1. Community Well-being
1.1. Promote health & wellness
1.1.1. Safety
1.1.1.1. Reduce motorized vehicle collisions and fatalities CS1
1.1.1.1.1. Investigate opportunities to reduce speed limits in target areas
1.1.1.1.2. Evaluate existing traffic signage and make improvements where needed
1.1.1.1.3. Implement traffic calming techniques in problem areas
1.1.1.1.4. Promote safety for recreational vehicles such as boats ATVs
1.1.1.1.5. Promote awareness of OPP traffic and emergency services and community responsibility
1.1.1.1.6. Promote awareness of Ontario Provincial Police in Schools
1.1.1.1.7. Identify roads that need improvement and develop a roadway improvement plan to improve conditions
1.1.1.2. Improve safety of alt. transport, esp. cycling CS2
1.1.1.2.1. Develop and implement bike commute workshops
1.1.1.2.2. Promote bike safety in schools
1.1.1.2.3. Develop and implement a public awareness campaign to curb dangerous driving and educate drivers about cyclists' right to the street
1.1.1.2.4. Develop Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Action Plans
1.1.1.2.5. Develop Bicycle Master Plans (see note)
1.1.1.2.6. Support the development of a new bike active transport group.
1.1.1.2.7. Provide incentives to bicycle riders to places lights and bells on bicycles
1.1.1.2.8. Support development of bicycle advocacy groups
1.1.1.3. Decrease crime within watershed communities CS3
1.1.1.3.1. Expand Neighbourhood Watch network
1.1.1.3.2. Promote OPP/FOCA Cottage Watch program
1.1.1.3.3. Promote and expand use of DARE programs
1.1.1.3.4. Develop "Focus and Think Clear" programs
1.1.1.3.5. Expand crime prevention in schools
1.1.1.3.6. Promote use of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles in community and urban design
1.1.1.3.7. Encourage more pedestrian traffic, community picnics, activities
1.1.1.4. Promote Safe Hunting CS4
1.1.1.4.1. Advocate to raise the age of licensing for firearms
1.1.1.4.2. Advocate for the ban on firearms in highly populated areas
1.1.1.4.3. Provide leadership at municipal level for the responsible use of firearms for hunting
1.1.1.4.4. Clearly post signs with hunting season dates (see note)
1.1.1.4.5. Advocate to safer hunting to the Province
1.1.1.4.6. Implement a hunting safety awareness and education campaign, including for the general public so they know when and where hunting occurs
1.1.1.4.7. provide licensing and instructional courses / awareness through municipalities
1.1.2. Health & Health Services
1.1.2.1. Improve overall health of residents CS5
1.1.2.1.1. Improve education for disease prevention and health promotion (elementary & high schools)
1.1.2.1.2. Promote a healthy lifestyle through education about healthy eating and exercise
1.1.2.1.3. Encourage walking in winter by ensuring that sidewalks are cleared
1.1.2.1.4. Plant trees, provide benches and widen city sidewalks for better pedestrian usage
1.1.2.1.5. Improve accessibility to hospital services
1.1.2.1.6. Improve access to community-based medical/holistic health services
1.1.2.1.7. Increase access to alternative health care practices
1.1.2.1.8. Increase the diversity of health and wellness programs
1.1.2.1.9. Improve emergency medical services
1.1.2.1.10. Improve emergency medical training
1.1.2.1.11. Increase the number of AED units available for public use in emergencies
1.1.2.1.12. Improve awareness of individual and community health
1.1.2.1.13. Increase the number of health and wellness programs for businesses
1.1.2.1.14. Provide opportunities to age at home (so elderly people don't have to leave their home)
1.1.2.1.15. Support disease prevention and health promotion
1.1.2.1.16. Encourage regular physical activity as a way of life across all age groups
1.1.2.1.17. Provide alternative active transportation (see note)
1.1.2.1.18. Implement active and safe routes to schools programs in the communities
1.1.2.1.19. Develop an 'Index of Wellbeing'
1.1.2.1.20. Adopt by-laws to prohibit smoking close to children's play areas
1.1.2.2. Promote safe and healthy work environments CS6
1.1.2.2.1. Improve standards for workplace safety
1.1.2.2.2. Increase workplace training (i.e. WHIMIS)
1.1.2.2.3. Implement a workplace safety education program in high schools
1.1.2.2.4. Promote the development of workplace wellness programs
1.1.2.2.5. Work with Ministry of Labour to promote workplace safety
1.1.2.3. Pandemic & Emergency Planning CS7
1.1.2.3.1. Monitor and continue to improve preparedness through P&E planning
1.1.3. Recreational Services
1.1.3.1. Provide a variety of structured/unstructured rec. activities/facilities that are physically/financially accessible for all ages, abilities CS8
1.1.3.1.1. Promote outdoor play
1.1.3.1.2. Create seating areas in parks
