Sustainable neighbourhood planning seeks to achieve long-term socially, environmentally and economically healthy communities by:

  • creating socially cohesive and diverse communities through a mix of housing types and employment opportunities
  • promoting alternative transportation and energy
  • promoting efficient use of resources
  • locating residential areas close to recreational and commercial services with pedestrian and cycling connections

A sustainable neighbourhood takes into consideration elements at the community, neighbourhood and building level.

Community Level Elements

  • Natural Heritage Conservation and Protection
  • Energy
  • Transportation

Neighbourhood Level Elements

  • Sustainable Sites 
  • Emergency Preparedness 
  • Food Production

Site/Building Level Elements

  • Building and Materials Management
  • Building Design and Energy
  • Solid Waste Management 
  • Water and Wastewater Efficiency 
  • Stormwater Management 
  • Indoor Air Quality 
  • Construction Waste Management

For new neighbourhoods and new developments, the City of Pickering has developed two guidelines: the Integrated Sustainable Design Standards (ISDS) and the Seaton Sustainable Place-Making Guidelines for lands within the Seaton Area.