June 17, 2011|

“Livable community” has become a new buzzword in politics, in urban planning and building circles and among neighbours. With Ontario’s population projected to experience healthy growth over the next 26 years, rising 34.4 per cent, or over 4.5 million, effective policies and programs related to the environment are necessary to ensure quality of life.

But what exactly is a livable community?

Some define a livable future as the balance of three key societal goals; vibrant community, vibrant economy and sustainable environments. Heavy stuff! Others might say simply its about local decisions and actions that affect the quality of life in a community such as; 

  • Enhancement of the natural and built landscapes
  • Arts, culture and heritage
  • Community participation and empowerment
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • Environmental best practices

I can certainly relate to list above. Living in the GTA west, I fought against a power plant that would place my family within the plant’s pollution and potential blast zone. I want the new area hospital to be reasonably situated and accessible to our expanding community. I also like participating in simple but important environmental efforts, like the recent tire collection event that was held at an area auto recycler, who along with 65 + similar businesses across Ontario, collected an estimated 50,000 tires during their 2 day event. These are tires that won’t be left in our back yards, fields or landfills as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, but instead will be recycled into a host of home and garden products.

I think that makes for a pretty livable community.

What do you think is most important for creating a livable community?

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