1.1.3.1.3. Improve tree cover for shade along sidewalks to improve pedestrian comfort
1.1.3.1.4. Evaluate current seating arrangements in existing (see note)
1.1.3.1.5. Provide sufficient and adequate rec. services to meet the constantly changing needs of a changing population
1.1.3.1.6. Expands opportunities for shared services among municipalities
1.1.3.1.7. Protect socially important environmental areas
1.1.3.1.8. Consider developing skateboard parks for youth
1.1.3.1.9. Conduct a survey to assess community satisfaction with existing recreation services and facilities
1.1.3.1.10. Provide unstructured youth programs
1.1.3.1.11. Look for opportunities to create parkettes and community gardens using vacant lots in lower income neighbourhoods
1.1.3.1.12. Adopt a 'clean beaches' program
1.1.4. Healthy Community Design
1.1.4.1. Develop policies to promote the design of liveable, attractive & healthy communities CS9
1.1.4.1.1. Adopt design guidelines to address the form and character of the communities
1.1.4.1.2. Encourage high quality residential design through development/design review processes
1.1.4.1.3. Create opportunities for community gardens
1.1.4.1.4. Ensure that residents of all ages have access to services which allow them to continue living in their community of choice
1.1.4.1.5. Provide adequate lighting for streets, parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and bike paths to promote their use
1.1.4.1.6. Conduct an assessment of sidewalks and increase number where needed
1.1.4.1.7. Provide wide, well-lit tree-lined sidewalks on both sides of the street with occasional benches
1.1.4.1.8. Conduct community walkability and bikeability audits
1.1.4.1.9. Encourage pedestrian and bike-friendly development and redevelopment that encourages physical activity
1.1.4.1.10. Promote land use patterns that increase the density and intensity of development and mix of uses, especially in downtown areas, along major transportation corridors, and employment districts
1.1.4.1.11. Promote land use patterns that increase the density and intensity of development and mix of uses, especially in downtown areas, along major transportation corridors, and in employment areas
1.1.4.1.12. Build more bike paths on rodeways
1.1.4.1.13. Incorporate LEED-ND principles into neighbourhood design
1.1.4.2. Develop citizenry with strong sense of personal and spiritual well-being CS10
1.1.4.2.1. Provide educational courses or workshops that encourage spiritual-well being
1.1.4.2.2. Promote understanding and role of Native spirituality in the watershed community
1.1.4.2.3. Recognize different cultures through community events, festivals, etc.
1.1.4.2.4. Support opportunities for peaceful spiritual and religious expression
1.1.4.2.5. Promote 'open door' events where people are invited to share in services of other religions
1.1.4.2.6. Create vista viewing areas along scenic roadways
1.1.4.2.7. Reduce visual and auditory pollution (billboards, neon signs, etc.)
1.1.4.2.8. Work with planners to include spaces that allow for contemplation and reflection
1.1.4.2.9. Promote passive leisure activities
1.1.4.2.10. Build walkways on public land along community waterfronts
1.1.4.2.11. Promote initiatives that support passive leisure activities and workshop opportunities (see note)
1.2. Provide safe healthy, diverse and affordable housing
1.2.1. Provide housing types and sizes to serve all demographics, income, stages of life CS11
1.2.1.1. Change zoning to by-laws to allow for more community housing
1.2.1.2. Reduce barriers to allowing multiple suite
1.2.1.3. Address maintenance of community housing
1.2.1.4. Encourage builders/developers to consider projects providing more density instead of custom builds on large lots
1.2.1.5. Remove barriers to in-law units
1.2.1.6. Obtain provincial/federal funding for provision of geared-to-income rental housing
1.2.1.7. Facilitate better cooperation from Fed/Provincial/Municipal governments
1.2.1.8. Encourage municipal governments to develop more affordable housing plans (see note)
1.2.1.9. Promote development of housing for seniors that provides a continuum of needs from independent living to full care
1.2.1.10. Fulfil need for more long-term care beds
1.2.1.11. Identify housing options that would allow seniors to remain in their own community
1.2.1.12. Develop temporary housing options for vulnerable elderly citizens
1.2.2. Reduce homelessness within watershed communities CS12
1.2.2.1. Seek funding for and promote Out of the Cold program, soup kitchen, etc. for homeless
1.2.2.2. Assess the demand for facilities to address the needs of homeless residents
1.2.2.3. Implement employment programs that serve the homeless or those in transitional housing
1.2.2.4. Carry out a study to determine the sources of homelessness (transient, mental health, job-related, etc.) to better address the issue
