CAC Crowdsourced Climate Implications RE: Townhouse Development

OP Amendment – New Development of a Townhouse Development

• Crowdsourced effort provides an overview of the questions/climate considerations related to a new Townhouse development. The questions however, would apply to any new development.

Climate Implications

• Increases energy use & GHG emissions ​
• Reduces permeable surfaces, thereby increasing flood risk

Climate Opportunities/Interventions

• Contributes to the intensification of the urban area, rather than urban sprawl, using existing infrastructure
• Introduces additional residents to parks, neighbourhood conveniences and transit services; the urban environment supports reduced vehicle trip lengths, transit usage, and reduced GHG emissions.
• Increases the site’s impervious surface but will improve conditions for surrounding properties by directing drainage towards the main street and improving resilience related to stormwater and drainage management.
• Will include an EV charging station and all units EV conversion ready
• All residents will have the option of generating a portion of their energy needs through a solar rooftop energy supply​
• Sustainable design measures will be reviewed and considered at the site plan stage

CAC Crowdsourced Questions:

• Was this the best use of land to meet housing and climate needs?​
• Has consideration been given to the embodied carbon of building materials?​
• What is the impact on local wildlife and ecosystems?​
• Will the new development be hooked up to the local gas line or be equipped with heat pumps? Will it use fossil fuels or electricity?
• In detail, how does this development increase energy use and what are the GHG implications, either quantitative or comparative to green development standard and council policy?​
• Is council policy being met? (i.e., green development standards)​
• Has the climate been considered since the project plan began?​
• Is this development ‘future ready’? (Is it being designed with easy modification for things like district energy, EVs, etc.)
• Maybe a follow-up to energy audit – is the plan in alignment with energy audit recommendations? 
• The time to get to cost neutrality – As the carbon tax increases, people want to know how long before electrification breaks even 
• If this is a change in land use, is this in alignment with density targets?
• Location relative to active transportation routes? 
• Location to public transit routes? 
• If this is a change in land use, is it in alignment with diversity targets? 
• Has orientation of the site to take [the] greatest advantage of potential solar been considered  
• Relation to floodplain
• Relation to floodplain and Stormwater retention on-site through Low-Impact Development (LID), permeable paving, has that been considered and if not included, why isn’t it included?  
• Preservation of existing trees? 
• New development? What are the plans for a walkable, bikeable environment? Are grocery stores within walking distance? 
• Proximity to amenities, schools, work to encourage walking/biking and minimize car use