. c) Protect and ensure a safe supply of drinking water through effective water management. d) Establish minimum building standards of LEED Gold (or equivalent) for all new Town of Collingwood buildings. e) Develop a sustainable purchasing policy for the Town of Collingwood. Results • To conserve and reduce energy use through energy saving techniques and alternative energy options • Consideration of options which are clean, green and healthy for the residents of Collingwood. • To offset increasing energy costs • To develop an audit of energy use by the Town • To reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Continue to reduce the amount of waste that must be landfilled • Encouraging residents and staff to remember the hierarchy of “R’s”: reduce consumption, reuse items and recycle • Protection of the water supply to ensure safe potable water for residents • Reduce energy and water use by municipal operations • Town to lead by example • To examine current consumption patterns • To encourage the use of more environmentally-friendly products 20
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLAN 2.3.4 Strengthening Our Economy Goal: Strengthening Our Economy What We’ve Heard The desire of participants, staff and Council is for a community that supports a diversified economy with a variety of viable industries. In a sustainable community, this would be coupled with post-secondary and training opportunities to ensure a variety of employment options and a skilled work force that is interested in living and working in Collingwood. During the workshops, participants validated the connection between a strong regional economy and a healthy, vibrant community. Participants raised the notions of self-reliance, entrepreneurial activity, sustainable industries and the generation of wealth to support our community’s future needs. Economic activities in the Town of Collingwood have evolved from a town traditionally reliant on shipbuilding and railway, to a more robust industrial town and now a Town largely impacted by tourism and the service industry. Many citizens felt that the service industry provided lower wages and less security than other employment options. Many participants felt that more options should be available for employment in all sectors (i.e. industry, high tech, etc.) to ensure a sustainable economic future. With respect to the harbour, some felt there was an opportunity to “open up” the waterfront by exploring development incentives for small scale commercial outlets, boutiques and restaurants. The need for affordable housing was another economic issue raised during the process. As housing prices rise, many participants were fearful that seniors and low income earners may be slowly displaced from Collingwood because of the rising cost of living. Current Initiatives New Industrial/Business Plan – Being developed as part of the Business Retention and Expansion strategy along with attraction and investment. TRACKS and Store 54 – Youth employment agency for youth seeking employment and related services. A program offering small business start up assistance with free retail space. Active Council Members – Council’s advocacy role for Association for Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to support and enhance a strong and effective municipal government. Clean-up/remediation of the Collingwood Harbour – Conversion from a shipbuilding community to a waterfront residential / recreational community asset including improved public access to the water. Greater Collingwood Small Business Enterprise Centre - providing support to start-up and existing small business enterprises during their development, retention and operation. Active Boards and Committees providing advice to Town Council: • Affordable Housing Task Force • Physician Retention and Attraction Committee • Economic Stability & Development Services Board; Nottawasaga Municipal Service Board • BIA Board of Management • Collingwood Regional Airport • Greater Collingwood Small Business Enterprise Centre Advisory Committee • Blue Mountains and Collingwood Housing Assessment Team (Development of Housing Needs Assessment Study) 21
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Page 44 and 45: What is Being Done in Other Areas?
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Page 68 and 69: Town of Wasaga Beach - January 17th
Page 70 and 71: What Does Sustainability Mean to Yo
Page 72 and 73: Reducing our Urban Footprint (Land
Page 74 and 75: Improving How We Get Around (Transp
Page 76 and 77: Minimizing Resource Use What are So
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Strengthening Our Economy What are
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Enhancing Our Arts, Cultural, Herit
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APPENDIX G: COPIES OF COMMUNICATION
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Sustainable Community Plan for the Town of Collingwood

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