HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSD-061-13 C14 armgtoil
REPORT
PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: October 28, 2013 Resolution#: `"1 By-law#:
Report#: PSD-061-13 File#: PLN 39.5
Subject: PRIORITY GREEN CLARINGTON — UPDATE
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report PSD-061-13 be received for information.
Submitted
b : Reviewed by:
Y
David VCrome, MCIP, RPP Franklin Wu,
Director of Planning Services Chief Administrative Officer
ACB/COS/df
22 October 2013
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 2
1. PURPOSE
1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Council on the progress of PRIORITY GREEN
Clarington and to inform Council of the results of the recent PRIORITY GREEN
Clarington Community Survey.
2. BACKGROUND
2.1 Recognizing the financial, environmental, and social challenges associated with the
traditional pattern of suburban growth, Council endorsed the PRIORITY GREEN
Clarington initiative which will push future residential growth in a more sustainable and
compact pattern that would also conform to the new policy directions of Ontario's
Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and Regional Official Plan.
2.2 PRIORITY GREEN Clarington is an initiative driven by the Municipality's Official Plan,
Council's Strategic Plan and the Green Community Strategy. On January 23, 2012
(PSD-007-12), Council passed a resolution and allocated funding to support the
Municipality's applications, in partnership with the Region of Durham, to the Ontario
Government's Showcasing Water Innovation program and the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities Green Municipal Fund.
The Municipality has successfully entered into grant funding agreements with both
parties for this project, to be carried out over a two year period concluding in the first
quarter of 2015.
3. PROJECT VISION AND APPROACH
3.1 PRIORITY GREEN Clarington aims to set a new standard for residential development
that prioritizes sustainability, promotes innovation, and improves the community's
quality of life. It embraces the important role that municipalities can play in advancing
the opportunities associated with "green home" and "green neighbourhood" design
and construction practices. "Green" homes and neighbourhoods use products and
design approaches that contribute to community benefits, such as energy efficiency,
water conservation, improved air quality, resource conservation, and land
preservation.
3.2 The greening of homes and neighbourhoods in Clarington is an important part of
locally addressing climate change and infrastructure challenges, protecting the
environment, and improving our health as we plan our community to the year 2031. In
addition, green homes and neighbourhoods lead to municipal infrastructure and
service efficiencies and financial savings for homeowners through reduced operating
costs.
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 3
3.3 To achieve this vision, PRIORITY GREEN Clarington involves:
• Identifying goals, targets, and guidelines for green homes and neighbourhoods
within both new neighbourhoods and existing areas in Clarington;
• Reviewing current land development application and permit processes, policies
and guidelines to identify opportunities for supporting green homes and
neighbourhoods;
• Collaborating with Municipal and Region of Durham staff, green design and
building specialists, and the land development and building community to define
specific criteria for what qualifies as a "green application;"
• Considering a variety of potential incentive mechanisms to encourage the
voluntary adoption of these criteria;
• Contributing to the growing collection of knowledge about the opportunities and
challenges associated with green home and neighbourhood practices through the
execution of a demonstration project; and
• Ongoing engagement of the community, ensuring effective two-way
communication.
3.4 Planning for increased densities within Clarington's existing urban areas and in new
neighborhoods is a key component of provincial and regional policies. As such,
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington will also strive to increase awareness and
understanding of the importance of higher density development and its role in
designing liveable neighbourhoods.
4. WORK PROGRAM STATUS
4.1 Establishment of Internal and External Collaboration Groups
Given the wide breadth of knowledge and expertise required for this type of
undertaking, two collaboration groups, a Staff Working Group and a Technical
Advisory Committee have been established. The Staff Working Group is comprised of
Municipal and Region Staff who are involved in the development process. The
Technical Advisory Committee is comprised of technical and industry experts with
practice and knowledge in green home and neighbourhood practices, including local
conservation authorities, utility providers, post-secondary institutions, and
representatives of the land development and building community.
A listing of Staff Working Group and Technical Advisory Committee members is
provided as Attachment 1.
4.2 Communication & Consultation Strategy
Community consultation is one of the key objectives of PRIORITY GREEN Clarington
and an important component of the Municipality's commitment to our funding partners.
Ensuring that the community embraces sustainable practices requires working with
and involving the community throughout the process. To achieve this, a
Communications & Consultation Strategy has been prepared, providing a framework
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 4
to guide on-going engagement. This engagement strategy is also designed to meet
the requirements of our funding agencies the Ontario Government (Showcasing Water
Innovation Program) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (Green Municipal
Fund).
The strategy includes a variety of communication and consultation activities in order to
effectively engage stakeholders and the broader Clarington community. These
include a community survey, use of web-based tools (e.g. website and social media),
newsletter and article publications, attendance at tradeshows and other events, and
presentations to Council. In addition, two phases of"face-to-face" discussions will be
held. The initial phase aims to ensure that everyone in Clarington has an opportunity
to become involved in the project from its outset, and to participate in creating a vision
for building liveable neighbourhoods in Clarington. The subsequent phase will present
to the public proposed Green Neighbourhood Development Guidelines for Clarington,
as well as related policies and incentive mechanisms for feedback.
At the time of writing, the Communication & Consultation Strategy was complete in
draft and undergoing review by the Staff Working Group and Technical Advisory
Committee.
