FAQs

There are several green development standards in place in Ontario. Some examples include: 

• East Gwillimbury Thinking Green Development Standards 

• Whitby Green Standard 

• Halton Hills Green Development Standard 

• Pickering Integrated Sustainable Design Standards 

• Toronto Green Standard 

• Brampton Sustainable New Communities Program 

• Municipalities are witnessing rising climate impacts such as higher temperatures, more severe weather events, threats to agriculture, and impacts to health.  

• Most of Canadians lead high carbon lifestyles due to their reliance on gasoline vehicles for transportation and the use of fossil fuels to heat the buildings they live and work in.  

• Municipalities can put cost-effective policies in place that will benefit their residents in the future.  

• With GDS in place, Municipalities can ensure that buildings and infrastructure are constructed to be more resilient to disruptions from extreme weather events.  

Green Development Standards provide a mix of benefits to communities. These come in the form of environmental benefits, social benefits, and economic benefits and include:  

Environmental Benefits

• Reduces energy consumption 

• Reduces vehicle dependency 

• Improves water management 

• Increases green space and biodiversity 

• Increases climate resilience

Social Benefits

• Improves air quality

• Promotes healthier more active lifestyles

• Increases access to outdoor greenspace 

• Promotes the development of affordable and mixed-used housing 

• Promotes community design that embraces heritage and culture 

Economic Benefits

• Increases property values 

• Reduces municipal infrastructure costs  

• Longer lasting building stock  

• Improves energy affordability 

• Creates jobs