The Town of Orangeville's Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan outlines a vision for the community that prioritizes sustainable planning. The plan focuses on protecting our natural resources and the environment while strengthening our corporate, economic and social programs.

The first progress report on the Town of Orangeville’s Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan, released in 2022, provides a progress update on the plan and focuses on actions implemented since its approval. As of summer 2022, over 50% of the 124 actions are complete or on-going with another 22 actions already underway.

You can also view a one-page summary of the 2022 Progress Report here.

Keys to sustainability

The plan identifies seven key sustainability themes and provides metrics, timelines and benchmarks to help measure our success.

Climate change and energy

Our goal is to reduce emissions and prepare for a changing climate. We will do this by:

  • encouraging emission reductions through energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy generation
  • planning for resilient infrastructure in a changing climate

Corporate and fiscal

Our goal is to demonstrate municipal leadership by considering the environmental, social and economic impacts of all Town decisions. We will do this by:

  • encouraging and supporting inter-departmental collaboration and communication to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices
  • encouraging and supporting collaboration to implement sustainability initiatives between municipal and community organizations, local indigenous groups, conservation authorities and surrounding communities and the County
  • creating and integrating sustainability principles into Town policies, processes and practices

Economic development and cultural

Our goal is to preserve Orangeville's small-town appeal, while bolstering robust business and tourism opportunities that support a healthy economy. We will do this by:

  • further establishing Orangeville's identity through the preservation and expansion of tourism, culture and heritage
  • enhancing economic resiliency through attraction, expansion and retention of diverse business industries that in turn provide varied local employment opportunities
  • connecting tourists to the Town as an urban hub within the County

Land use and planning

Our goal is to manage and direct land use that creates healthy, livable and safe communities. We will do this by:

  • encouraging mixed use development
  • co-ordinating land use and infrastructure planning to promote healthy, liveable and safe communities
  • planning land use and transportation networks that support and create well-connected communities

Natural resources and environment

Our goal is to protect and enhance the natural environment. We will do this by:

  • protecting, improving or restoring the quality and quantity of water resources
  • continuing to provide access to safe drinking water that meets the needs of the community
  • enhancing the culture of water conservation and efficiency
  • protecting and enhancing natural heritage and the urban forest

Social well-being

Our goal is to promote Orangeville as an engaged, inclusive community for all. We will do this by:

  • ensuring residents have access to affordable housing and community services
  • providing accessible social and community program options that support health, wellness and learning
  • increasing equitable access to and affordability of healthy food options
  • building social networks that encourage well-being and celebrate the community

Transportation system

Our goal is to encourage a reduction in the dependence of motor vehicles locally and promote all other forms of transportation. We will do this by:

  • promoting a shift to more sustainable and efficient transportation to move people and goods
  • improving access to transit options and reducing single occupancy vehicle use
  • promoting walking and cycling by increasing connective and safe active transportation infrastructure