Dufferin County invites residents to share their insights on Tri-County Green Development Standards at a Community Information Session on Tuesday March 26, 2024.

The Tri-County Green Development Standards (GDS) project is a joint effort among Grey, Dufferin, and Wellington Counties to create unified Green Development Standards that are informed by best practices, existing building credentials programs and input from stakeholder consultation.

Green Development Standards are measures for developers and builders to create thoughtful and innovative developments using sustainable design​. They are a critical policy tool for municipalities to achieve their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, official plan goals and goals for sustainability, and support climate adaptation by ensuring buildings and infrastructure are constructed to be more resilient to disruptions from extreme weather events.

The March 26 Community Information Session will take place from 7 to 9 pm at the Mel Lloyd Centre (New Horizons Room) located at 67 Centre Street, Shelburne. The session will begin with a brief presentation on the GDS project, followed by an interactive workshop. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their thoughts and actively contribute to shaping the green development standards.

Residents can register for the Community Information Session via Eventbrite.

About the Project
The Tri-County Green Development Standards will establish a consistent framework across the counties of Grey, Dufferin and Wellington, making it easier for the development industry to understand and implement in their projects. The document will incorporate standards and guidelines that can be applied through all phases of development planning applications right through to construction.

Dufferin County 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan
Climate and Environment is a priority area of the County’s Strategic Plan, with one of the goals under this priority area being to establish the County as a leader in climate action. Creating Green Development Standards to ensure new development is environmentally,

socially and economically sustainable is key to this goal and will help the County as it works to achieve its vision of being a community that grows together.

Quotes
“Under our Strategic Plan, we are committed to establishing Dufferin County as a leader in climate action. Our collaboration across Grey, Dufferin and Wellington Counties underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development. By uniting our efforts, we aim to create a consistent framework that empowers developers, supports municipal goals and engages the community in shaping our environmental legacy.”

– Darren White, Warden, Dufferin County

“This Community Information Session is an important opportunity for residents to actively participate in shaping the future of new development in Dufferin County. We encourage everyone to join the session, share their thoughts and contribute to the development of standards that reflect our shared values and aspirations for a greener, more resilient community.”

– Todd Taylor, Councillor and Chair, Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee, Dufferin County

“As our community prepares to face escalating climate impacts, Green Development Standards can ensure our buildings and infrastructure remain resilient, safeguarding communities from the disruptions of extreme weather events. They also serve as a crucial step in mitigating high-carbon lifestyles and building a legacy of environmental stewardship.”

– Sara MacRae, Manager, Energy and Climate, Dufferin County

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Megan Ball, Manager of Communications
mball@dufferincounty.ca