4.3 Green Demonstration Project
In addition to addressing policy aspects, PRIORITY GREEN Clarington also involves a
demonstration project. The demonstration project aims to install or implement a
selection of green measures for water, energy, air quality, storm water and resources
in a sample of new homes constructed locally. Following construction the homes will
be sold and performance monitoring carried out. Monitoring and evaluation of these
homes under "real life" conditions will provide an opportunity to evaluate the potential
environmental and economic benefits of green design and construction practices and
their potential impact on overall community sustainability.
Potential benefits of the Green Demonstration Project and dissemination of the
outcomes of the initiative include:
• Supporting local builders to establish a reputation for building sustainable homes;
• Contributing to building local capacity amongst builders, engineers, architects and
trades about building greener homes and neighbourhoods;
• Educating residents about green home and neighbourhood practices to look for
when purchasing a new home, or in some cases to consider when undertaking
repairs or upgrades to an existing home;
• Creating market support for green technologies and techniques; and
• Demonstrating municipal leadership in environmental protection and sustainability.
This summer, with the assistance of the Durham Region Home Builders Association,
the Municipality distributed a call for partners in order to identify a member of the local
land development and building community interested in participating in the Green
Demonstration Project. Potential interest was received from Brookfield Homes,
Halminen Homes, and Jeffery Homes.
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 5
4.4 Community Survey
4.4.1 Purpose
Community support for the development of green homes and neighbourhoods is
critical to the success of PRIORITY GREEN Clarington. As a first step to involving the
community, Oraclepoll Research was retained to conduct a community survey. The
executive summary is attached (Attachment 2). A full copy of the survey is available
on request. The community survey aimed to measure the awareness and attitudes
regarding green home and neighbourhood concepts. It sought to understand how
green concepts factor into residents decision making when undertaking home
improvements or buying a new home, and what green features residents would like
Clarington neighbourhoods to have.
In addition, the community survey also gauged perceptions of and community support
for increased densities within Clarington's existing urban areas and in new
development. Lastly, the community survey solicited feedback on the Municipality's
role as it relates to protecting the environment and promoting energy conservation.
4.4.2 Method and Response Rate
The survey was completed through telephone interviews and was made available
online. Telephone interviews were conducted between August 12 and August 20,
2013. The telephone survey included 1,000 randomly selected households distributed
geographically to ensure statistical validity for each of Clarington's four urban areas
and the rural area. The online survey provided an opportunity for residents who were
not polled by telephone to provide feedback. A total of 44 online surveys were
completed. The geographic distribution of survey participants (telephone and online) is
shown in Figure 1A. For comparison, household counts by area are shown in Figure
1B.
Figure 1A: Geographic Distribution Figure 1B: Geographic Distribution of
of Survey Participants Clarington Households
(2011 Census Data)
Other Areas Other Areas
Orono Bowmanville Orono Bowmanville
u
33(3%) 431(41%) 2% 41%
Newcastle
Newcastle 10%
99(10%)
Courtice Courtice
284(27%) 28%
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 6
4.4.3 What We've Heard
4.4.3.1 The Challenges of Growth
Clarington's "small town feel" is a key community attribute for many of the Municipality's
residents. Residents surveyed in both 2008 and 2013 identified this, along with other similar
characteristics, amongst the things they enjoy most about Clarington. Related characteristics
that have consistently been valued by residents include Clarington's quiet nature, its proximity
to and amount of open space, natural areas and trails, and its rural landscape. The top three
characteristics enjoyed most by residents in the 2008 and 2013 planning surveys are
highlighted in Figure 2, below.
Figure 2: Top Three Characteristics Enjoyed by Clarington Residents
Small Town Feel - Small Town Feel
Outdoors / Openness / Quietness
Greenspace
Rural / Country Style Outdoors / Openness /
Greenspace
4th place ranking 6th place ranking
As Clarington's population continues to rise, residents consider appropriate planning for
development, including managing urban sprawl, to be one of the most important challenges
facing the community. Residents surveyed in 2006 and 2008 identified planning for
development/addressing urban sprawl as Clarington's greatest challenge. In 2013, traffic
congestion has emerged at the forefront of resident opinion. However, planning for
development remains amongst the top three challenges cited. The top three growth related
challenges perceived by residents in the 2006, 2008 and 2013 planning surveys are
highlighted in Figure 3, below.
Figure 3: Top Three Perceived Challenges Facing Clarington As It Grows
nQ cf� 7/TP1�0? nul
✓�� Planning /Urban Planning / Traffic Congestion
Sprawl - Sprawl
Traffic Congestion Traffic Congestion an
-- Sprawl
> Infrastructure/ Maintain Small Town Infrastructure J
�', Services Atmosphere Services
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 7
4.4.3.2 Support for Green Development
Greener Homes
Residents support the "greening" of both the existing housing stock and new homes.
This is evidenced by an expressed willingness to invest in green practices, both today
and in the future. 69% of those surveyed indicated they are likely or very likely to
incorporate greener practices into their homes while undertaking repairs and /or
renovations. Furthermore, 70% of those who undertook renovations last year made
green improvements. Green improvements included energy efficiency (e.g. new
windows, insulating) and water conservation (e.g. installation of low flow fixtures,
drought resistant landscaping) measures, as well as green product choices. When
asked in an open-ended format about the greatest barrier that challenges residents'
ability to make their current homes greener, more than half of respondents (52%)
indicated cost.
