TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE POLICY FRAMEWORK MAY, 2006 Community & Neighbourhood Services Environmental and Safety Management Land Use Planning & Policy calgary.ca call 3-1-1
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE POLICY FRAMEWORK 2008-0221 Reprinted: February 2008 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...4 Policy Themes and Guiding Questions Economic...5 Environmental...7 Social...9 Integrated Policies (Smart Growth)...11 Policies Reviewed...13 Appendix: Supporting Policies Economic Promoting an environment conducive to attracting, retaining and nurturing businesses...14 Creating a city where citizens want to live and invest...15 Strategically invest in infrastructure...18 Invest and leverage investment in community infrastructure and programs...20 Encouraging a creative city...22 Environmental Improving air quality...24 Ensuring land stewardship and protection...24 Protecting water resources...26 Reducing energy use and the rate of climate change...29 Protecting open space...30 Reducing Calgary s footprint on the environment...37 Social An inclusive city...40 A safe city...46 A cultural city...47 An active city...49 A city of strong neighbourhoods...51 Integrated Policies Encouraging sustainable communities...56 Working with the region...58 Reducing automobile dependence...59 Integrated decision-making...62 Participation and community networks...63 Collaborative leadership and partnerships...65 Accountability, transparency and good governance...67 3
Environmental Introduction INTRODUCTION Triple Bottom Line Policy The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Policy was adopted by Calgary City Council on September 12, 2005. The TBL Policy provides a clear, Council-approved statement that The City of Calgary is committed to a triple bottom line approach. This means that The City will incorporate sustainable development principles into its decisions and actions. When the policy was approved, Council also adopted the Melbourne Principles for Sustainable Cities as a set of sustainable development principles that can be used to guide decision-making. TBL thinking means that Council and staff will consider and address social, economic, environmental and smart growth impacts in all City business. This includes City decisions and actions, planning, policies, strategies, services, operations and approvals. The purpose of the TBL Policy is: To advance Council s vision to create and sustain a vibrant, healthy, safe and caring community by providing clarity on the definition and meaning of triple bottom line at The City of Calgary. To embed the Triple Bottom Line into The City s Corporate policies, performance measures, actions and implementation procedures, and enhance The City s decision making. To place Calgary s efforts to achieve its vision in the broader context of efforts of cities around the world to improve their sustainability performance and make a contribution to global sustainability. Triple Bottom Line Policy Framework To help staff and Council understand the TBL implications of decisions, this TBL Policy Framework has been developed. The TBL Policy Framework is a Council-approved summary of existing City policies regarding the economy, environment and society. Over 350 policy statements have been summarized into more than 20 themes under the headings Economic, Social, Environment and Integrated Policies (Smart Growth). The Framework is intended to help Council and Administration make decisions using an integrated approach to evaluate a complex set of considerations. It can also help make City decisions more consistent with already-approved policy. The policy themes and summaries can help you identify triple bottom line issues and implications. The appendix of Supporting Policies provides detailed excerpts of the many policy statements that support the themes. Fair Calgary Policy The Fair Calgary Policy was approved by City Council on November 13, 2006. It serves as a social framework for the TBL. The purpose of the Fair Calgary Policy is to ensure that all Calgarians are valued, recognized and are able to: 1. Use the programs, services, facilities and public spaces provided directly by The City of Calgary. 2. Participate in and contribute to The City s decision-making and development of public policies. Working with the Framework The TBL Policy Framework is designed to help decision-makers identify a wide range of possible impacts and consider issues they might not ordinarily think about. A complete TBL analysis requires a review of the project or initiative against each of the 23 policy themes included in the framework. A series of guiding questions are included under each policy theme to help you identify both positive and negative implications. The questions are designed to prompt you to think broadly about the implications of your project. Your knowledge and experience add value to this process and can help to identify issues not addressed by the guiding questions. Note that not every question will be applicable to every project. If you aren t sure whether an issue is applicable or what the answer to a guiding question would be, it is appropriate to consult with a subject matter expert who may be in a different business unit. 4 Introduction
Economic Promoting an environment conducive to attracting, retaining and nurturing businesses The City promotes long-term economic prosperity by: Providing a business environment that attracts new industry and jobs. Ensuring an adequate supply of appropriately zoned land is available for industrial and commercial development. Providing a stable yet competitive environment for existing businesses to succeed and prosper; and. Ensuring an environment that allows for local innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to nurture new industry and business creation. Guiding Questions Does this initiative improve Calgary s business environment? Does this initiative add to the supply of zoned land for business uses? Does it support competition, innovation or entrepreneurial activity? Creating a city where citizens want to live and invest The City recognizes that Calgary s high quality of life is one of the major reasons businesses choose to locate and stay in Calgary. Calgary s high quality of life and attractive physical environment make it a desirable place in which to live. As well, The City s policies support strong job creation, housing choices, access to services, amenities and mobility options. Guiding Questions Does this initiative improve Calgary s quality of life? Does it support job creation, promote housing choices or access to services and