1.2.2.5. Provide good mental health facilities/alternatives to institutional settings
1.2.2.6. Encourage partnerships with Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness (SCATEH)
1.2.2.7. Increase the amount and range of affordable housing opportunities in the watershed
1.2.2.8. Strengthen the continuum of services provided within watershed to ensure that residents can be successful in their housing
1.2.2.9. Establish homeless youth project to engage homeless youth in a range of support activities
1.2.2.10. Pursue regulatory changes that will increase the ability to serve homeless and special needs populations more effectively
1.2.2.11. Identify successful, innovative supportive housing models in other communities and evaluate their applicability to the watershed
1.2.2.12. Review housing stock and cost to determine if housing makes up more than 1/3 of total family income
1.2.2.13. Incorporate policies that support affordable housing opportunities into OPAs land use planning
1.2.2.14. Review regulatory environment to determine barriers to the development of affordable housing (owned and rented)
1.3. Protect/enhance opportunities for active living accessible to all ages, abilities
1.3.1. Create a network of interconnected trails and walkways throughout the watershed CS13
1.3.1.1. Conduct a trails assessment
1.3.1.2. Develop Trails Master Plans that provide for interconnected trails with neighbouring municipalities
1.3.1.3. Remove barriers to trail connectivity (missing links)
1.3.1.4. Protect snowmobile trails from inadvertent residential encroachment
1.3.1.5. Reconfirm buffer zones around important snowmobiling trails and keep developers and snowmobilers well-informed about these and their implications
1.3.1.6. Develop a historical trail
1.3.2. Increase awareness of wilderness opportunities in the watershed CS14
1.3.2.1. Environmental Education Programs (See. ES32)
1.3.2.2. Promote wilderness programs and services in the watershed
1.3.2.3. Seek funding opportunities to expand wilderness experiences
1.3.2.4. Canvass schools for volunteers to participate in wilderness programs
1.3.2.5. Provide access to outdoor/nature experiences for low/fixed income residents
1.3.2.6. Provide interpretive signs in well-travelled areas to improve eco-literacy
1.3.2.7. Create interpretive 'wilderness' in towns and other urban areas through restoration projects
1.3.2.8. Work with school boards to manage insurance requirements to a manageable and affordable level for student field trips
1.3.2.9. Promote National Parks and history in the watershed area
1.3.3. Increase collaboration b/t municipal gov't and other organizations to provide active living, leisure, and educational services
1.3.3.1. Develop co-ordination b/t trail committees/municipalities to develop watershed-wide trail system
1.3.3.2. Establish watershed-wide communications network between active living, leisure and education providers
1.4. Recognize/promote arts & culture
1.4.1. Promote art, culture, and heritage in Huronia CS16
1.4.1.1. Promote local music scene in watershed communities
1.4.1.2. Promote local heritage
1.4.1.3. Improve opportunities for public visual and performing arts and artwork
1.4.1.4. Implement art tours
1.4.1.5. Promote Discovery Harbour
1.4.1.6. Encourage First Nations' history and indigenous knowledge program devt
1.4.1.7. Create a public awareness program for the arts in Huronia
1.4.1.8. Promote existing cultural heritage facilities
1.4.1.9. Promote the watershed's cultural heritage and diversity through festivals, the arts, etc.
1.4.1.10. Promote local arts and support distribution mechanisms such as low-watt community radio, festivals, internet radio, etc.
1.4.2. Conserve natural and built heritage facilities and landscapes CS17
1.4.2.1. Identify and inventory historically or culturally important buildings, sites and areas
1.4.2.2. Adopt heritage protection policies and by-laws
1.4.2.3. Establish heritage property designation programs
1.4.2.4. Investigate regulatory, incentive, and outreach techniques to preserve existing built environment and cultural heritage
1.4.2.5. Encourage public participation in natural and built heritage conversation
1.4.3. Implement heritage conservation guidelines CS18
1.4.3.1. Monitor implementation of Heritage Conservation Guidelines
1.5. Retain and build diverse social networks
1.5.1. Continue to Recognize & Promote Volunteerism CS19
1.5.1.1. Conduct an assessment of existing conditions and/or survey to determine the level of community involvement and volunteerism in the watershed
1.5.1.2. Promote meaningful volunteer opportunities for youth through high schools - actively match student volunteer opportunities to sustainability projects