With respect to future investment, two thirds of residents say they would be willing to
pay more for a new home that has been built to a higher green standard than is
currently required by the Ontario Building Code. As indicated in Figure 4, 99% of
respondents between 25 and 34 years indicated the greatest willingness to pay up to
10% more, while 32% of respondents 65 years of age and older were least willing.
[[66% of residents would be willing to pay more for a greener home, but at the
ame time 52% indicated that cost is the greatest barrier for them.
Figure 4: Percentage Indicating a Willingness to Pay More for a New Home
that is "Greener" then Required by Ontario Law (by age)
_............._....._.._...:_._.__._..........._-- ....._...._..........._..............._...........:..... .._._.......-...._...._..........__..........._......... .........................
... ._ ...._..
I l
55%
\ ® 99%
63%
\ 51%
@ P 6
72%
01
r 32%
------------------ ---------------------------------------- - - -- ------------------------------------------------------ -------------}
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 8
4.4.3.3 Green Neighbourhoods
Green neighbourhoods are pedestrian friendly and transit oriented, contain a mix of
uses and housing types, take into consideration low impact development techniques
and contain easy access to parks and open space.
Clarington residents value many of these green neighbourhood features. When asked
to select one priority amongst a list of neighbourhood features, a desire was
expressed for active living elements. The list of neighbourhood features presented to
respondents is shown in Figure 5 in order of priority. Two of the three highest ranking
neighbourhood features, "proximity to parks, open spaces, natural areas and/or
recreation facilities", and "pedestrian friendly design", are considered active living
elements.
Figure 5: Priority Ranking of Neighbourhood Features
For New Home Buyers
15%
� • = .�.. � .��� �� 995
a.
as, ® �•c;s 796
3%
Uiifonnibfof housing type
Looking specifically at the concept of "walkability", 72% of Clarington residents
indicated that they considered the design of walkable neighbourhoods in Clarington to
be very important when asked to rank their opinion.
It appears that the concept of mixed use neighbourhoods with easy access to facilities
and jobs is not as well understood as an element of living more sustainably.
4.4.3.4 Support for Higher Densities
The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe (2006) and the recently approved
Regional Official Plan call for a significant portion of growth to take place within
existing urban areas (referred to as "intensification"), while simultaneously requiring
higher density forms of development in new development areas (referred to as
"greenfield" growth).
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 9
Clarington residents are concerned about higher density buildings. Over the past 10
years, new development has proceeded at higher densities than in the past. However
this has been achieved by maintaining the same type of dwellings, but reducing the lot
sizes.
A higher density approach to development represents a significant change from the
development pattern currently seen in Clarington. Based on the results of the
community survey, 59% of residents deemed low-rise apartments or condos (3-6
floors) an unacceptable form of housing in their neighbourhood (assuming sufficient
land was available) (refer to Figure 6 below).
Figure 6: Percentage Opposing Housing Type Options In
Their Own Neighbourhood
59%
48%
I
29%
9%
4 g 6 E Y Ak
l............__._ _..._._... ..... .__..._.......... _... .. ..... ...-. ............ ...........__.....
......_ _......_ .. ..._........
When asked about the acceptability of housing type options for lands sitting at the
edge of our existing urban areas (i.e. greenfield growth), 47% of residents surveyed
indicated opposition to townhouses and/or low-rise apartments/condos (3 — 6 stories)
being built. Of those opposed to the development of townhouses and/or low-rise
apartments/condos in greenfield areas, Bowmanville had the highest level of support.
Newcastle residents expressed the lowest level of support. The level of opposition
indicated by each of the five geographic areas examined by the survey is shown in
Figure 7.
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 10
Figure 7: Percentage Opposing Higher Density Housing Type Options Within the Areas
at the Edge of Clarington's Existing Urban Areas, As Expressed by
Geographic Areas Surveyed
.............. ............ ............ ............
Survey Respotiderits'Geographic Area
...............
Nearly half (45%) of the concerns expressed regarding higher density forms of
development relate to perceived impacts on residents quality of life. Traffic
congestion, crowding, and diminished privacy were the top three quality of life
concerns cited. Other perceived concerns can be categorized as follows:
• adequacy of infrastructure / access to services (e.g. retail services, public transit);
• environmental (e.g. loss of natural areas)
• social (i.e., increased crime); and
• economic (e.g. negative impact on property values, job availability, tax increases).
Based on further examination of respondent's opinions regarding different approaches
to development, the Municipality is able to gain a better understanding of where
support for higher density development may lie. As indicated in Figure 8, Clarington
residents will support low-rise apartments / condos (3 — 5 stories), but primarily within
town centres and along Regional corridors.
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 11
Figure 8: Percentage Opposing Higher Density Forms of Development
37%
511
59%
m�,�
----------_ _ ____________________ __-__-______
Note: The "Don't Know" responses are excluded and percentages
recalculated. Generally there was a significant percentage (around
20%) that were neutral with the exception of the question regarding
the respondents current neighbourhood, where only 8% were
neutral towards apartments.
