Greenlands Centre Wellington: A Prospectus

1.0 Introduction

Greenlands Centre Wellington is a citizens’ organization dedicated to the development and implementation of a Greenlands Strategy for the Municipality of The Township of Centre Wellington, Ontario.

Greenlands is “a system of natural areas and open spaces for citizen use and enjoyment and for the protection of ecological values.” 

Like so many communities lying in the urban shadow of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Township of Centre Wellington, is experiencing the urbanizing forces of the metropolis that re-shape community economies, cultures, and environments. 

But we know that “smart growth” and environmental quality can go hand in hand.  Our environment – the Elora Gorge, historic Fergus, and the Grand and Irvine rivers attract people to our community from across Canada and the United States. Wise planning that features our environment and heritage will ensure a vibrant economy and a sustainable community for generations to come.

1.1 The Vision

We envisage a system of Greenlands across the municipality that enhances the well-being and quality of life for residents of Centre Wellington, respects the integrity of the natural environment, and contributes to a sustainable community for future generations.

A vision of Greenlands is but one part of a larger picture – that of a whole community that builds on its traditions and is forward looking.  We believe that the principles of “Smart Growth” that have been adopted by our municipality, should underpin this wider vision, and ultimately the way we design and plan for our community.  The Principles of Smart Growth are:

• Mix land uses
• Take advantage of compact building design
• Create range of housing opportunities and choices
• Create walkable neighbourhoods
• Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
• Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas
• Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities
  Provide a variety of transportation choice
• Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective
• Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration

From: Smart Growth Network  <www.smartgrowth.org>

1.2 The Goal

Our overall goal is to secure a system of Greenlands in Centre Wellington.  Not only will GCW work with the community to design a system of natural and open spaces, but also it will develop options for implementation of such a plan.

1.3 Why Greenlands?

Many Canadians are convinced that we are losing ground in our efforts to secure a future that includes respect, wise use, protection, restoration and appreciation of nature and community open space.  The contamination of air, water and soil, habitat loss and degradation, species loss, and the failure to protect watersheds and ground water are examples of persistent and challenging issues.

As well, we know that public health and wellness are affected by both acute (tainted water) and chronic (air quality) environmental abuse.  Too little accessible open space and the loss of natural environments, both within and surrounding our urban areas diminish public health.

A Greenlands Strategy for open spaces and natural areas will help to ensure that:

• basic ecological forms, functions, and linkages will be sustainable in the long term;
• water quality, aquifer recharge and conservation will be priorities;
• environmentally important areas to our community will be identified and protected;
• recreational spaces, especially trails and outdoor playing areas will be expanded;
• residents have more opportunity and more choice in their pursuit of healthy, active lifestyles; and
• urban form, based on principles of “Smart Growth”, will be adapted to ensure a sustainable system of Greenlands in Centre Wellington.

1.4 Why Greenlands in Centre Wellington Now?

Several factors combine to make a Greenlands strategy both timely and urgent.  Growth is happening daily in our community and all around us.  We need to be “smart” about the kinds of growth we embrace, the pace at which we proceed, where we site new growth, and how we phase change over time. Let’s take a look at some of the forces at work on our community.

• Public Health and Greenlands:  The Ontario Medical Officer of Health is actively promoting walking, bicycling, hiking, and related outdoor activities to enhance public health.
• Agriculture and Greenlands:  Agriculture has been a defining characteristic of our community since its early settlement – and it remains so today.  We must plan to ensure both the people and the land are supported as valued members of our society.
• Energy and Greenlands:  Energy conservation and efficiency means less pollution, better health, and less stress on the environment, and money saved.
• Urban Growth and Greenlands: Smart development should be more compact, more mixed, transit supportive, and more pedestrian friendly.
• Heritage and Greenlands: Along with our natural and architectural heritage, our standing as one of the country’s premier artistic centres, means we have a special obligation to ensure an ambience in our community that is imaginative, energetic, creative, and respectful of our traditions.
• The GTA Greenbelt:  The Province of Ontario has taken steps to secure and protect Greenlands in the province’s most rapidly urbanizing region, the GTA. We need to ensure that citizens of Centre Wellington also have adequate open space and protected natural areas in their own community.

As important as these broader forces are in shaping our future, what we do in our own municipality is critical to the future of our citizens and the environment that sustains us.  Let’s now take a look at some of the forces at work in our community. The following are taken from the Official Plan and various municipal policies.

• Under the Municipal official plan (OP), Greenlands consists of natural heritage features and the township “will give consideration to the protection, preservation and enhancement of significant natural features”. 
• Centre Wellington plans presently call 3 hectares of parkland or green space for every 1,000 people in Centre Wellington.  
• It is the objective of Centre Wellington to encourage cycling as an alternative mode of transportation within and between the urban centers.  
• It is the policy of Centre Wellington to encourage public involvement in all land use decisions affecting its various plans.

It is clear that current policies fall short of both the Vision and the Goal.  They provide some building blocks, but more work is needed.  The challenge is to design and promote a system of Greenlands in Centre Wellington. This means building a citizen organization with the will and capacity to work with all stakeholders to achieve the Vision and Goal.