1.5.1.3. Provide administrative assistance for local non-profit groups
1.5.1.4. Promote volunteercanada.ca (media - newspaper and radio)
1.5.1.5. Contact Volunteer Canada to enquire about how to improve volunteer participation and funding opportunties
1.5.1.6. Run high school student political debates and mock elections to encourage voter turn out
1.5.1.7. Create post-planning citizen action teams and support with administration and facilitation tools
1.5.2. Continue to support volunteer initiatives CS20
1.5.2.1. See SC 19
1.5.3. Promote & enhance awareness and use of community networking services CS21
1.5.3.1. Seek sustainable funding sources to maintain/expand community networking serves organizations.
1.5.3.2. Increase awareness of community groups, services
1.5.3.3. Determine how community link initiatives integrate/support each other
2. Environmental Integrity & Protection
2.1. Protect/restore natural heritage
2.1.1. Protect, restore, enhance forest, open spaces, natural corridors ENS1
2.1.1.1. Watershed Greenland Protection Strategy
2.1.1.2. Ecologically-based assessment and strategy for preserving urban woodlands
2.1.1.3. Forest patch size study
2.1.1.4. Patch size policy
2.1.1.5. Enforce existing regulations
2.1.2. Preserve, protect, restore wetland, riparian, shoreline habitat ENS2
2.1.2.1. Establish fish community targets
2.1.2.2. Delineate riparian protection zones, develop policy
2.1.2.3. Cattle fencing near riparian zones
2.1.2.4. Shoreline/riparian habitat protection in official plans
2.1.2.5. Riparian/lakeshore information for relevant landowners
2.1.2.6. Reduce impervious surfaces in new development
2.1.2.7. Identify and mitigate erosion/sedimentation problems in creeks, lakeshores
2.1.3. Identify, protect, enhance special natural heritage features/functions ENS3
2.1.3.1. Conduct inventory of special natural heritage features
2.1.3.2. Establish partnerships with conservancy groups to protect above
2.1.3.3. Use County/District, Municipalities' Official Plan review and amendment process to preserve/protect
2.1.4. Reduce # of contaminated sites ENS4
2.1.4.1. Identify, Inventory potential sites
2.1.4.2. Develop contaminated site strategy
2.2. Protect/restore biodiversity
2.2.1. Protect native species and habitat from invasive species ENS5
2.2.1.1. Develop monitoring programs for species at risk
2.2.1.2. Public awareness program re: endangered, threatened species
2.2.1.3. Mobilize streamside residents to remove invasive species
2.2.1.4. Identify occurrences of invasive species, remove/control
2.2.1.5. Education program on invasive species
2.2.1.5.1. Education & monitoring of Asian Longhorn beetle
2.2.1.6. Prohibition of importation of camp firewood into watershed
2.2.2. Protect threatened and endangered plants & animals from development ENS6
2.2.2.1. Determine significant habitat, and protection status
2.2.2.2. Implement Education/awareness program
2.2.2.3. Work with conservancy groups on protection initiatives
2.3. Reduce consumption of natural resources
2.3.1. Energy Consumption
2.3.1.1. Develop alternative energy plans that consider solar, wind, geothermal sources ENS13
2.3.1.1.1. Encourage municipalities to be leaders in alternative sources of energy
2.3.1.1.2. Encourage alternative energy on local farms where appropriate
2.3.1.1.3. Invest in renewable energy
2.3.1.1.4. Develop watershed-wide alternative energy strategy and plans
2.3.1.2. Implement Conservation Initiatives ENS14
2.3.1.2.1. Install smart meters in more homes and businesses to track electricity consumption
2.3.1.2.2. Fund pilot programs for LED street lighting programs
2.3.1.2.3. Incorporate green building and energy efficient standards meeting LEED standards into municipal and large buildings
2.3.1.2.4. Provide incentives to developers who achieve LEED-ND for new neighbourhood dev'ts
2.3.1.2.5. Adopt engineering standards that address energy conservation
2.3.1.2.6. Improve building standards for greater energy efficiency
2.3.1.2.7. Consider implementing the Earth Day EcoAction Team program at each watershed municipality
2.3.1.2.8. Create GHG/sustainable energy social marketing campaigns
2.3.1.3. Inventory data on energy consumption and monitor progress towards goals ENS15
2.3.1.3.1. Municipalities to join FCM's Partners for Climate Protection program
2.3.2. Solid and hazardous waste
2.3.2.1. Eliminate household hazardous & special waste from landfill ENS7
2.3.2.1.1. Add dates from HHSW pick up to waste collection callendars
2.3.2.1.2. Investigate feasibility of offering full-time HHSW disposal at landfills or curbside
2.3.2.1.3. Lobby gov. to handle HHSW