4.4.3.5 The Biq Contradiction
The survey results highlight a contradiction Clarington residents stronJto
in respondent's opinions. While the majority protecting the environmen
indicated opposition to a higher density agricultural lands as oppo
approach to development, the survey results continuing with low density
also indicate strong support for neighbourhoods.
environmental protection and the protection
of agricultural land. As previously mentioned, "small town feel" and relationship to
open space and rural areas are key attributes enjoyed by residents. Further,
preserving_green spaces within Clarington-has been_cite_d_amongst_the_list of_gr_owth-
related challenges in previous surveys conducted by the Municipality in 2006 and
2008, as well as the 2013 community survey.
However, when asked in the 2013 survey to make a choice between protecting the
environmen an preventing loss of agricultural land or continuing to build lower
density neighbourhoods primarily comprised of single detached homes, 79% of
respondents placed a higher priority on protecting the environment. This illustrates
the need to create awareness about the importance of higher density development
and its role in designing liveable neighbourhoods and upholding what Clarington
values.
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 12
This contradiction is further enhanced on the questions regarding the social character
of the community.
• 90% of residents want to remain in the community as they age or downsize.
• 84% want the children or their parents to be able to reside in the community as
they get older.
76% want to allow families with different income levels.
All of these social character questions require a range of housing options and, in
particular, apartments and townhouses.
4.4.3.6 Residents want Clarington to Lead in Environmental Issues
Clarington resident want to see Clarington as an environmental leader. Residents
were asked whether Clarington should become a leader in environmental issues and
become the greenest community in Ontario. More than three quarters (76%) of
Clarington residents agreed or strongly agreed that this was a role the Municipality
should fulfill (Figure 9).
Figure 9; Percent rating of Agreement with the Statement "Clarington should become a
leader in environmental issues and become the greenest community in Ontario"
48.4%
27.6%
13.6%3.9% 4.9%
Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Disagree
I --
--------------------- -- ._...-_..-------------...-- ---- --— ......__...-------------------
– --
5. NEXT STEPS
5.1 Priority Green Clarington 2013 Symposium
A PRIORITY GREEN Clarington 2013 Symposium has been organized for October
31, 2013. This event will bring together the Staff Working Group and Technical
Advisory Committee members, government agencies, developers and builders, and
community leaders for a day focused on learning, networking and collaboration.
The PRIORITY GREEN Clarington 2013 Symposium will set a foundation for Building
Liveable Neighbourhoods in Clarington. To achieve this, the symposium will:
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 13
• Present perspectives of the outward pressures of growth in the Greater Toronto
Area and the resulting importance of planning for sustainability;
• Share experiences from other Ontario municipalities who have implemented their
own green home and neighbourhood guidelines and incentive approaches;
• Explore the sustainability benefits of higher density communities for new growth
and intensification in existing urban areas;
• Share best practices of how home builders are keeping ahead of Ontario's
mandated energy and water conservation requirements, while balancing customer
demands and affordability; and
• Enhance understanding of the opportunities and challenges that the Municipality
may encounter.
To date, the Municipality has received great support from our project partners for this
event, including moderation of our two discussion panels by Daniel Hoornweg,
Associate Professor and Jeff Boyce Research Chair with the Faculty of Energy
Systems and Nuclear Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and
Bill Humber, Director of the Office of Eco-Seneca initiatives at Seneca College of
Applied Arts and Technology.
5.2 Public Consultation
Planning is already underway for the first of two planned phases of "face-to-face"
discussions with project stakeholders and the broader community. The initial phase
aims to inform the community of PRIORITY GREEN Clarington's goals and objectives,
to ensure that everyone in Clarington has an opportunity to become involved in the
project from its outset, and to raise awareness about the foundations of sustainability
as it relates to residential land development. The subsequent phase will present to
the public proposed Green Neighbourhood Development Guidelines for Clarington, as
well as related policies and incentive mechanisms for feedback.
5.3 Green Demonstration Proiect
Collaborative discussions are now underway with all three builders in order to define
the final project parameters and work plan, and to confirm partner interest.
Staff are also considering the possibility of retrofitting an existing home(s).as a
secondary component of the demonstration project.
6. CONCURRENCE — Not Applicable
7. CONCLUSION
7.1 To date, the PRIORITY GREEN Clarington initiative has taken many important steps
to establish a strong foundation for execution of the project. Over the remainder of
2013, PRIORITY GREEN Clarington will finalize the framework for the Green
Demonstration Project, continue to collaborate with the local land development/
building community, and undertake the first of two important phases of community and
key stakeholder engagement.
