Sustainable Communities

 

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Publications & Reports 

 [Sustainable Communties | Brownfields | Residential Intensification | Neighbourhood Design | Transportation and Infrastructure | Integrated Community Design Process | Planning Policy and Practice | Low Maintenance Landscapes | Housing and Affordable Housing | Publications From Other Companies ]

CMHC Research Publications

  • Ordering CMHC Publications
    The following publications can be downloaded or ordered through the CMHC website (http:www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca) or by calling 1-800- 668-2642 (outside Canada, dial 613-748-2003).

    For a complete list of CMHC research publications that are available through the Canadian Housing Information Centre (CHIC), go to the CMHC homepage (http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca) and click on the Library link, click on Library Services, and then click on Ordering CMHC Research Reports.

    Housing Research Tools & Resources
    Use CMHC's Housing Research Tools & Resources to locate material on various housing information topics. www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/li/horetore/index.cfm

    Research Highlights
    Research Highlights are brief summaries of complete reports on the findings of research projects conducted for or by CMHC. This series is divided into two streams: Technical Series and the Socio-Economic Series. The most recent Research Highlights are now found in the CMHC Order Desk (where you may download the Adobe PDF version).
    www.cmhc.ca/en/inpr/rehi/index.cfm

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Sustainable Communities

  • Your Next Move - Choosing a Neighbourhood with Sustainable Features
    This guide is for anyone planning a move and considering neighbourhood features, like walkability and access to daily destinations by foot, bike or bus. It describes the benefits of choosing neighbourhoods with these features and provides photos of real Canadian neighbourhoods. (Product no. 62180 http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62180)
  • Sustainable Community Planning and Development: Participation Tools and Practices
    Highlights from a manual describing the strategic development of effective long term participative community planning initiatives. (Product no. 62978 - Research Report; Product no. 62767 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62767)     

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Brownfields

Brownfield redevelopment offers opportunities to manage urban growth, revitalize older neighbourhoods, lower municipal infrastructure costs and increase municipal property tax revenues. Despite the obstacles facing this type of development, successful redevelopment projects have been built across Canada. CMHC has profiled 11 case studies which provide examples of residential projects that have overcome the barriers to brownfield redevelopment, and initiatives that are designed to encourage brownfield redevelopment. The brownfield case studies are available on the web at
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/sucopl/sucopl_004.cfm .