2.3.2.1.4. Implement Paint Swap days
2.3.2.1.5. provide incentives for proper disposal of HHSW
2.3.2.1.6. Implement electronic recycling program
2.3.2.1.7. Encourage small business to use above
2.3.2.1.8. Use legislation and regulation to reduce HHSW
2.3.2.1.9. Educate the public about HHSW programs
2.3.2.2. Decrease total solid waste tonnage ENS8
2.3.2.2.1. Implement plastic grocery bag ban
2.3.2.2.2. Implement ban on non-recyclable take out and drink containers
2.3.2.2.3. Implement green purchasing policies within municipal gov, to reduce packaging
2.3.2.2.4. Encourage waste reduction at source
2.3.2.2.5. Implement "Waste Swap" days
2.3.2.2.6. Expand blue/grey bin program: all plastics, stryrofoam
2.3.2.2.7. Education re: waste reduction, composting and recycling
2.3.2.2.8. Increase recycling promotion in Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sectors
2.3.2.2.9. Incorporate increased projections when designing waste pick-up/disposal
2.3.2.3. Limit the disposal of food and garden waste in landfills ENS9
2.3.2.3.1. Explore policies to ban organic waste from landfills
2.3.2.4. Support extended producer responsibility for waste generation ENS10
2.3.2.4.1. Influence Provincial & National governments to implement policies/legislation
2.3.2.5. Support the goal of a zero-waste society ENS11
2.3.2.5.1. Past resolutions, incorporate into waste management plans
2.3.2.6. Pursue additional alternatives to minimize the volume of waste disposed ENS12
2.3.2.6.1. Simcoe & Muskoka to update their waste management master plan per MOE draft guidelines
2.3.3. Water Quality
2.3.3.1. Protect surface and ground water from contamination ENS16
2.3.3.1.1. Implement ground water protection and well head protection plans and policies
2.3.3.1.2. Use alternatives to road salt
2.3.3.1.3. Expand upon Well Aware & Well Wise programs and obtain funding to continue
2.3.3.1.4. Conduct assimilative capacity for study for sludge spreading, establish policies
2.3.3.1.5. Pursue funding to treat contaminated sources
2.3.3.1.6. Recognize RAP phosphorous caps in municipal plans, meet targets
2.3.3.1.7. Implement pollution prevention education
2.3.3.1.8. By-laws re: use and control of pesticides and fertilizers. Use best management practies
2.3.3.1.9. Review and update municipal sewer use by-law regularly
2.3.3.1.10. Encourage farmers, landowners, SMEs to use Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program funding to protect drinking water sources
2.3.3.1.11. Consider dropping minimum use values of water quality
2.3.3.1.12. Implement a sources protection plan for monitoring outside municipalities
2.3.3.1.13. Establish partnerships with Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network
2.3.3.1.14. Evaluate municipal engineering policy on road construction materials and impacts on water quality
2.3.3.1.15. Include surface and groundwater protection policies in municipal OPAs
2.3.3.1.16. Ensure landfills contain and treat leachate. Close and remediate those that contaminate
2.3.3.1.17. Improve quality of industrial effluent
2.3.3.1.18. Educate boaters about water quality related to recreational boating
2.3.3.2. Minimize Contaminants to surface and groundwater from storm water collection and discharge systems ENS17
2.3.3.2.1. Implement RAP storm water recommendations
2.3.3.2.2. Meet Provincial guidelines for storm water at Level 1
2.3.3.2.3. Monitor areas not covered by SWP
2.3.3.2.4. Adopt storm water best management practices
2.3.3.2.5. Establish poicy on retrofits, retrofit BMPs for old storm water management in older neighbourhoods
2.3.3.3. Ensure sufficient sustainable sewage treatment plant capacity and treatment ENS18
2.3.3.3.1. Develop action plans for sludge quality/control (i.e. pharmaceuticals, etc) and its management through treatment or settlement
2.3.3.3.2. Maintain/upgrade existing water supply and wastewater treatment over long term
2.3.3.3.3. Construct a septage treatment centre which could be funded through fees to haulers
2.3.3.3.4. Conduct a septage capacity assessment
2.3.3.3.5. Investigate alternatives to land spreading
2.3.3.3.6. Investigate the existing capacity of storage/treatment facilities and identify potential upgrades/expansion
2.3.3.3.7. Identify how GTA growth will impact quantities of sludge, septage
2.3.3.3.8. Evaluate wastewater infrastructure capacity prior to approving new development
2.3.3.3.9. Determine a financial plan to ensure affordability of new provincial wastewater regulation
2.3.3.3.10. Evaluate wastewater management systems on a regular basis and adjust to intensification and demands on system where needed