REPORT NO.: PSD-061-13 PAGE 14
CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN
The recommendations contained in this report conform to the general intent of the following
priorities of the Strategic Plan:
Promoting economic development
Maintaining financial stability
Connecting Clarington
X Promoting green initiatives
Investing in infrastructure
Showcasing our community
Not in conformity with Strategic Plan
Staff Contact: Carlos Salazar/Amy Burke
Attachments:
Attachment 1 — Staff Working Group and Technical Advisory Committee Member Listing
Attachment 2 — Executive Summary PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report
(Oraclepoll Research Ltd., October 2013)
List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision:
Glen Pleasance, Water Efficiency Coordinator, Works Department, Region of Durham
Attachment 1
To Report PSD-061-13
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington
STAFF WORKING GROUP MEMBER LISTING
Municipality-of Clarington
Amy Burke, Sustainable Development Coordinator
Leslie Benson, Manager, Transportation & Design
David Crome, Director, Planning Services
Carlo Pellarin, Manager, Development Review
Rick Pigeon, Chief Building Official
Carlos Salazar, Manager, Community Planning & Design
Cindy Strike, Principal Planner
.Region of Durham
Dwayne Campbell, Project Planner, Planning & Economic Development Department
Mike Hubble, Development Approvals Engineer, Works Department
Glen Pleasance, Water Efficiency Coordinator, Works Department
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER LISTING
Affiliation Representative
Building Industry and Land Development Natalie Boodram, MMM Group
Association (BILD) — Durham Chapter Jason Cheng, Glen Rouge Homes
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority Chris Darling, Director, Development Review
and Regulation
Durham College, School of Technology Ross Stevenson, Professor
Durham Region Home Builders' Association Anita DeVries, Executive Officer, DRHBA
(DRHBA) William Greig, Brookfield Homes
Scott Jeffery, Jeffery Homes
Katrina Metzner Yarrow, Halminen Homes
Bob Stewart, Brookfield Homes
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. Scott Bullock, Channel Consultant, Business
Development & Customer Strategy,
Residential and Builder Markets
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Mark Peacock, Director, Watershed Services
Seneca College of Applied Arts & Bill Humber, Director, OESi
Technology, Office of Eco-Seneca initiatives
(OESi)
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Daniel Hoornweg, Associate Professor and
(UOIT), Faculty of Energy Systems and Jeff Boyce Research Chair
Nuclear Science
Veridian Connections Eryn Wishnowski, Conservation Specialist
x r �
Attachment 2
` k To Report PSD 061-13
3 �
,
GENERAL CHALLENGES Ft BENEFITS
Respondents were first asked a sequence of questions to gain an understanding of their general
opinion of living in Clarington, including both perceived challenges and community benefits.
"What do you feel is the most important challenge facing Clarington as its population continues
to grow?"
. . . .
Traffic flow/congestion 20
.s•cy ,;- ;ic /,ai' �� s,C eS ✓✓ y rt'�: �Z ti o ,..-.� .�..,„� y r .... .✓�
'+z°� � � ✓__..:�..✓.rlr.. �..,.*.'. .f.,,� .,esD. ,f� ,.Jim:.. W .a\ e M Z, .»,er,.... ..x,`"1.,�.: �'.✓t�', .�
Infrastructure/services 15
MW
j'� } ref'} ' {, ` `•� .,z,..��` � ;'r
y^j,J',`�#s'\.`�, c71�,�' ,.,;may b �G �. �.�^ ,>7, %��; �.�..,:..��> `'"n ;-:S,g��.,.�..�•_r,��'" .� s� ,�✓,+�d,
Public transportation 8%
The most named challenge in this survey period is traffic flow and the related theme of
congestion up 20% from 12% in 2008 and 12% in 2006. The next most named topic was
planning, growth and containing sprawl which was raised by 16% of respondents similar to 2008
(13%) and 2006 (15%). Next issue is the infrastructure services (including comments of
infrastructure in general and the topic of roads and road networks to meet a growing
community) at 15%; more than doubled compared to 7% in the previous 2008 survey (9% in
2006), and the preservation of green space along with farmland at 14% (9% in 2008 & 7% in
2006).
Those in Bowmanville (25%) and Orono (33%) most cited traffic /flow/ congestion as the most
important challenge, those in Courtice most feel it is the infrastructure (25%), while respondents
in Newcastle (32%) and the rural area (28%) said that green space preservation / parks /
farmlands (32%) is the biggest challenge facing Clarington.
When comparing the challenges named by residents, the notable increases during the 2013
survey period was the traffic or congestion and green space or agricultural preservation. As a
frame of reference it is worth noting the results from the previous two survey touch points.
In the 2006 survey conducted by Oraclepoll for the Municipality, planning for the community by
having a balanced approach to development and growth was named by 15% of residents as the
most important challenge. 11% of respondents said traffic congestion, 9% infrastructure, 9%
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 8
• • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • •
education needs such as new schools, 8% road maintenance, 6% jobs and 6% alternative
modes of transportation.
In 2008, the most named challenge was planning for growth and development (13%), while an
almost equal number cited concerns over congestion or traffic flow (12%). Other issues included
the need to maintain a small town atmosphere (8%), keeping up with infrastructure or services
(7%) and public transportation (6%).
Respondents were asked what they most enjoy about the community
"What do you enjoy most about the community?"
Most Enjoy . . Five) 2013
Small town feel 27%
Outdoors/green space/open trails etc 12%
. �.
Proximity to amenities/services 10%
The small town feel or atmosphere is still seen as being the greatest benefit of living in the
community by 27% of respondents (25% in 2008), followed by it being quiet (14% as compared
to 9% in 2008), the outdoors and green space (12% as compared to 9% in 2008), its location to
amenities and services (10% as compared to 9% in 2008) and being in a rural or country setting
(9% as compared to 10% in 2008). Results from this question are referenced to the 2008
survey where the baseline was established.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 9
• • •. •. • • • •. • • • • • • •
GREEN HOME KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING
A series of questions was then asked in order to better understand respondent's familiarity with
green home concepts and practices.