amenities? Strategically invest in infrastructure The City of Calgary ensures its long-term economic development and fiscal health by managing its assets wisely and strategically investing in infrastructure to optimize functioning and service. Infrastructure is provided in a manner that is affordable and cost-effective. Infrastructure decisions are made using an integrated and cross-disciplinary framework. The City also identifies opportunities to maximize use of existing infrastructure where possible. Infrastructure is planned and designed to support sustainable policies, such as providing affordable housing or creating employment centres and transit-oriented development districts. Guiding Questions Is this initiative an investment in infrastructure that advances Calgary s strategic goals? Is infrastructure being designed and managed to optimize its use? Have opportunities to optimize the use of infrastructure been identified? Is this an infrastructure initiative that supports affordable housing or employment nodes? Economic 5
Economic Invest and leverage investment in community infrastructure and programs A strong social infrastructure is integral to a strong economy. The City supports community activities by investing in infrastructure and programs. Requests by civic partners to contribute to funding for sport facilities, community resource centres and facilities will be considered with benefits to the community being a factor. The City has a funding mechanism to support the development, acquisition and management of public art in civic facilities and supports selected non-profit services and social programs through approved funding mechanisms. Guiding Questions Does this initiative invest in infrastructure, programs or services that will benefit the community? Encouraging a creative city A creative city is one where the arts, culture, sports and other human endeavours enrich the lives of residents and are supported by government and the community. Creative activities make our lives fulfilling and also contribute to a diverse economy that builds on knowledge and innovation. This type of economy is resilient and responsive to change and thus more sustainable. The City of Calgary identifies opportunities to enhance the arts, culture, sports and other activities among all age groups and for both amateurs and professionals. It supports these activities through its powers to fund projects and infrastructure, grant approvals and engage in partnerships or collaboration with community groups and individuals. It also supports these activities through City awards and recognition programs. Guiding Questions Does this initiative support creative activities like arts, sports and culture? Will this initiative help attract creative people to Calgary? Is this an initiative to fund projects or infrastructure that supports creative activities? 6 Economic
Environmental Environmental Improving air quality The City recognizes that clean air is important for the health of its citizens. Although The City does not regulate emissions, actions within its authority do significantly influence the quality of air. The main source of air pollution at the local level is motor vehicles. The City seeks to protect and improve atmospheric air quality by putting into place policies that reduce dependency on the automobile and especially by supporting a comprehensive transit system. There are also Corporate initiatives to reduce emissions from the civic fleet. In addition, The City seeks to enhance and protect trees and the urban forest in that they provide a natural air filtration function. Guiding Questions What are the implications for clean air? The City of Calgary is committed to protecting the safety and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its water supply. The City of Calgary aims to meet the water needs of a growing population while balancing and considering the economic, social and environmental impacts of its decisions, programs and actions. The City is committed to environmental leadership in its water conservation programs, to reducing overall water use and achieving more sustainable management of our water resources. Guiding Questions What are the implications for the quantity and quality of water in Calgary s streams, rivers, wetlands or groundwater? Does this initiative affect water consumption or conservation? Ensuring land stewardship and protection Human activity has a tremendous impact on the natural state of land and the ecosystems it supports. Within an urban context, responsible stewardship of the land base includes measures such as: efficient use of the land base, protection of environmentally significant areas, the remediation and reuse of contaminated sites, and the reduction of the amount of land needed for landfill sites. The City of Calgary has set a goal of diverting 80% of the waste stream from landfills by 2020. Guiding Questions Will this initiative increase or decrease the amount of material going to the City s landfills? Does the land use or development proposal address potentially contaminated sites? Protecting water resources Clean water is a basic human necessity and is also required for sustaining healthy eco-systems. Rivers, wetlands and ground water are all part of a complex system that support human and natural systems. The City is responsible for providing safe drinking water, managing waste water and ensuring that the water that flows past our municipal boundaries satisfies all provincial requirements in relation to levels of extraction and water quality. Environmental 7
Environmental Reducing energy use and the rate of climate change The earth s climate is regulated by a complex natural system. During the last part of the 20th century scientific studies have concluded that human activities are having a profound effect on the global climate change system. Most of this human impact is the result of the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. In addition, landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas which drives climate change. The City of Calgary is committed to reductions in greenhouse gases within its own operations. The City influences greenhouse gas emissions in the community through transportation policies that aim to reduce automobile dependency, sustainable building policies that aim to reduce energy use and solid waste policies that aim to reduce the release of landfill methane. Guiding Questions Will this initiative increase or decrease energy consumption? Does this initiative incorporate energy-efficiency features? Protecting open space Calgarians value and respect the city s urban forest, natural areas and the wildlife