2.3.3.3.11. Establish a monitoring program for private sewage systems
2.3.3.3.12. Provide educational support private sewer systems
2.3.3.3.13. Ensure that effluent requirements for receiving waters are met
2.3.4. Air Quality and Climate Change
2.3.4.1. Develop coordinated plan to reduce our impact and develop adaptation strategies ENS19
2.3.4.1.1. Develop a watershed-wide Climate Change Action Plan and Adaptation Strategy
2.3.4.2. Improve air quality within the watershed to ensure compliance with provincial standards ENS20
2.3.4.2.1. Adopt anti-idling by-laws
2.3.4.2.2. Implement car-free zones in identified areas
2.3.4.2.3. Implement controls on wood-burning appliances
2.3.4.2.4. Encourage carpooling programs
2.3.4.2.5. Promote PUC efficiency programs
2.3.4.2.6. Inventory trees and tree-cutting by-laws
2.3.4.2.7. Provide tools to help small/medium emitters abide by provincial toxic strategy
2.3.4.2.8. Improve awareness of open barrel burning impacts
2.3.4.2.9. Investigate open barrel burning ban
2.3.4.2.10. Eliminate 'one bag per week' garbage rule to prevent garbage burning
2.3.4.2.11. Include air quality considerations in development of an alternative transportation strategy
2.3.4.2.12. Investigate and adopt BMP that could improve air quality by reducing key contaminants
2.3.4.2.13. Improve public transportation
2.4. Design efficient public facilities in harmony with natural systems
2.4.1. Transportation Facilities
2.4.1.1. Reduce GHG impact of transport ENS21
2.4.1.1.1. Develop alternative transport strategy (see note)
2.4.1.1.2. Switch municipal, gov't, institutional fleet to alternative fuels
2.4.1.1.3. Develop an efficient and coordinated regional transport network
2.4.1.1.4. Investigate linkages to North Simcoe that are economically feasible with the County master plan
2.4.1.1.5. Establish carpool lots
2.4.1.1.6. Establish a carpooling website where people can coordinate shared rides
2.4.1.1.7. Advocate for pedestrian and bicycle links in the design of the transport and trail systems
2.4.1.2. Implement Simcoe County Transportation Master Plan ENS22
2.4.1.2.1. Monitor implementation of the Plan
2.4.1.3. Develop municipal plans that focus (see note) ENS23
2.4.1.3.1. Develop watershed-wide sustainable transportation strategy (include ENS21 & ENS22)
2.4.2. Water Quantity and Supply
2.4.2.1. Ensure a reliable potable municipal water supply for all residents and visitors ENS24
2.4.2.1.1. Establish programs to test for lead water piping in homes
2.4.2.1.2. Require disclosure of lead piping in homes for resale
2.4.2.1.3. Conduct infrastructure capacity studies before approving new development
2.4.2.1.4. Seek funding sources to...
2.4.2.2. Reduce Water consumption through water conservation measures ENS25
2.4.2.2.1. Install more water smart meters
2.4.2.2.2. Promote and achieve water conservation in municipal, institutional, residential buildings
2.4.2.2.3. Implement and promote grey water irrigation systems
2.4.2.2.4. Establish a monitoring and/or permitting program for high water/chemical users (golf courses)
2.4.2.2.5. Develop mgmt plans for licensing water systems
2.4.2.2.6. Implement mandatory connection by-law
2.4.2.2.7. Establish appropriate water rates structure to promote conservation
2.4.2.2.8. Adopt policies to limit water taking and bottling
2.4.2.3. Develop water and wastewater plans based on development targets ENS 26
2.4.2.3.1. Conduct long-term water and wastewater management plan (include considerations ENS24-5)
2.4.3. Urban and Rural Dev't
2.4.3.1. Decrease urban sprawl and encourage more compact development patterns ENS27
2.4.3.1.1. Implement infill development policies and densities in existing built-up areas
2.4.3.1.2. Allow for increases land use densities in settlements
2.4.3.1.3. Address seasonal housing requirements in updated Official Plans
2.4.3.1.4. Reconsider redevelopment regulations that limit development in waterfront areas
2.4.3.1.5. Identify agricultural zones to protect ag lands from urban development
2.4.3.1.6. Eliminate loop-holes in Official Plans to prevent urban sprawl
2.4.3.2. Continue to protect natural areas, parkland, agricultural lands and woodlands (urban & rural) ENS28
2.4.3.2.1. Incorporate policies in municipal plans
2.4.3.3. Promote and encourage green building design and construction (see note) ENS29
2.4.3.3.1. Incorporate LEED in building by-laws