  • Brownfield Redevelopment for Housing in Canada - Case Studies
    (Product no. 65218 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=65218)
  • Brownfield Redevelopment for Housing - Literature Review and Analysis
    This literature review and survey of brownfield experts from across Canada examines recent progress in addressing traditional barriers to brownfield redevelopment for housing and highlights emerging issues. Liability, regulations and difficulty securing financing continue to top the list of barriers. The study concludes that the relationships between barriers must be better understood so that policymakers and planners can realistically assess how well current and proposed legislation, regulations, incentives, planning and other initiatives are addressing them. (Product no. 63948 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63948).
  • Safe Housing for Lightly Contaminated Lands
    Abandoned urban industrial lands are being redeveloped for housing, many with residual contamination on the site. Developers, environmental consultants, and regulatory bodies often use site specific risk assessments to determine the degree of risk to occupants due to the unremoved contaminants. Risk assessments predict the potential exposure to contaminants that residents of the buildings will face. This project was only partially successful, primarily because the builders or developers of brownfields did not fully participate in the study. In the one case that fully met the study parameters, the actual risks were in line with those predicted, and fell within acceptable guidelines. (Product no. 63382 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63382)
  • Defining the Convective Driving Force for Soil Gas Intrusion into Houses
    A definition of the role of cross-envelope pressure on the contamination of indoor air quality by soil gas intrusion. (Product no. 62890 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62890)
  • An Introduction to Environmental Site Assessments
    This primer describes the nature and extent of contaminated sites, and explains in non-technical language the structured three-phase process of conducting an environmental site assessment (ESA). Anyone involved in real estate dealings will find this publication useful, as more and more organizations are requiring ESAs as a condition of transaction. (Product no. 62102; http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62102) 
  • Evaluation of Site-Specific Risk Assessment for Contaminated Lands
    Human health risk assessment is becoming a common tool for improving risk management decisions in the redevelopment of contaminated sites. This study examined the current practices and associated variability among practitioners of contaminated sites risk assessment in Canada. (Technical Series 97-113 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/97-113.pdf)
  • Field Tests of Remedial Measures for Houses Affected by Hazardous Lands
    Urban development has encroached on hazardous lands such a old industrial sites or landfills. Problems on or near these sites has prompted the study of soil gas emission and control measures. This study evaluated the effectiveness of four remedial measures for the control of soil gas (e.g., methane) intrusion into houses. (Technical Series 95-203 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/95-203.pdf)
  • Soil Gases and Housing: A Guide for Municipalities
    This guide focuses on soil gas infiltration into residential buildings from hazardous lands, i.e., landfill, commercial and industrial sites. This publication is designed to build awareness of the issues surrounding soil gases and housing so that municipalities can take appropriate steps to minimize potential problems. (Technical Series 93-202 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/93-202.pdf )
  • Lead Precautionary Measures
    Exposure to lead is an important health concern, especially for young children and pregnant women. This publication deals specifically with dust generated from leaded paint, especially during a renovation. It offers information for those considering a home renovation where lead-based paint is or may be a factor. (Technical Series 92-206 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/92-206.pdf)
  • Evaluation Protocol for Site Toxicity
    There is an increased awareness about the environmental conditions found at active and former industrial sites. This is in part because of the growing trend for urban residential areas to encroach on these industrial sites or former sites to be redeveloped for residential use. This project was undertaken to develop a comprehensive and detailed Phase 1 environmental site investigation review. (Technical Series 92-205 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/92-205.pdf )
  • Study of Houses Affected by Hazardous Lands
    Soil gas infiltration into houses is a contributing factor to the degradation of indoor air quality. Housing located on or near contaminated lands may be more apt to suffer from soil gas problems. This project provides a qualitative breakdown of the incidence of soil gas infiltration problems in housing in Canada. (Technical Series 92-201 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/publications/en/rh-pr/tech/92-201.pdf)

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Residential Intensification

This series includes 45 case studies on residential intensification from across Canada. By interviewing developers, municipalities and occupants, the case studies highlight the challenges and innovative solutions of intensification projects such as infill developments, conversions, brownfield and greyfield redevelopments. There are also case studies of municipal and other government initiatives that have helped developers overcome obstacles to residential intensification, including financial incentives, such as waiving fees, providing grants and tax credits. All case studies are available on the web at http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/sucopl/

Neighbourhood Design

  • Residential Street Pattern Design
    This research makes the case for fusing the grid pattern of the traditional city and conventional suburban street patterns to improve infrastructure efficiency and neighbourhood quality. The fused grid pattern creates people-friendly environments with increased open space and safe, sociable streets while making walking easier. (Product no. 62486 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62486)
  • Applying Fused Grid Planning in Stratford, Ontario
    This study explains how Stratford, Ontario studied three options for a new residential neighbourhood, and selected a hybrid fused grid model. (Product no. 63760 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63760)
  • Sustainable Community Design Demonstration in Okotoks, Alberta: Testing Consumer Receptivity
    This research describes and illustrates a community design in Okotoks and summarizes the findings of a study that tested consumer receptivity to sustainable design features. (Product no. 63046 - Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63046)
  • The Headwaters Project: East Clayton Neighbourhood Concept Plan
    This study describes and illustrates a sustainable neighbourhood in Surrey, British Columbia, and examines the environmental and economic benefits of this design over a more conventional suburban design. (Product no. 62488 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62488)

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Transportation and Infrastructure

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Urban Travel: A Tool for Evaluating Neighbourhood Sustainability
    Insights into how communities can be designed and planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from passenger travel in urban areas. This includes a spreadsheet tool that estimates weekday urban travel and resulting GHG emissions based on neighbourhood design, location and demographic variables. (Product No. 62142 – Research Report/CD-ROM and Product no. 62424 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62424)
  • Costing Mechanism to Facilitate Sustainable Community Planning
    The report represents the first phase of a two-phase project, to develop a costing tool to aid in sustainable community development, particularly in comparing the full, long-term costs of green infrastructure and various development scenarios. Phase 1 includes a discussion of community cost factors, background research including some initial cost data and recommendations for the tool development. (Product no. 64126 – Research Highlight http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=64126)

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Integrated Community Design Process

Charrettes are increasingly used as planning tools for bringing together relevant stakeholders in the community design process, such as engineers, architects, planners, politicians and citizens.  These publications offer advice on conducting charrettes and provide specific examples of the charrette process in action in Canada.