Respondents were asked to provide ways that they feel would make their home more energy
efficient. The following table includes the combined results from up to three verbatim responses
provided.
"There are a variety of ways to make homes more energy efficient. What ways are you most
familiar with?"
Energy Efficiency Measures . .
Have good windows and doors 14%
Energy efficient appliances 11%
10 1
r -
:" �a
Conserve electricity 7%
When asked about what ways that they were most familiar with in respect to making their
homes more energy efficient, the most named were having energy efficient windows and doors
(14%), insulation (14%) and energy efficient appliances (11%).
In this open ended question most residents, with tangible efforts, identified making changes to
their home such as improving insulation/weather proofing or having good quality windows and
doors and appliances as ways to be more energy efficient. The third theme residents most
identified with included conservation measures such as using less air conditioning and off peak
usage or hanging clothes out as opposed to a dryer. The use of alternative energy sources was
another means cited that included solar, geothermal and wind power. In ail, only 9% of
responses related to means that would not be considered "energy efficiency" practices (e.g
recycling and water conservation).
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 10
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Respondents were then asked to rate their level of knowledge of each of the following green
concepts for a home.
"Please rate your level of knowledge and understanding of each of the following green concepts
for a home using a scale from 1 — 5, one meaning you have no knowledge at all to five meaning
you have expert knowledge."
Total Knowledge(Some and Expert) %
Water conservation measures, such as High Efficiency toilets and 64%
fixtures
Collecting rainwater for watering your lawn or garden and landscaping 58%
with native plants
Renewable energy options, such as solar or geothermal power 41%
Building materials and home products that are better for the
environment, made from recycled materials, and/or low emitting of 26%
odours and fumes
Reducing the amount of rainwater runoff from your property into the
storm sewer, such as using permeable pavement to allow water to 22%
soak into the ground, or creating rain gardens on your property
Water reuse systems, such as a grey water recovery for lawn watering 20%
or toilet flushing
Residents were most aware of water conservation measures including High Efficiency Toilets
and fixtures (64%), followed by collecting rainwater for outdoor use (58%) and renewable
energy options (41%). Results indicated that respondents were less knowledgeable about
environmentally friendly building materials (26%), methods for reducing rainwater runoff from a
property (22%) and finally water reuse systems (20%).
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 11
• • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • •
1
MAKING GREEN CHOICES: HOMES
Residents were asked a series of questions that examined whether respondents considered
green improvements when undertaking repairs and/or renovations around their current homes.
"If you were undertaking home improvements, how likely is it that you
wnu/d make changes to make your home greener at the same time?"
69%
15%
16%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
■Total not likely E Neither likely nor unlikely ■Total likely 0 Don't know
Almost seven in ten or 69% would be likely or very likely to make changes to their home to
make it greener if they were also undertaking home improvements.
Those respondents that claimed they were likely to make green improvements (69% total) were
then asked if they had made green enhancements to their home of which a total of 79% said
they did.
The youngest respondents were most likely to make their home greener, as 100% aged 18-24
said that they would be likely to undertake green home improvements. When reviewing the
other age cohorts, the next most likely group was those 45-54 (81%), followed by 25-34 year
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 12
plim
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
olds (73%), 55-64 year olds (69%), respondents 35-44 (62%), while residents 65 and over
(61%) were least likely.
Respondents were also asked if they had undertaken any home improvements in the past year.
Slightly more than half of respondents (51%) acknowledged doing so. Among those who
undertook these home improvements (51%), 69% said that they also did green upgrades.
"What improvements did you make?"
.p ,
New windows and doors 19%
, ._ M
Used green/recycled products during renovations 14%
IMI s mg '#
New insulation/weatherproofing 12%
A total of 91% of those 25-34 made green improvements, followed by respondents 55-64 (73%),
35-44 (72%), (45-54) 71%, and 65 and over (55%). While the youngest citizens or those 18-24
claimed to be most inclined to make green home improvements, only 18% have done so in the
past year.
When then asked about these green improvements 19% said that they installed new windows or
doors, 18% added a new furnace or air conditioner, 14% used green or recycled products, 12%
put in new fixtures or low flush toilets, 12% added or upgraded insulation and 11% changed
their lawn to drought resistant landscaping.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 13
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
K
All respondents were questioned in an open format probe about what, if anything, is stopping
them from making their home greener.
"What is stopping you from making your home "greener"' so that it uses energy, water, land and
resources more efficiently and is a healthier home?"
. . Five Barriers
Don't know/nothing 18%
Need more information 6%
Cost was the most cited barrier by more than half (52%) of respondents, while 18% were
unaware of or did not know. A total of 10% claimed that they are already doing everything that
they can, while 5% said that they need more information and 4% said it is not a priority. Another
2% said nothing prevented them.
A total of 73% of those aged 35-44 years cited cost, as did 65% of 45-54 year olds and 55% of
those aged 18-24. A lesser 46% of residents 65 and over named cost, as did 38% of residents
55-65, with the lowest number of those citing cost being in the 25-34 year old group at 37%.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 14
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Respondents were asked about the likelihood of them using each of the following methods of
payment to help pay for the cost of green improvements to their home.
