Green Infrastructure
As requested, here is some space to talk “Green Infrastructure.”
Setting the Agenda 2010
What's your vision for Toronto?
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Recent Comments
David Robertson on Cycling Infrastructure Desmond Cole on Democratic Reform and Civic… Raj on Welcome to Setting the Agenda … MS on Cycling Infrastructure DN on Cycling Infrastructure
November 20, 2009 at 4:11 pm |
Green infrastructure should simply be part of planning and development. Just another item on the checklist. It should be commonplace and permit reduced taxes/charges when done by developers. I do not think we need to go out of our way to make it a separate issue. Everyone knows about global warming by now.
November 20, 2009 at 11:06 pm |
The City has not been consistent in its desire to cut emissions. On the one hand, it encourages staff to share rides to work. On the other hand, hundreds of staff are told they must have access to a car to work. Then, they are sent far and wide – in their cars. There is something wrong with this picture.
November 21, 2009 at 8:49 am |
I agree with the comments from Ken and Lyba. Green Infrastructure needs to be incorporated into every area on the Toronto agenda. The city could lead by example of encouraging their staff to use transit and alternative methods to cars. And I find Toronto caters to cars. Other cities have managed to make car-free zones – can we imagine a Future Toronto like that? But can we have it now?
November 22, 2009 at 9:16 pm |
There is a Green infrastructure deficit.
there are two kinds of “green” infrastructure:
Leafy Green
Grey Infrastructure for Green Actions such as cycling and transit.
The Leafy Green infrastructure is of particular interest. We measure our developments in concrete poured and asphalt laid, and yet we do not account for the infrastructure value of Trees, and river valley’s in absorbing storm water and providing quality of life benefits. Many of the benefits of leafy green infrastructure can be related to health benefits and others can be related to reduced infrastructure damage (re tree shading on a road reduces the temperature fluctuation and surface maintenance costs related to reduced expansion and contraction.
Other Green infrastructure is most effectively communicated in a Complete Street Development plan. That means streets that are safe for all users where children can be safe, and wehre tensions between street (public space) users are minimized. This has happened in Europe and New York and we should be looking to other jurisdictions to set a standard for Green-Grey infrastructure improvements.
November 24, 2009 at 1:03 pm |
instead of requiring employees to own their own vehicles, Toronto should cover the costs of auto-share services when needed for on-the-job duties.