2.4.3.3.2. Promote LEED to developers
2.4.3.3.3. Establish a local award program for builders who achieve LEED-rated buildings
2.4.3.3.4. Develop incentive programs for R-2000 houses
2.4.3.3.5. Encourage the use of LEED in affordable housing development
2.5. Promote environmental education
2.5.1. Promote the establishment of school programs that create an awareness of local natural and cultural environments and sustainable living ENS30
2.5.1.1. Develop curriculum for teaching harvesting methods, gardening
2.5.1.2. Increase opportunities for environmental education
2.5.1.3. Incorporate Sust.Plan into high school curriculum to encourage action and volunteerism
2.5.1.4. Engage youth and children in environmental stewardship programs
2.5.2. Increase cooperation among schools and environmental/socio-cultural groups for public ed. programs about env. stewardship ENS31
2.5.2.1. Explore partnership opportunities with local conservation organizations re: stewardship
2.5.2.2. Approach community groups engaged in environmental stewardship to provide outreach to schools
2.5.3. Support local NGOs to provide educational opportunities ENS32
2.5.3.1. Identify opportunities among municipalities for shared services
2.5.3.2. Promote Trent-Severn Waterway/Parks Canada programs for recreation
3. Economic Prosperity
3.1. Create sustainable & diverse economic development
3.1.1. Create a sustainable , diverse, and balanced economic base that provides quality employment and sustainable wages for residents
3.1.1.1. Economy E1
3.1.1.1.1. Develop strategies and/or enhance support for business retention and expansion ES1
3.1.1.1.2. Investigate opportunities for the watershed to implement a Clean Technology plan and strategy ES2
3.1.1.1.3. Provide tools, support, incentives for existing businesses to become 'greener' ES3
3.1.1.1.4. Promote ecologically appropriate entrepreneurship ES4
3.1.1.1.5. Develop a formal business attraction policy for the area ES5
3.1.1.2. Employment E1
3.1.1.2.1. Improve/increase availability and awareness of employment opportunities ES7
3.1.1.2.2. Improve wages/affordability of living to keep people in the community ES8
3.1.1.2.3. Improve the number of opportunities for green businesses ES9
3.1.1.2.4. Improve educational apprenticeship programs in the watershed ES10
3.2. Improve communications infrastructure
3.2.1. Access funds to increase the availability of high speed internet ES11
3.2.1.1. Provide affordable high-speed internet/broadband connectivity
3.2.1.2. Increase capacity of and access to internet, wireless, TV
3.2.1.3. Expand the number of and users of computers in libraries
3.2.1.4. Provide infrastructure enhancements to Internet
3.2.1.5. Make the business case for a stronger area power supply system
3.2.2. Promote awareness of Internet capacity to support business development and expansion
3.2.2.1. Include in business attraction and retention marketing strategy
3.3. Strengthen low-impact tourism & recreation
3.3.1. Expand, enhance and promote eco-tourism ES13
3.3.1.1. Determine the future feasibility of tourism including eco-tourism given climate change, class gaps, fuel costs, etc
3.3.1.2. Inventory & promote local eco-tourism opportunities
3.3.1.3. Increase marketing for tourism in the area
3.3.1.4. Refresh/develop summer tourism products and partnerships (see note)
3.3.1.5. Refresh/develop winter & shoulder season tourism (see above note)
3.3.1.6. Ensure Georgian Bay is easily accessible to residents and visiting anglers from boat ramps
3.3.1.7. Enhance tourism-related signage to the area
3.3.1.8. Develop a business case and make the case to the Province for four lanes on Hwy 12
3.3.2. Expand, enhance and promote cultural tourism ES14
3.3.2.1. Establish cultural tourism working group to develop cultural tourism strategy
3.3.2.2. Identify and promote faith/spirituality-based tourism
3.3.2.3. Link with other tourism initiatives
3.3.3. Expand, enhance and promote culinary tourism ES15
3.3.3.1. Develop and promote culinary tourism opportunities to local markets
3.3.3.2. Promote restaurants that use local and in-season food
3.3.3.3. Define regional/local cuisine
3.3.4. Work with industry professionals to re-evaluate the direction of tourism given the stressors indicated
3.3.4.1. See ES 14, 15
3.3.5. Work with tourism operators to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact
3.3.5.1. Include in ES 14, 15
