In their minds, a more walkable community will be a more attractive community, which in turn will bring more people to town.
On Oct. 1, Wellington Dufferin Guelph In Motion coordinator Karen Armstrong, Director of Recreation Dave Stonley and business and economic manager Belinda Wick-Graham were at council representing the town’s walkable communities committee as they presented the development and developer’s checklist.
Wick-Graham again presented the economic benefits of building walkable communities which can create:
– higher housing values;
– attracting new economy workers;
– attracting tourists;
– attracting business to relocate; and
– assisting retail markets and downtown areas.
She noted that after attending the Walk 21 conference in 2007, committee members have not been standing still.
The group has worked on developing these guidelines and suggestions for developers to ensure that the same sets standards apply to all.
“It recognizes Minto as a community where a person does not need to get in a car to get everywhere.”
She said the group recently visited Westminster Woods, in Guelph, which is attempting to reach that same goal. That includes promoting spaces for walking, spaces for people, and spatial planning within developments to allow that to happen.
Questions on the survey asked developers about population density, street connectivity, street lengths, street design, how traffic will be addressed, streetscape design, and about parkland and trails.
She said creating a walkable community is one way “to set Minto apart and to attract people to work and live in the community. It gives Minto another competitive advantage.”
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen asked if the information presented is guidelines, suggestions, or recommendations. She said that some of the statements were rather direct and have the potential of scaring some developers away.
Wick-Graham said the intent is more that the items are suggestions they would like developers to strongly consider.
Stonley added the other main reason is to have a consistent plan to deal with developers rather than creating new plans for each one.
He said each development affects the walkability of the community.
Committee members added that a follow-up meeting is being set for Oct. 27 for a presentation to council.