"How likely is it that you would use each of the following methods to help pay for the cost of
making green improvements to your home. Please use a scale from 1 —5 where one is not at
all likely and five is very likely?"
Total Total Don't
Likelihood
Unlikely Likely know
Grants or rebates from your local utility provider 18% 16% 65% 2%
A low interest government loan that you repay 63% 18% 10% 1%
through your property tax bill
Most or 65% favored a grant or rebate from a utility provider, while a distant second would use a
pay as you go approach and only 10% a low interest government loan.
When reviewing the results of respondents that claimed cost was a barrier to making their home
greener, 66% would be likely to use grants or rebates from their local utility provider, 33%
paying for it themselves and 28% would be likely to take advantage of a low interest
government loan.
Respondents were then asked about their willingness to pay more for a new home built with
green practices that exceed the provincial building code requirements. A total of 35% would pay
up to 5% more, 22% 10% more and 9% more than 10%, while 28% would not pay any more
and 7% were unsure or did not know.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 15
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
F-:
MAKING GREEN CHOICES: NEIGHBOURHOODS
In addition to gaining an understanding of perceptions as it relates to making green choices
around a home, respondents were asked a selection of questions to gauge whether green
neighbourhood concepts are important to residents. Walkable neighbourhoods were defined
as neighbourhoods that support people to walk to amenities, like a convenience store or school,
or to go for a walk or bike ride.
A very high 91% of residents feel that it is important for their neighbourhood to be walkable.
"Walkable neighbourhoods support people to walk to amenities like a
convenience store or school or go for a walk or bike ride. Would you say
that your current neighborhood is a walkable neighbourhood or a car-
oriented neighbourhood?"
23%
34%
44%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
■Walkable ■Car-oriented ®Both
A total of 44% of respondents are of the opinion that their neighbourhood is walkable compared
to 34% that said it is car oriented, while 23% claim that it's both walkable and car focused. Car
oriented neighbourhood opinions were predominantly received from respondents living in Orono
and Clarington's rural area (%of the total number of car-oriented responses).
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 16
�,Y_g
Respondents were also asked about neighbourhood features that would be most important to
them if they were buying a new home. They were read the following list and were asked to
choose the most important.
"If you were in the market to buy a new home, which of the following neighbourhood features
would be most important to you?"
Neighbourhood
Proximity to parks, open spaces, natural areas, and/or recreational facilities 27%
.Y N---
NO :a
Privacy from neighbours 15%
Em ON
Access to transit 8%
Ease of access to highways or major roadways 7%
'a� •s,s °< l/,'Y"" �� ��� -�r�pro r�` �,u
Uniformity of housing type, like all single detached houses 3%
The most important feature selected was the proximity to parks, natural areas and recreation
facilities, next followed by a neighbourhood with a pedestrian friendly design and privacy from
neighbours. Of least importance was the uniformity of housing type (i.e. all single detached
houses or a mix of townhouses and semis).
18-24 year olds were most inclined to name the proximity to parks, natural areas or open
spaces (42%), as were those aged 45-54 (40%) and 25-34 (38%). Respondents 35-44 most
cited having a pedestrian friendly design (30%).
When then asked in an open ended question about the single thing that they would change
about their current neighbourhood, 23% did not know of anything and a further 18% said that
they would change nothing. Among those with an opinion, 6% named less traffic, 6% larger
property sizes, 6% improved roads, 5% more shopping or services, 5% improved public transit
and 4% named each of lower speed limits, more green spaces and better or more sidewalks.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 17
a,
Questions were then asked about children and driving them to school.
"Do you currently drive your children to school on a regular basis?"
42%
46%
12%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
■Yes ■No M Not applicable
A total of 12% of all residents regularly drive their children to school. Among these respondents,
the most cited reason for doing so related to timing (26%), followed by convenience (16%),
being more economical (16%), the distance of the school or being too far to walk to (15%) and
that the school is out of the area or community (15%). A total of 9% said that their children
changed schools and 3% cited health reasons.
A total of 35% of Courtice residents drive their children to school as do 31% of Bowmanville
residents and 24% in.the rural areas. However, a significant lower amount of residents in
Newcastle (5%) and Orono (3%) choose to transport their children.
1
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 18
FUTURE GROWTH PATTERNS
Respondents were read the following preamble about growth and were then asked follow up
questions about their support for measures to accommodate it.
"By the year 2031, Clarington's population is forecasted to grow to 140,400 people, a 60%
increase from 2011. This will require approximately 22,000 new housing units."
With this in mind, respondents were asked to indicate their support for four different potential
methods of accommodating growth in Clarington.
D.
Method for Accommodatina Growth _—Oppose.. Neutral -,Support .,.
know
Developing vacant lots or under— utilized land within
existing urban areas, including existing residential 16% 22% 57% 6%
neighbourhoods
4
Mixing townhouses, apartments and condos with
existing commercial areas along major transit routes 35% 16% 44% 4%
and commercial centres
xis -.' c•* ��� e ,,. �
Support was strongest for expanding or converting existing building (67%), next followed by
developing vacant or under-utilized lands (57%). There was a lower threshold of support for
mixing higher density housing types (i.e. townhouses, apartments and condos) with commercial
areas along appropriate routes and corridors (44%), while the lowest backing was with respect
to building higher density housing types within areas that are currently at the edge of our
existing urban areas (27%).
