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A neighbourhood with sustainable features is a neighbourhood that meets resident needs while protecting the environment and leaving an affordable legacy, says the CMHC, Canada’s national housing agency.
In a sustainable neighbourhood:
– Homes are located near shops, schools, recreation, work and other daily destinations.
As in a village, these destinations are a pleasant, convenient and safe walk, cycle or transit ride from home. (This helps people reduce driving costs and enjoy the health benefits of walking and cycling.)
– Homes are affordable.
– Land and services, like roads, are used efficiently.
In sustainable neighbourhoods, old or new, Canadians can find not just a home to live in but a community to thrive in.
THE VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE
Streets are for people, not just for cars. The human scale of the streets and the slow speed of the cars make them comfortable, safe and pleasant places to walk.
Neighbours can meet each other along the street; they can stop and chat at the shops, by the front porch or at a nearby park. And children can play safely.
VALUE FOR MONEY
A neighbourhood is only sustainable if its home meets the needs of residents at a price or rent they can afford.
But avoidance of long-term expenses can make a seemingly unaffordable home affordable. Living in a neighbourhood where you can drive less, or not need a car, can save you money.
You can also reduce heating and cooling costs if you live in a compact home with shared walls, such as a townhouse or an apartment.
A smaller home and a smaller lot also means less money and time on upkeep.
GETTING AROUND
Shopping, schools, recreation and public transit are available within a short walk from home so you don’t have to use your car every time you go out.
Street trees also make it a pleasant place to walk.
A mixed-use neighbourhood is also a good place to have a home business because photocopy shops, supply stores and meeting places, like coffee shops, are nearby. By living close to your work, you can get there easily by transit, foot, bike or a short car ride. This means spending less time in traffic.
It’s also good for your health, pocket book and the environment.
A SAFE NEIGHBOURHOOD
A friendly neighbourhood means that people look out for each other. Homes close to the sidewalk with porches and windows out front allow you to keep an eye on the street.
A mix of homes, shops and offices means that the neighbourhood is active throughout the day and evening. Also, traffic is less frequent and slower, making it safe for children to play. Bike lanes are provided for safety.
AGING IN PLACE
A neighbourhood that offers a variety of housing choices ranging from apartments and condos to townhomes, duplexes and semi- or single-detached houses, is a neighbourhood you can stay in throughout life’s changes. As your age, family and income change, you can still find a suitable home in the same neighbourhood, where you have put down roots.
COUNTRYSIDE CARE
Because these neighbourhoods use land efficiently, natural and rural areas outside the community are also preserved for farming, wildlife, and recreation.
A HEALTHY PLACE
Walking and cycling improves your physical health. Less stress from traffic congestion is also healthier, and less driving means the air is cleaner.
Nature is preserved as much as possible; streams and forests left in their natural state are part of the community, with trails to make them accessible.
CLEAN RAINWATER
Streets and properties with fewer paved surfaces and more vegetation means that there are more places for ground water to soak back naturally into the soil.
This means that rainwater is returned to the groundwater and streams at a natural, slow rate. This keeps water clean.
– Choosing a Neighbourhood with Sustainable Features, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., on the Internet at cmhc.ca