3.4. Revitalize downtowns and main streets
3.4.1. Maintain vibrant downtowns as the commercial, cultural and social focal points of the communities of the watershed ES18
3.4.1.1. Create gateway to signify a sense of arrival and place in downtowns
3.4.1.2. Promote activities such as music, arts, dining to create an attractive downtown both day and night
3.4.1.3. Reclaim downtown waterfronts where possible
3.4.1.4. Provide more seating opportunities in downtowns
3.4.1.5. Provide opportunities for youth activities/programs in the downtown
3.4.1.6. Use design guidelines or planning approvals processes to ensure that downtowns are designed to be pedestrian friendly, aesthetically appealing
3.4.1.7. Consider incentives for bringing new development/redevelopment downtown
3.4.1.8. Work with downtown business owners in promoting cooperative ways of marketing and doing business
3.4.1.9. Promote mixed-use development, where appropriate, to ensure a pedestrian-friendly downtown environment
3.4.1.10. Encourage free parking on main streets
3.4.1.11. Adopt by-laws allowing for outdoor dining
3.4.1.12. Encourage municipalities to reclaim tax negligent properties to redevelop
3.4.1.13. Investigate incentives for businesses to occupy downtown locations
3.4.1.14. Investigate opportunities to occupy vacant spaces in downtown areas
3.4.1.15. Work with post-secondary institutions to encourage connection to greater community
3.4.2. Support retention and development of local farmers' markets ES19
3.4.2.1. Identify space and opportunities downtown for community squares that can support markets, civic ceremonies, etc.
3.4.3. Promote initiatives that support local purchasing ES20
3.4.3.1. Establish local purchasing policies in municipal by-laws
3.4.3.2. Establish local purchasing policies in watershed-wide insitutions
3.4.4. Support beautification efforts ES21
3.4.4.1. See CS 8, 9
3.4.5. Promote pedestrian space and friendliness ES22
3.4.5.1. See CS 8, 9
3.4.6. Promote downtown festivals and activities ES23
3.4.6.1. Create more events in the summer to retain vibrancy
3.5. Enhance economic viability of sustainable agriculture
3.5.1. Develop and implement an action plan to improve the economic viability of agriculture ES 24
3.5.1.1. Encourage peaceful coexistence of agriculture and residential land uses
3.5.1.2. Using land use planning tools, protect areas with the productive capacity for agriculture from urban development
3.5.1.3. Promote sustainable agriculture practices
3.5.1.4. Seek funding opportunities for innovation and training. Seek funding opportunities to enhance agricultural diversity
3.5.1.5. Support establishment of food processing business (see ES1)
3.5.1.6. Assist with diversification of ag. sector
3.5.2. Strengthen local connections between the production and consumption of goods and services ES25
3.5.2.1. Promote farm co-ops
3.5.2.2. Support and market Simcoe County Farm Fresh Initiatives
3.5.2.3. Encourage and promote farmers' markets, direct farm purchasing and farm gate sales within100 miles
3.5.2.4. Enhance place-based branding opportunities to promote local ag.
3.5.2.5. Encourage media coverage with pictures/ingo to promote local ag.
3.5.2.6. Introduce edible school yards concept to schools and seek funding to establish programs
3.5.3. Develop a farm land trust to purchase land from retiring farmers at market prices ES26
3.5.3.1. Explore concept, conduct research, and develop recommendations
3.5.4. Support the dev't of educational programs for sustainable education ES27
3.5.4.1. Work with Agricultural organizations and educational institutions to develop these programs
3.5.5. Create financing strategies and programs to support transition to sustainable agricultural practices, i.e. organic certification ES28
3.5.5.1. Work with agricultural organization to municipalities to develop these strategies
3.5.6. Promote purchasing of local foods by all municipal governments, hospitals, educational institutions, grocery outlets, restaurants, and residents ES 29
3.5.6.1. Encourage institutional purchasing policies that source local food producers as a priority
3.5.6.2. Establish and promote 'buy locally' program
3.5.6.3. Create a local produce 'terminal' for restaurants, institutions, etc. to purchase food
3.5.6.4. Encourage restaurants to promote local farms, produce
3.5.6.5. Encourage local supermarkets to carry local products