Profiles

CASSSA
Committee for a Strong and Sustainable Salmon Arm

CASSSA members share a vision of a strong, vital community where engaged citizens proactively share in the decision-making for land-use, transportation, building, evnironmental and other policies that will result in the best possible quality of life and sense of community for Salmon Arm citizens.

for more information, visit
http://www.casssa.ca

10 Smart Growth Principles

"Smart growth" is a collection of land use and development principles that aim to enhance quality of life, preserve the natural environment, and save money over time. The following smart growth principles ensure that growth is fiscally, environmentally and socially responsible and recognize the connections between development and quality of life. "Smart growth" planning and development incorporates all of these principles:

1. Mix land uses. Each neighbourhood has a mixture of homes, retail, business, and recreational opportunities.

2. Build well-designed compact neighbourhoods. Residents can choose to live, work, shop and play in close proximity. People can easily access daily activities, transit is viable, and local businesses are supported.

3. Provide a variety of transportation choices. Neighbourhoods are attractive and have safe infrastructure for walking, cycling and transit, in addition to driving.

4. Create diverse housing opportunities. People in different family types, life stages and income levels can afford a home in the neighbourhood of their choice.

5. Encourage growth in existing communities. Investments in infrastructure (such as roads and schools) are used efficiently, and developments do not take up new land.

6. Preserve open spaces, natural beauty, and environmentally sensitive areas. Development respects natural landscape features and has higher aesthetic, environmental, and financial value.

7. Protect and enhance agricultural lands. A secure and productive land base, such as BC's Agricultural Land Reserve, provides food security, employment, and habitat, and is maintained as an urban containment boundary.

8. Utilize smarter, and cheaper infrastructure and green buildings. Green buildings and other systems can save both money and the environment in the long run.

9. Foster a unique neighbourhood identity. Each community is unique, vibrant, diverse, and inclusive.

10. Nurture engaged citizens. Places belong to those who live, work, and play there. Engaged citizens participate in community life and decision-making.

For more information on Smart Growth BC, visit their web site: www.smartgrowth.bc.ca