populations they contain. The City, as the steward of Calgary s open spaces, is committed to protecting the quality of this valuable urban resource. The City strives to maintain high-quality open spaces, while ensuring that they remain accessible for all Calgarians. Guiding Questions What are the implications for Calgary s natural areas, open spaces or urban forest? Reducing Calgary s footprint on the environment The City of Calgary strives to reduce its impact on the environment. It does this by ensuring that its own operations are in order with respect to environmental considerations. The key mechanism for achieving this is The City s commitment to ISO 14001 an internationally recognized standard for managing and continually improving the environmental performance of organizations. Many of the services delivered by The City are closely governed by environmental legislation. These include the provision of water and wastewater services, solid waste services and many other operational activities. The City is committed to meeting and where possible, exceeding all relevant environmental legislation. Guiding Questions Will this initiative reduce our demand on nature and our Ecological Footprint? Specifically, does it: reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for buildings, shelter or transportation? reduce tranportation impacts by purchasing from local sources? use wind, solar, geothermal energy or alternative fuels? reduce waste? recycle or re-use materials? reduce water consumption? efficiently use resources? link capital investments to operational costs and savings over time? Will this initiative help community members or businesses reduce their consumption of resources and their footprint? 8 Environmental
Social An inclusive city The City of Calgary values and promotes independence and is a vital partner in creating an inclusive city where all Calgarians have the opportunity to take an active part in the social, economic and cultural life of the community. To accomplish this The City of Calgary seeks to ensure equitable access to City services and amenities regardless of age, income, culture or physical ability, and fosters participation by persons from diverse populations and seeks to ensure that civic programs and services reflect and respond to the changing social and demographic structure of society. The City of Calgary also provides advocacy, planning, funding, capital and preventive services as appropriate to support the social fabric of Calgary. The City of Calgary recognizes that the provision of social supports is a shared responsibility and actively works in partnership with public and private stakeholders and other levels of government to ensure that social support systems are adequate for the needs of all citizens. Guiding Questions Does this proposal respond to the needs and interests of a diverse population regardless of age, income, culture or physical ability? Does it support their ability to access services and amenities, and participate in community life? Have persons from varied social, cultural or economic backgrounds been consulted and adequately informed about the proposed service, particularly persons whose first language is not English or persons with visual or hearing impairments? For capital projects, is the design compliant with The City of Calgary s Access Design Guidelines, including the use of universal symbols at known entry points? Are the proposed policies, programs, services, or facilities designed, distributed and accessible to ensure that all Calgarians can participate with dignity, if they choose to do so? Specifically, are schedules, hours of service and capacity flexible and sufficient? How will user fees affect the ability of Calgarians to participate? If user fees are applied, will there be reduced user fees or other measures to ensure the access of low income Calgarians? Will individuals and families in like or similar circumstances be treated equally? How will any inequalities be addressed? Does this initiative support the participation and development of children? Does this initiative recognize the unique historical place and contemporary experience of Aboriginal persons? A safe city The City of Calgary seeks to ensure a safe environment for individuals and families through the provision of emergency services (Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services). The City also works with the community to promote safety and prevention through programs such as education and appropriate physical design. Guiding Questions Have measures to ensure the safety of users been included in this proposal? In particular, has this proposal addressed the specific safety needs of vulnerable persons including women, persons with disabilities, seniors, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, children and others? For capital projects, has a CPTED evaluation been completed? Social 9
Social A cultural city The City of Calgary seeks to promote and maintain a high quality of life through the provision and support of opportunities for recreation, leisure, artistic expression and appreciation, special events, and the preservation of the city s heritage. The City of Calgary is a vital partner in creating an inclusive community where cultural diversity is embraced and valued as a community asset. The City of Calgary both initiates and supports projects aimed to enhance and support diverse cultures and traditions. Guiding Questions Does this proposal incorporate opportunities for heritage preservation, public artistic expression and/or Aboriginal recognition? Does this proposal incorporate opportunities for recreational and leisure pursuits that are appropriate for a diverse population? Does this proposal incorporate opportunities to enhance and support cultural expression from diverse cultures and traditions? An active city The City of Calgary strives to create and sustain a healthy community by promoting active living through the provision of a wide range of sustainable and accessible recreational programs, services, facilities and amenities. The City of Calgary provides leadership and encourages physical activity through funding, capital, promotion, partnerships and appropriate urban planning and design. A city of strong neighbourhoods The City of Calgary promotes strong neighbourhoods through the development and support of integrated communities with a varied social composition and a strong sense of place. Working in partnership with other stakeholders, The City achieves this through appropriate planning and design that provides easy access to a compatible range of public and private services and amenities that respond to