Grey Highlands is growing. Every year, new residents are moving here and new homes are being built. The question is this: Do we allow developers to simply replace good farmland with low density cookie-cutter sprawl and Big Box stores? Or are we prepared to adopt bold and innovated policies that require developers to build real communities?

Here are a few ideas that could put Grey Highlands at the forefront of the movement for community-driven healthy growth:

Traditional North American sprawl has two components; large areas of homes (roughly 25 acres) followed by Big Box commercial areas (also roughly 25 acres).

Neither of these areas feels like a real community, because a 'complete' neighbourhood has both: Places to live and places to shop, nearby.

Think of our historic towns where homes, stores, restaurants, schools and parks are all nearby. That's what a complete community feels like. That's what a village feels like! Instead of single-use zoning, can we build subdivisions that feel like an actual village? I want to explore this, as a member of Council.

Mixed Use Buildings

In addition to Mixed-Use neighbourhoods, there is another important component of smart growth: Mixed-Use buildings!

I'd like to explore the possibility of requiring new commercial developments to include some residential units, in the same building.

Think of our old downtowns. From Markdale to Maxwell, Flesherton to Feversham, it's completely normal to see rental units above a hardware store, general store, restaurant or bakery.

Why can't we do that now? Adding apartments on top of new commercial developments would create much-needed rental housing and would add a village-like character to new malls.

Ironically, many new 'Smart Centre' chainstore developments have been adding FAKE residential units above their stores, to make it FEEL like a neighbourhood (see below). My question is: Why not do it for real?

Chains + Big Box.

Modern commercial malls have no character. They all have the exact same chain stores and Big Box outlets. Towns begin to all look and feel the same, losing their unique charm and history

Some people see Big Box commercial developments as inevitable in a growing community. But that's simply not true. Municipalities have lots of tools to help shape growth, protect small business and slowly expand our villages in a way that preserves our small town character.

Building Complete Communities.

vs