April 19, 2007

International kudos for Ontario's growth plan

TORONTO

The Ontario government was internationally recognized as a leader in planning with the American Planning Association’s Daniel Burnham Award, Public Infrastructure Renewal.

"Ontario is a leader in innovation and urban development."

David Caplan

Minister

The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe is the first plan from outside the United States to win the American Planning Association’s Daniel Burnham Award. The award, presented by APA today in Philadelphia at its annual convention, is given to the plan that best illustrates progress, community benefit and contribution to the advancement of the planning profession.

“The big issue facing the Greater Golden Horseshoe is how we manage our extraordinary rate of growth over the next decades,” said Joe Berridge, partner, Urban Strategies Inc. “Places to Grow represents a strategic plan that will make Ontario a world leader in creating thriving, livable and productive communities with a high quality of life.”

The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe focuses on long-term prosperity and quality of life in the rapidly growing region of Central Ontario with Toronto at its heart. The plan outlines the government’s vision and policy for growth in Ontario’s most populous region. It is the first growth plan to be released under the Places to Grow Act, 2005.

The focus of the plan is to create complete and livable communities, with a greater mix of housing, parks, businesses, services and more transportation choices. The plan sets clear standards for growth and development, while giving local governments the flexibility they need to maintain their unique identities.

“This plan is the result of the effort and care of an enormous group of stakeholders, elected officials, environmentalists, interested citizens, developers and professional planners who all contributed to create the Plan,” said Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan. “Ontario is a leader in innovation and urban development.

“Together, we created a forward looking and sustainable approach to growth planning that strengthens our province not only for today’s Ontarians, but for future generations.”

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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