The Tri-Country Green Development Standards (GDS) project is a joint effort among Grey, Dufferin, and Wellington Counties (the Counties) to create unified Green Development Standards that are informed by best practices, existing building credentials programs, and input from stakeholder consultation. The Counties will work closely with member municipalities.
The Tri-County Rural Green Development Standards will establish a consistent framework across the Counties making it easier for the development industry to understand and implement in their projects. The document will incorporate standards and guidelines that can be applied through all phases of development planning applications right through to construction.
Learn more about the Tri-County Green Development Standards project and watch the April 18, 2024 public information session on Grey County's website.
GDS include measures for developers and builders to create thoughtful and innovative developments using sustainable design.
GDS are based on principles to guide development at a level of planning and design that focuses on the community as a whole.
GDS are a critical policy tool for municipalities to achieve their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, their Official Plan goals, their goals for sustainability, and support climate adaptation.
There are several green development standards in place in Ontario. Some examples include:
Municipalities are witnessing rising climate impacts such as higher temperatures, more severe weather events, threats to agriculture, and impacts to health.
Most of Canadians lead high carbon lifestyles due to their reliance on gasoline vehicles for transportation and the use of fossil fuels to heat the buildings they live and work in.
Municipalities can put cost-effective policies in place that will benefit their residents in the future.
With GDS in place, municipalities can ensure that buildings and infrastructure are constructed to be more resilient to disruptions from extreme weather events.
Green Development Standards provide a mix of benefits to communities. These come in the form of environmental benefits, social benefits, and economic benefits and include:
Environmental Benefits
Social Benefits
Economic Benefits
Reduces energy consumption
Reduces vehicle dependency
Improves water management
Increases greenspace
Increases climate resilience
Improves air quality
Promotes healthier, more active lifestyles
Increases access to outdoor greenspace
Promotes the development of affordable and mixed use housing
Promotes community design that embraces heritage and culture
Increases property values
Reduces municipal infrastructure costs
Longer lasting building stock
Improves energy affordability
Creates jobs
Phase
Details
Completion Date
Awareness Building
This phase will raise awareness of the project through webinars and public meetings. This includes:
One public visioning session in each County to solicit input on how Green Development Standards can contribute to sustainable communities;
One webinar for the development and construction industry to raise awareness of Green Development Standards;
Engagement content posted throughout the project on the MetroQuest platform.
April 30, 2024
Creating a Desire for Change
This phase will result in a draft of the Green Development Standards through a series of workshops and charrettes with the building industry and municipal staff.
July 31, 2024
Knowledge Mobilization
This phase will seek feedback on the draft Green Development Standards from municipal staff and council, as well as the development industry and the general public. Standards will be revised based on feedback received.