Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability can be defined as: "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (United Nations. 1987. "Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development." General Assembly Resolution 42/187, 11 December 1987).
The environment is often described as the central pillar of sustainability; the economy exists within society and culture, and these three in turn, exist in the environment. A healthy environment is the foundation on which a sound economy and a healthy society depend. Communities cannot thrive without essentials such as clean air and water.
Sustainability & Planning
Planning involves the development and use of land. Planning involves the scientific, aesthetic, and systemic ordering of land, resources, facilities and services to properly assist with the growth, health and well-being of urban and rural communities. Planning occurs in both large urban centres and small rural communities.
Planning can focus on many different elements. Any or all of these will apply to planning a sustainable rural or urban community. Some of the areas in which planners work include:
- Balancing natural resource use, environment and habitat protection;
- Developing urban and regional transportation and infrastructure systems;
- Planning for social and community services;
- Managing the cultural and heritage resources of communities; and
- Creating opportunities for economic growth and diversity.
When planning a sustainable community, we must carefully balance all four pillars of sustainability. As a result, Envision Wood Buffalo takes a holistic approach to the planning process, combining social, economic, cultural and environmental factors to help determine how the region will manage future growth.
