Sustainable development in the suburbs

Columnist Randall Denley makes the point that new suburbs and their residents should be able to expect a standard level of service from the city (Suburbs deserve better than sub-standard service, Randall Denley, Ottawa Citizen, July 13, 2010). In the article he refers to Planning and Development Committee’s recommendation ion to change a policy that dictates that 100% of the cost of community facility development costs being collected from new residents before construction starts. The proposal would allow the city to borrow money so that construction of new community based recreational facilities can start once 50% of the funds are collected.

Denley makes the point that “The longer the city does nothing, the less developers are obliged to contribute for future recreational needs.” He suggests that the city should also be putting in its rinks, libraries, pools and parks at the beginning of development, not years later.

I would suggest the city go a step further by insisting that suburb developers’ plans make provision for appropriate levels of retail and commercial space so that residents can expect to shop and work in their communities as they develop; thus reducing pressure on roads required to service new communities.