the needs of a diverse population. A high quality of life in neighbourhoods is maintained through planning approaches that promote privacy, safety and quiet within residential areas, with easy access to transit, community services, parks, open space and amenities. Guiding Questions What is the impact of this proposal on the neighbours? Does this proposal support local (community-centred) service and provide easy access to local services and amenities, including public transit and special needs transportation? Does this proposal contribute to a diverse social mix throughout the city? Does this proposal promote privacy, safety and quiet in local communities? For capital projects, is this proposal physically integrated into the community, ensuring compatibility and physical access? Does this proposal add to a desirable mix of public and private services? Guiding Questions What effect does this proposal have on the ability of Calgarians to become and remain physically active? How does the proposal deal with the physical activity needs of Calgary s diverse population? Does this proposal provide access to recreational programs, services, facilities and amenities? For capital or physical projects, does this proposal encourage physical activity through appropriate planning and design? 10 Social
Integrated Policies (Smart Integrated Growth) Policies (Smart Growth) In addition to the social, environmental and economic policy themes, there are also policies that incorporate all of these elements. These are presented here as integrated policies. The idea of Smart Growth is used to help describe the integrated policies, as the main objective of Smart Growth is to develop communities that are more sustainable. This means communities that use fewer resources like land and energy are less dependent on the automobile and are more affordable because they require less infrastructure. The integrated policies, which can support the achievement of Smart Growth, require the foundation of a supportive government/ administrative structure that uses participatory processes and includes stakeholders in decision-making and is committed to high-quality decision-making processes that are transparent and accountable. Encouraging sustainable communities The City of Calgary will strive to ensure that urban development is more sustainable in existing and new communities. Strategies to achieve this include increasing residential densities, promoting a mix of land uses and walkable urban form in new communities and ensuring new development is reasonably contiguous with existing development to avoid premature investment in infrastructure. The City supports optimizing the use of land around transit nodes to help improve the balance of jobs and people throughout Calgary. Encouraging sensitive intensification of housing in all neighbourhoods and increasing the efficiency of land use in the inner city helps revitalize existing communities. Guiding Questions Does this initiative create walkable and physically accessible communities? Does this initiative provide or support a mix of land uses? Does it provide intensified land use around transit nodes? Does it improve the jobs/housing balance? Does it encourage more efficient use of land? Working with the region The City of Calgary has an important role to play in supporting the long-term viability of the city and the region. The City works with its regional partners to ensure that growth is managed effectively to achieve the goal of longterm urban sustainability. The City also works collaboratively with the regional partners on servicing, watershed issues and other matters of mutual concern. Guiding Questions Does this initiative build on or promote a positive working relationship with Calgary s municipal neighbours and regional partners? Does this initiative promote long-term urban sustainability in the region? Reducing automobile dependence The City of Calgary is working towards reducing our dependence on private automobiles for transportation over time by: Promoting increased transit ridership through supportive land uses around transit stations and routes. Encouraging active modes of transportation, including walking and cycling, through the provision of infrastructure/amenities, neighbourhood and site design, and education/awareness programs. Ensuring greater integration between public transit and the walking/cycling modes; and. Promoting and supporting Transportation Demand Management (TDM) practices and strategies. Guiding Questions Does this initiative promote transit, walking and/ or cycling? Does it reduce the need to use an automobile? Integrated Policies (Smart Growth) 11
Integrated Policies (Smart Growth) Integrated decision-making The City of Calgary recognizes that good decision making requires consideration of a full range of factors, involving multiple disciplines and ways of thinking. The full spectrum of both the risks and opportunities to advance sustainability must be evaluated at every stage of planning and decisionmaking. The City is committed to ensure that all decisions and actions are undertaken using a Triple Bottom Line and Integrated Risk Management approach. Guiding Questions Does the decision integrate economic, social and environmental objectives? Has this initiative been evaluated using the Triple Bottom Line framework and the Integrated Risk management framework? Participation and community networks Social, economic and environmental objectives are best identified and achieved when the community is engaged and enabled to participate in decisions and empowered to carry out the actions needed to effect decisions. The City of Calgary will actively encourage the community s participation in decisions that affect them and/or affect our long-term sustainability. The City specifically encourages participation from the general public, non-profit organizations, commercial enterprises and persons from vulnerable or disadvantaged groups and to fulfill its responsibilities for participation through effective communication and education. Guiding Questions Does this provide opportunities for involvement in the City s planning and decision-making processes? Were the public and/or stakeholders consulted in the development of this proposal? Were persons from disadvantaged social groups specifically consulted? Are persons affected by the proposal included in the decision-making process and/or operations? Have communication/education strategies been designed to include persons whose first language is not English or persons with visual or hearing impairments? Collaborative leadership and partnerships The City needs the willing and active collaboration of