Complete communities provide residents with easy access to a variety of services and amenities, are attractive for businesses and employers, offer diverse housing options for different age groups and incomes, enable the efficient use of existing services and infrastructure, support active and/or public transportation, and protect vital natural features and productive farmland by preventing scattered development.

Rural municipalities can experience challenges in the development of complete communities because of lower population densities due to expansive rural landscapes with dispersed populations. Communities experiencing growth in the Ontario Greenbelt strive to prevent development encroachment that fragments surrounding prime agricultural lands and natural features.

This report was developed in support of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe as well as the Greenbelt Plan. It summarizes findings from a literature review, a jurisdictional scan of policies and plans, and interviews with staff in rural municipalities across the Greenbelt, including the Niagara Escarpment area.

Published by: Greenbelt Foundation

Publication Date: June, 2020

View Complete Rural Communities Report