How We Build our Communities

Active and Safe Routes To School Green Communities Active & Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive community-based initiative that taps into the increasingly urgent demand for safe, walkable neighbourhoods. The web site provides resources, tools, information and links for schools and communities to create their own unique Active & Safe Routes to School program.

Healthy Communities, Sustainable Communities The Ontario Professional Planners Institue released a Call to Action and ground-breaking report that focuses on healthy and sustainable communities emphasizing the importance of urban design, active transportation, and green infrastructure. The paper also explores the links between public health and land use planning and includes strategies for collaborating on tangible actions that result in healthier communities.

Walk Score This web site rates a neighbourhood's walkability. Google Maps provides the backbone of the service. Walk score maps out all of the amenities nearby and calculates a numerical score. An area's Walk Score ranges from 0 (Drive Only, your life is miserable) to 100 (Walker's Paradise, ditch the car!).

Big Box Evaluator This on-line tool is designed to be an unbiased information resource for citizens and government officials who want to know more about “big box” retail stores and their potential positive and negative impacts on the local community.

Travel Alternatives This site aims to reduce people’s dependency on cars by providing sector specific programs that encourage sustainable travel alternatives such as cycling, walking and public transportation.

Growth and community resources This site provides resources and best practice information related to growth and community design that protects the environment, boosts the economy and improves quality of life.

Improve communities by improving with policies and practices This web site links funders to organizations working to improve communities through smarter growth policies and practices. A variety of resources and publications related to smart growth and livable communities are available.

Canada's Physical Activity Unit Public Health Agency of Canada’s Physical Activity Unit contains a great section on active transportation and what that looks like at home, work, school, and in the community. Great information for getting started.

"Moving Without Motors" Health Canada, Environment Canada, Transport Canada and Go for Green have partnered with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to develop "Moving Without Motors" : A Guide to the Active Transportation Community designed specifically for municipal council and their staff who are in a pivotal position to promote and implement sustainable, active transportation. It provides access to information and best practices from Canada and internationally. It is also an interactive forum for professionals to share ideas, pose questions, discuss strategies and build networks.

Project for Public Spaces Project for Public Spaces is a non profit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining public places that build communities. PPS is currently revitalizing the public space in and around the City of Mississauga. Their website contains information on designing public spaces including streets, traffic claming, and transportation.