the broader community to achieve its many desired outcomes. The City will work with community groups, businesses, civic partners, neighbouring municipalities and other orders of government to ensure effective delivery of services and shared responsibility for our city s future sustainability. Guiding Questions Are community groups or other orders of government partnering to deliver services? Are other organizations sharing the responsibility for urban sustainability? Accountability, transparency and good governance Effective governance is essential to ensuring our sustainable future. Calgary s UniCity policy facilitates effective and efficient governance of the metropolitan area as one economic and social unit. The City of Calgary strives for continual improvement of its policies, actions and decisions through a commitment to accountability, transparency, inclusiveness and good governance. Performance measures and reporting are components of accountability. Guiding Questions Does this initiative facilitate effective and efficient governance? Will this initiative ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making? Have performance measures and reporting been developed for this initiative? Do these measures include outcomes and levels of satisfaction experienced by Calgarians? Social Economic Integrated Policies Environment 12 Integrated Policies (Smart Growth)
Policies Reviewed Access Design Guidelines. 2002. Acquisition of Affordable Housing Lands for Municipal Purposes. 2005. Affordable Housing Strategy. 2002. Asset Management Strategy. 2003. Calgary Economic Development. Vision. 2002. Calgary Municipal Development Plan (The Calgary Plan). 1998. Calgary Sister Cities (Selection and Evaluation Processes). 1995. Calgary Transportation Plan. 1995. Civic Arts Policy. 2004. Civic Partnerships Guide to Policy & Administration. 2002. Civic Sport Policy. 2005. Community Association Policy Framework. 2003. Community Capital Conservation Grant. 2006. Corporate Accessibility Policy. 2005. Corporate Climate Change Program Action Plan. 2004. Corporate Workplace Framework. 2003. Employment Centre Strategy. 1999. Engage! Policy. 2003. Enhanced Maintenance Agreement and Infrastructure Agreements. 2004. Environmental Development Review Policy. 2006. Environmental Policy. 2001. Fair Calgary Policy. 2006. FCSS Funding Community Resource Centres. 2004. General Planning Criteria For Special Care Facilities In Residential Areas. Industrial Land Strategy. 2004. Integrated Risk Management Policy. 2004. Multi-Year Budgeting Policy for The City of Calgary. 2005. Open Space Plan. 2002. Parks & Recreation Policies and Priorities Manual. Pathway and Bikeway Plan. 2000. Performance Measures Framework. 2005. Policy for Utility Extensions Beyond The City s Boundaries. 1992. Public Art Policy. 2004. A Summary of the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. 1999. Stormwater Management Strategy. 2005. Sustainable Building Policy. 2004. Sustainable Suburbs Study. 1995. Traffic Calming Policy. 2003. Transit Friendly Design Guidelines. 1995. Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines. 2004. Triple Bottom Line Policy. 2005. Waste and Recycling Services Calgary s Journey: Past, Present and Future. 2003. Water Efficiency Plan. 2005. Wetland Conservation Plan. 2004. Policies Reviewed 13
Economic Promoting an environment conducive to attracting, retaining and nurturing businesses The City promotes long-term economic prosperity by: providing a business environment that attracts new industry and jobs, ensuring that an adequate supply of appropriately-zoned land is available for industrial and commercial development providing a stable yet competitive environment for existing businesses to succeed and prosper, and ensuring an environment that allows for local innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to nurture new industry and business creation. Supporting policies Attractive business environment for economic development Continue to protect and manage Calgary s long-term growth requirements within the UniCity Framework. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (1-1A) Endeavour to have within The City s jurisdiction at least a 30-year supply of developable lands for all uses, to allow for the comprehensive planning of new areas, and to encourage choice and competition in the market place. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (1-1B) The multi-year budget supports the business plans by ensuring that all efforts outlined in the plans are funded for the full three years. Thus, the plans are realistic and achievable. Conversely, the business plans support the budgets by providing Council and the public with commitments about what they can expect in public services based on the funding provided in the budget. Multi-Year Budgeting Policy for The City of Calgary. Policy (Linking Plans, Budgets and Measures). 2005. Promotes a business environment, which supports economic prosperity. Calgary Economic Development Vision. 2002. Nurtures and promotes its entrepreneurial spirit and high performance culture. Calgary Economic Development Vision. 2002 Takes an active, energetic and committed approach to business development. Calgary Economic Development Vision. 2002. Attract and retain suitable business and industry to Calgary by fostering economic diversification and providing a climate that supports and enhances economic activity. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-3.1A) Encourage other governments to provide Calgary with its share of economic growth opportunities. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (1-3C) Collaborate with the Provincial Government in the implementation of its economic diversification for the Province. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (1-3D) Encourage the protection of resource extraction through the early identification of areas where extraction should be the primary land-use and through the development of appropriate measures to mitigate any safety or nuisance factors associated with retrieval of the resource. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-15D) Sister City relationships are established based on formal analysis on the proposed Sister City request. The analysis is completed with respect to economic affiliations/benefits and local private sector support with business interest, or potential business interest, in the proposed area. Calgary Sister Cities (Selection and Evaluation Processes). 1995. 14 Economic
