Sustainability program brings improvements to major Whitby neighbourhood

Whitby has launched a new Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan, or SNAP, to make improvements to one of its major areas.

SNAP operates through the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. For 15 years, the Authority has worked with GTA municipalities to “create an action-oriented plan to make the neighbourhood more sustainable and climate resilient,” according to Whitby.

The town has selected the West Lynde neighbourhood to see several improvements over the next few years. West Lynde is a residential area nestled between Dundas Street and Highway 401. The area around Central Park is a quaint neighbourhood of detached houses. Roughly 7,000 people call West Lynde home.

“Whitby is committed to building a sustainable future, and I am incredibly pleased to see the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program being implemented in one of our neighbourhoods. This initiative reflects the Town’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges while enhancing the quality of life for residents. I believe this program will serve as a model for other neighbourhoods, demonstrating how local actions can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for all of Whitby, ” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy about the program.

The Conservation Authority says SNAP “attempts to examine and develop the process for neighbourhood-wide sustainable retrofit. It will guide strategic infrastructure investments that will implement watershed and municipal plans and climate change strategies at the ground level.”

Ajax has already launched a similar program. As each SNAP project reflects the specific needs of each community, the Ajax SNAP focuses largely of home retrofits as well as improved:

• Revitalization of parks, roads and other public spaces
• Stormwater management
• Green and grey infrastructure
• Tower revitalization
• Flood protection
• Local food production
• Health and wellness promotion through connections with nature

In launching its SNAP, Whitby is starting with a public engagement session to find out how residents want to approach the project. As a result, Whitby’s priorities may differ significantly from Ajax’s.

Residents can fill out an online form to rank their most important priorities for the project until Oct. 29. “For example, do you think more green spaces, rain or community gardens, wetland restoration, educational resources, energy-efficient home upgrades, or something else should be the priority?” the town asked.