What is urban planning? How does it work?
It is the combination of science, technique and art relative to the organization and development of cities, with the aim of improving the quality of our living spaces and social relations, while preserving the environment.
The elected decision-makers of a city establish, in consultation with their fellow citizens, a vision for the future development of their territory that reflects the aspirations and needs of the population.
This vision is then embodied in an urban planning program. Subsequently, rules and policies are adopted, and actions are taken, to ensure that the land use and developments are carried out in accordance with the aspirations of the community.
All citizens are involved, whether they are tenants, homeowners, commercial and business owners or real estate developers.
The Urban Planning Program and Regulations of the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux
A participatory approach to renew the Urban Planning Program and By-Laws of the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux
The City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux is responsible for periodically reviewing its urban planning program and regulations to meet its obligations in terms of land use, environment, long-term planning and public finance. It must take into account the interests, needs and concerns of its citizens in its decisions.
This exercise must seek to preserve the qualities, character and identity of the City of Dollard-des-Ormeaux while adapting to the needs and realities of a metropolitan suburb in transformation.
Planning the City responsibly!
- To ensure an adequate housing supply adapted to the needs of all households
- To reduce traffic jams and our dependence on cars
- To conserve and enhance natural environments
- To enrich our heritage and landscapes
- To benefit from existing infrastructure and public transport
- To offer quality architecture and public spaces
- To combat climate change
- To provide an active and healthy lifestyle
… For you, for me, for our children, for our neighbourhood, for our community!
And for future generations to come.
But how?
By making intelligent use of the space we have left.
There are many lots that are still available or under-utilized, and that are well located near major public transport routes, shops and services, and employment areas. They should be optimally developed for all daily activities:
Housing
… that is suitable for many different types of households: young adults just starting out, couples and seniors who don’t want to live in a big house, single people, single-parent families and others.
Shops and services
… for food and everyday needs that are easily accessible by foot, bike or bus.
Leisure areas
… places for the neighbourhood community to relax and gather, such as green spaces, picnic areas, community recreation and meeting spaces, cafés and terraces.
In redeveloping portions of the territory, which are sometimes left vacant, or often nothing more than large asphalt parking surfaces, we must take advantage of the opportunity to re-green and improve the natural quality of open spaces, sidewalks and the public realm.
We must also encourage the establishment of local shops and services for the community that lives nearby and can get there by foot or bike; and limit establishments associated with heavy automobile traffic.
Any new mixed-use real estate project should subscribe to responsible development principles. They attract new residents and contribute to the vitality of the neighbourhood. It’s all about densifying the urban environment, while respecting the nature of existing neighbourhoods.