Economic Calgary s economic prosperity will be strengthened by activities and relationships that remove barriers to local economic growth and increase the ability of both private and public interests to take advantage of economic opportunities Corporate Properties & Buildings will: work with Calgary Economic Development (CED) to support its business attraction and attention activities; support CED in developing contact with industrial land developers and other key contacts in the industrial land development business; maintain memberships in key industry associations, such as National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and Urban Development Institute (UDI); and conduct ongoing consultations with key stakeholders as projects move forward. Industrial Land Strategy. 2004. (p.37) Industrial land Endeavour to ensure the availability of competitively priced, easily serviceable and developable land for industrial purposes. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.6A) Cooperate with industrial landowners and developers in order to: make existing industrial areas more attractive to new businesses provide high quality industrial areas in the future. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.6B) Protect appropriately located industrial development from undue encroachment of residential development in cases where the nature of the industrial activity requires separation from residential uses. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.6G) The City s future involvement in industrial land development will be guided by the following principles: 1) Supporting economic development and diversification 1) The City differs from private developers in that we recognize that, on occasion, factors other than pure profit need to be addressed. Such factors include location, type and distribution of employment, maintaining an attractive development environment, and ensuring new and existing businesses in Calgary have an appealing location available if they need/want to expand. The City also supports the diversification of Calgary s economy its industrial developments bring in industry other than those in the oil and gas sector. Industrial Land Strategy. 2004. (p. 31) Improve the jobs/population balance in all areas of the city to reduce travel distances by: using industrial land for industrial purposes which require separation from other uses and/or rail access. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2A) Creating a city where citizens want to live and invest The City recognizes that Calgary s high quality of life is one of the major reasons why businesses choose to locate and stay in Calgary. Calgary s high quality of life and attractive physical environment make it a desirable place to live. As well, Calgary s policies support strong job creation, housing choices, access to services, amenities and mobility options. Supporting policies Quality of life Strives to ensure the sustainability of its economic and environmental resources, and quality of life. Calgary Economic Development Vision. 2002. Grows and develops strategic partnerships within a collaborative framework to support sustainable economic development. Calgary Economic Development Vision. 2002. Economic 15
Economic Recognize the role and responsibility of all private and corporate citizens and all levels of government in ensuring a sustainable environment. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-1D) Be a vital partner in helping Calgarians achieve social well-being by working towards creating an inclusive social environment which 16 provides and supports services which enhance quality of life promotes social justice and equitable access to resources and opportunities for individuals. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-3.2.1A) Jobs/housing balance and location Improve the jobs/population balance in all areas of the city to reduce travel distances by: increasing job opportunities in the north, south, west, northwest and southwest sectors focusing new suburban jobs in mixed-use, higher density centers that work well for pedestrian and transit to support other modes of travel locating compatible jobs within and close to residential neighbourhoods to support walking, cycling and shorter vehicle trips. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2A) Encourage appropriate new office development to locate in transit-supportive areas through the amendment of land use classifications, and the provision of infrastructure, etc. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2B) Promote greater land use efficiency and convenience by: encouraging new housing close to transit facilities and within mixed-use centres to support transit and pedestrian mobility choices. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2F) Support the utility and vibrancy of LRT stations by actively encouraging both public and private development and integration of a full range of compatible land uses (residential, employment and commercial activities) at designated sites. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2H) Accommodate a mix of compatible land uses (i.e. housing, jobs, services, recreation) in new suburbs, within a comfortable walking distance of each other. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.1A) Economic Encourage the design of pedestrian and transit-friendly community and neighbourhood centres in new suburbs. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.1C) Provide a mix of services and amenities for nearby residents and, where appropriate, a range of job opportunities in community and neighbourhood centres in new suburbs. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.1D) Enhance the quality of commercial and industrial areas by: creating viable, diverse commercial areas throughout the city, that provide opportunities for working, shopping and entertainment activities close to one another improving public environments and the ease of accessibility to existing and future employment areas, especially the Downtown and major shopping districts. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.3B) Seek ways of reducing conflicts between commercial and other land uses, through positive development guidelines, area structure plans/area redevelopment plans, community plans, the redesignation process and other technical means. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.3D) Encourage appropriate uses for developed areas and undeveloped land within the influence of the Airport, compatible with anticipated noise levels and other technical constraints related to the safe and convenient operation of the airport. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.3.8A) Mobility options Develop and operate a road network that conforms to national standards. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.3.3B) Provide good transportation access to rail systems, airport and major highways leading to destinations beyond the city. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.3.3) Facilitate the efficient movement of goods and services by ensuring a comprehensive system of truck routes. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.3.2D) Support public transit as a travel option that maintains the ability of all Calgarians to participate in the social and economic opportunities of the city (mobility, equity). The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.3.4A)
