Ontario Construction News staff writer
Wellington County Council has approved the launch of a new voluntary Green Development Programme aimed at encouraging more sustainable residential development across the region without adding new approval delays or regulatory requirements.
The initiative, a tri-county collaboration, has already been endorsed by Grey County Council and will be presented to Dufferin County Council later this month.
Backed by a $445,000 contribution from Natural Resources Canada through its Code Acceleration Fund, the programme allows developers to voluntarily meet 18 sustainability metrics across three categories: the natural environment, community and transportation, and the built environment. Projects that meet thresholds can receive Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.
Recognizing the diversity of development projects, the framework consists of a flexible menu of 18 possible development features or ‘Metrics’ that applicants may choose to incorporate into their project.
County officials say the framework was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, municipal staff and partners including Urban Equation, The Planning Partnership, Georgian College, and Sustainable Waterloo Region. Work is now underway with those partners to assess industry readiness and support future training and capacity-building.
“This programme gives us a practical, collaborative way to tackle climate change challenges and growth opportunities, while supporting development innovation,” said Karen Chisholme, Sustainability and Climate Change Manager. “It’s voluntary, flexible, and designed to work with the development industry and deliver long-term benefits, like energy efficiency, for residents.”
Wellington County is forecast to see at least 21,880 new residential units over the next 25 years. Officials note that construction already accounts for 12.8 per cent of the regional workforce, positioning the tri-county area to benefit from growing demand for green building expertise and skilled trades.
More information is available at Wellington County Green Development Programme,
