The City of Markham, in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, is finalizing the development of an innovative action plan called Bayview Glen Sustainable Neighbourhood Retrofit Action Plan (SNAP). It will assist in the environmental transformation of the Bayview Glen neighbourhood to promote energy conservation and active transportation, as well as prevent flooding.
In 2014, local residents provided input regarding their needs and preferences for the neighbourhood through surveys, a focus group session, two public meetings and the Bayview Glen School Fair. The resulting action plan, which embraces residents’ feedback, includes three highlights.
The first highlight is state-of-the-art green infrastructure for sustainable water management on roads and parks.
The second highlight is the renewal of Bayview Glen Park, Glencrest Park and Stonefarm Parkette, which will incorporate renewable energy, naturalization plantings and updated amenities to meet current recreational needs.
The third highlight is a residential program to help homeowners implement sustainable retrofits at their property.
The project received funding from diverse sources, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Enbridge, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and York Region. The action plan is expected to be implemented starting in 2016 and realized over a five- to 10-year period.