Economic Downtown development Promote the Downtown as the principal centre of economic activity. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2C) Enhance the downtown s role as a major employment, housing, shopping and cultural focal point of the city by: broadening the amount and diversity of business activity improving the area s image, quality, accessibility and presence within the overall Calgary community encouraging a greater mix and vitality of cultural and leisure activities making substantial improvements in the quality of public areas and amenities throughout the downtown encouraging the development of substantial residential precincts in appropriate locations within the downtown. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (3.1A) Maintain an on-going environmental improvement program to ensure a level of amenity that reinforces the attractiveness of the downtown for existing and new businesses. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (3-4.2A) Business revitalization zones (BRZs) Reinforce local commercial strips (and nodes) as a focus and major element of surrounding inner city neighbourhoods. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2.2.4B) Identify pedestrian-oriented commercial strips within the inner city to determine if improvements to the quality of the sidewalk environments are needed. The nature of activities and the character of new developments along the strip should reinforce the corridor s pedestrian function. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.4C) Job creation Cooperate with industrial landowners and developers in order to: make existing industrial areas more attractive to new businesses provide high quality industrial areas in the future. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.6B) Support the continued growth of jobs in the Downtown to support transit ridership. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (3-3A). Discourage the development of substantial commercial buildings within the inner city unless their development is close to transit facilities and they are compatible with local community plans. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.4A) Design infrastructure in the Downtown to adequately accommodate future development, e.g., sewers, water, roads, pedestrian and cycling facilities, protective services, open space, etc. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (3-1C) Provides the infrastructure required to meet business and community needs. Calgary Economic Development. Vision. 2002. Economic 17
Economic Housing choices Endeavour to provide a preplanned and prebudgeted inventory of easily serviceable residential lands, ready for development, to support a healthy, competitive suburban land market. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.2.1D) Facilitate the provision of shelter within the municipal jurisdiction through a variety of means including: maintaining a working relationship with Provincial housing officials who control funds for social housing projects encouraging the establishment of public, private and joint rehabilitation projects, where appropriate establishing links with special needs groups working towards housing solutions for low income families, urban natives, persons with disabilities and the hard to house examining ways for the City and senior governments to partner in land development or housing projects, which, because of their innovative character, would not qualify for consideration by traditional money sources pursuing partnerships with the private sector to encourage the provision of affordable housing for persons in need. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-3.2.2A) All communities must provide a wide choice of housing types in addition to single family. Sustainable Suburbs. 1995. (H.2) Strategically invest in infrastructure The City of Calgary ensures its long-term economic development and fiscal health by managing its assets wisely and strategically investing in infrastructure to optimize functioning and service. Infrastructure is provided in a manner that is affordable and cost-effective. Infrastructure decisions are made using an integrated and cross-disciplinary framework. The City also identifies opportunities to maximize use of existing infrastructure where possible. Infrastructure is planned and designed to support sustainable policies, such as providing affordable housing or creating employment centres and transit-oriented development districts. Supporting policies Manage and invest in assets wisely Strive to be the best practice provider by maximizing return on municipal infrastructure investment. Ensure an alignment between Council s priorities, infrastructure investment and asset management best practices. Continually measure the performance of infrastructure in terms of the effectiveness of meeting the broader social, economic and environmental needs of the city as a whole. Ensure that infrastructure investment is sustainable and establish a balance between new and existing infrastructure. Asset Management Strategy. Supporting Principles. 2003. Endeavour to optimize the use of existing servicing systems. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (4-1.1A) Endeavour to accommodate growth while at the same time avoiding premature investment in municipal infrastructure. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.2.2.1G) Invest in transit and roads on an approximately equivalent basis. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2.3.7B) 18 Economic