Planning Policy and Practice

  • Smart Growth in Canada: A Report Card
    This study examined how smart growth principles have been implemented in Canada to date and their success in achieving their goals through illustrative case studies (Product no. 64931 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=64931)
  • Sustainability, Planning Practice, Housing Form and Environmental Protection in the Toronto Region’s Oak Ridges Moraine
    The research focused on the impact and role of housing on growth and institutional conflict in the Toronto region’s Oak Ridges Moraine. (Product no. 64062 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=64062)
  • Accessory Apartment Regulations in Census Metropolitan Areas in Canada
    Accessory apartments represent an affordable housing option and can be a positive component of residential intensification and sustainability. This study identifies and documents zoning regulations in municipalities within Canada’s proposed and existing Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs), and summarizes their provisions for accessory apartments. (Product no. 65025 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=65025)
  • Building Communities: First Nations Best Practices for Healthy Housing and Sustainable community Development
    An easy-to-use guide for Aboriginal Communities on how to create healthy and sustainable housing developments.  (Product no. 62317 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62317)
  • Comprehensive Community Planning: Experiences in Aboriginal Communities
    A summary of the community planning experiences of some First Nations, Inuit and Northern communities across Canada, using 30 case studies. (Product no. 63596 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63596)

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Low Maintenance Landscapes

  • Landscape Guide for Canadian Homes
    This guide helps Canadian homeowners meet their landscape needs while respecting the natural environment and saving time and money.  Profusely illustrated with many colour photos, drawings and technical solutions, the guide provides practical tips on design, installation and maintenance of plants, soil, pavements, decks and much more. (Product no. 63523  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63523)
  • About Your House
    A factsheet series providing practical tips on a range of housing topics, including low-maintenance landscapes:

· Water-saving tips for your lawn and garden (Product no. 62042  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62042)

· Low-maintenance lawns (Product no. 63488  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63488)

· Rain gardens: Improve stormwater management in your yard (Product no. 63490  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63490 )

· Get to know your soil (Product no. 63486  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63486)

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Housing and Affordable Housing

  • The Housing Construction Industry: Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century
    This study examines the evolution of the private new house building and renovation construction industry in Canada in the 1990s, the industry's current and future challenges for the period to 2010 and the opportunities for the industry to respond to these challenges. (Product no. 63210 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=63210)
  • Survey of Canadian Municipalities: Regulatory Measures for Housing Affordability and Choice
    Survey results that explore issues and activities associated with planning, regulations and approval processes that affect housing affordability and choice. (Product no. 62506 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62506)
  • Municipal Planning for Affordable Housing
    A review of planning and financial mechanisms used to influence affordable housing construction. Product no. 62462 – Research Highlight  http://www.cmhc.ca/od/?pid=62462)

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Publications From Other Organizations

  • Promoting public health through Smart Growth: Building healthier communities through transportation and land use policies and practices, by Lawrence Frank, Sarah Kavage and Todd Litman. Prepared for SmartGrowth BC, 2006.
    This report explains how our built environment shapes our transportation choices, and in turn, human health. It reviews the existing research for a range of transportation-related health impacts and offers general recommendations for how land use policies, investments and actions can help to achieve healthy communities. Available at  www.smartgrowth.bc.ca

  • 2003 and Beyond: A Smart Approach for Ontario's Urban Centres, by the Honourable Tina Molinari, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Urban, April 2003.

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 CMHC Disclaimer
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is the Government of Canada's National Housing Agency. CMHC engages in research and produces publications on the subject matter relating to sustainable communities.
Visit: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/sucopl/index.cfm.
Any views expressed in any materials provided on this Web site are those of their authors and should not be attributed to CMHC which does not assume any responsibility or liability for those views or materials.