When looking at overall support for accommodating growth using the four models presented,,
residents appear split as two indicators show majority backing, namely developing vacant lands
and expanding or converting existing buildings. Almost half of residents or 47% are opposed to
the building of higher density housing while there is a split of opinion on the issue of mixing
residential and commercial areas.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 19
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
t
With respect to building higher density housing types within areas that are currently at the edge
of our existing urban areas, there was low support in all areas, however Orono had the highest
level of support with 37%, followed by the rural area (34%), Bowmanville (27%) and Courtice
(24%). Only 15% of Newcastle residents support higher density housing.
The questioning then moved to how acceptable each of the following forms of housing would be
if they were developed on vacant land (assuming vacant land was available) within the
respondent's neighbourhood.
"If new housing was constructed on a vacant piece of land in your neighborhood, how
acceptable would each of the following forms of housing be to you? Please respond to each
using a scale from one is not at all acceptable to five very acceptable."
Total Not
Total
Neighbourhood Type Acceptable Neutral , ,
acceptable
Single detached homes 9% 7% 82%
Townhomes 48% 14% 36%
Most favoured are single detached homes by more than eight in ten or 82%. There was lower
but still majority support for semi-detached housing by slightly less than six in ten (58%), while
only 36% claimed townhouses to be acceptable and 29% low rise apartments or condos.
When respondents were asked about their potential concerns for higher density housing in their
neighbourhood 28% stated traffic in this open ended probe. Other concerns related to a loss of
farm or green space (11%), crowding (10%), infrastructure issues (6%), water concerns (5%),
potential future tenants/residents (5%), a lack of privacy (3%) and crime (3%). A total of 15%
either did not know (10%) or said that they did not want it (5%).
Among respondents that said townhouses are not acceptable, their concerns (for higher density
housing) focused on traffic (25%), having less farmland / nature areas (21%) and the area being
too crowded (14%). And for those that stated low-rise apartments or condos are not acceptable,
similar concerns were heard, relating most to traffic (24%), loss of farmland / nature areas
(14%) and overcrowding (12%).
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 20
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
r.z y
Participants were then asked to choose between two priorities that the municipality must
consider as it plans for future development.
"In your opinion, which is a higher priority, protecting the environment
and preventing the loss of agricultural lands, or continuing to build lower
density neighbourhoods comprised of single detached homes? "
7%
E 14%
79%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
■Protecting the environment ■Building lower density homes M Don't know
Despite the preference for single detached homes and concerns over higher density
neighbourhoods, a strong 79% favour protecting the environment over the continuation of
building lower density homes (14%).
A high percentage of supporters of building higher density housing (87%), such as townhouses
and low-rise apartments, feel that protecting the environment is a higher priority.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 21
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Respondents were asked to indicate how important it is to them that Clarington offers a
sufficient mix of housing types for each of the following reasons.
"Please indicate how important it is to you that Clarington offers a sufficient mix of housing types
to allow for each of the following. Please use a scale from one not at all important to five very
important."
Total
Importance of . .
To allow you to continue to reside in the community as you age or your household 90/
size changes
To allow families with different income levels to reside in the community 76%
Respondents ranked both having the ability to reside in the community as they age or their
household changes and allowing for their children and / or parents reside in t he community in
the future as important i very important (90% and 84% respectively). More than three-quarters
of respondents or 76% also feel it is important for families with different incomes to live in the
community, but less than half or 45% feel it is important to have secondary living spaces.
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 22
IMEMEME MM
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
MUNICIPAL ACTION TO SUPPORT GREEN HOMES Et NEIGHBOURHOODS
Respondents were asked to rate their level of agreement with two statements related to
Clarington and environmental issues.
"Please rate your level of agrrement with each of the following statements using a
scale from one strongly disagree to five strongly agree? "
9%
Clarington is doing a
good job at protecting the 35%
environment and
promoting energy 35%
conservation. 210%
2%
Clarington should
become a leader in 76%
environmental issues and 14%
become the greenest
community in Ontario. no/
o
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
■Total disagree ■Neither agree nor disagree ■Total agree E Don't know
While residents were split on how Clarington is performing at protecting the environment and
promoting conservation (35% agree & 35% disagree), a 76% majority feels that it should
become a leader in environmental issues.
The level of agreementwith respect to both these indicatorsis lower as compared to the findings
in the 2006 baseline survey. In 2006, 86% of respondents agreed that Clarington should
become a leader in environmental issues and become the greenest community in Ontario, while
43% agreed that the Municipality is doing a good job at protecting the environment.
When asked a follow up question as to why they feel Clarington is either doing or not doing a
good job at protecting the environment and promoting energy conservation, 11% said that green
space is protected, 11% need more information, 10% said they can do a better job, 6% cited the
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 23
Energy From Waste Facility, 5% claimed a good job is being done, 5% liked recycling programs,
and 3% named each of not doing enough, not protecting green space/agricultural land and that
the local nuclear station is safe. A total of 34% did not know or had no opinion.
Amongst those respondents that indicated disagreement with the statement, the most
commonly cited reason was the Energy From Waste facility (15%), while those that agree that
the Municipality is doing a good job were pleased that the green space has been protected
(25%).
I
PRIORITY GREEN Clarington Community Survey Report 24