Economic To effectively motivate Calgary residents and businesses to find efficiencies in their water use, The City s water utility must first look to its own system-wide operations and processes. Waterworks aims to set a positive example for customers by ensuring The City is a leader in responsible water use. upgrade existing drinking water treatment plants to enable process changes that will reduce the total amount of water our city withdraws from the Bow and Elbow Rivers engage in ongoing leak detection and proactive distribution system maintenance and repair optimize the efficiency of Calgary s water utility infrastructure continue to improve and evaluate Calgary s water system and use data to accurately track non-revenue water. Water Efficiency Plan. 2005. (p.50) Integrated framework Integrate social, economic and environmental objectives into a co-ordinated decision-making process to maintain high standards of living, social harmony and environmental quality. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-1B) Integrate growth management with The City s capital investment strategy. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2 2.2.2.1A) The City will consider four key areas in all infrastructure decisions: social, fiscal, environment/sustainability and people and incorporate a clear decision making model based on these factors. Corporate Workplace Framework. 2003. (p.11) Affordable housing The Municipal Purpose of affordable housing will be included within the Revolving Fund Reserve for General Land Purchases. The use of the Revolving Fund Reserve for General Land Purposes will enable the City of Calgary to develop a long-term land strategy that will accommodate affordable housing needs as the city grows into the future. Acquisition of Affordable Housing Lands for Municipal Purposes. Policy. 2005. (3) Determining suitable locations for affordable housing must balance quality of life considerations for both the occupants of the units and the surrounding community to ensure that healthy community environments are developed and sustained. Acquisition of Affordable Housing Lands for Municipal Purposes. Policy. 2005. (5) The City of Calgary will take steps to ensure that the affordable housing that it does acquire is of high quality and obtained at reasonable cost, taking into consideration such concepts as life cycle costing, value engineering, and LEED equivalency driven sustainable building standards, to protect long-term municipal investment and provide an asset to the community. Acquisition of Affordable Housing Lands for Municipal Purposes. Policy. 2005. (6) The City of Calgary continues to seek donations of land and capital to assist in its efforts to acquire non-market housing in Calgary. Acquisition of Affordable Housing Lands for Municipal Purposes. Policy. 2005. (7) Employment centres and transit-oriented development nodes Support the utility and vibrancy of LRT stations by actively encouraging both public and private development and integration of a full range of compatible land uses (residential, employment and commercial activities) at designated sites. The Calgary Plan. 1998. (2-2H) Through its land use planning processes, The City can plan for the eventual development and/or redevelopment of commercial sites and employment centres to achieve longterm objectives. Employment Centre Strategy. 1999. (p.17) As a landowner and/or commercial land developer, The City can demonstrate commitment to the employment centre strategy and provide built examples of employment centres. The City can purchase, develop, retain, lease or sell commercial lands in strategic locations. Employment Centre Strategy. 1999. (p.17) On occasion, Council may identify long range planning objectives and direct Corporate Properties & Buildings to assist in the process, such as supporting the Employment Centre Strategy, by actively encouraging the development of business parks or buying land for future employment centre development. Industrial Land Strategy. Guiding Principles. 2004. (2) Economic 19
Economic Transit-supportive land uses encourage transit use and increased transportation network efficiency. As such, the pattern of land uses around LRT stations should be characterized by: high employee and/or residential densities promoting travel time outside of the am/pm peak periods attracting reverse-flow travel on roads and LRT encouraging extended hours of activity, throughout the day and week attracting pedestrian users / generates pedestrian traffic. Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines. 2004. (1.2) Increase density around all Transit stations to support high frequency, rapid transit service and provide a base for a variety of housing, employment, local services and amenities that support a vibrant station area community. Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines. 2004. (5.0) Create convenient, comfortable, direct, and safe pedestrian linkages to and from all Transit stations in order to support a walk-able station area and promote the use of transit. Transit Oriented Development Policy Guidelines. 2004. (6.0) Regional pathways should be extended into each new community and employment area to ensure that a contiguous system for recreation and transportation is maintained. Open Space Plan. Pathways. 2002. (3) Invest and leverage investment in community infrastructure and programs A strong social infrastructure is integral to a strong economy. The City supports community activities by investing in infrastructure and programs. Requests to contribute to funding for sport facilities, community resource centres and facilities for the civic partners can be considered and the benefits to the community will be a factor. The City has a funding mechanism to support the development, acquisition and management of public art in civic facilities and supports selected non-profit services and social programs through approved funding mechanisms. Supporting policies Investing in infrastructure and programs In partnership with other service providers, The City of Calgary will develop a volunteer strategy and tools that assist Community Associations in strengthening their membership and volunteer base. Community Association Policy Framework. Recommendation. 2003. (1) The City of Calgary will continue to work with the school boards and not-for-profit partners in the development of unique facility designs that encourage synergies in program deliver and cost effective programs. Community Association Policy Framework. Recommendation. 2003. (8) The City of Calgary will: 5. Implement a multi-year funding strategy to provide sustainable, consistent and predictable funds for sport infrastructure, programs and initiatives; 7. Support community-based programs and initiatives that will promote and facilitate accessibility of sport for all Calgarians. Civic Sport Policy. 2005. The Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program provides an 80/20 funding partnership between the Province and the Municipality to design and deliver social programs that are preventive in nature to promote and enhance well being among individuals, families, and communities. 20 Economic