WELLINGTON COUNTY – Grey, Dufferin and Wellington counties have officially launched a new program aimed at encouraging more energy-efficient, climate-resilient and affordable residential developments.
The Green Development Program was launched October 13 at the Baybounds Presentation Centre in Meaford, a net-zero housing development currently under construction by Sinclair Homes.
The voluntary program provides builders and developers with a consistent regional framework to recognize sustainable building practices. Projects are assessed across 18 development features covering the natural environment, community and transportation, and the built environment. Developments can receive Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition based on their scores.
Four residential developments across Grey and Dufferin counties received the program’s first recognition during the launch event.
Baybounds by Sinclair Homes in Meaford received Gold recognition with 26 points. The first phase includes 55 residential units designed to produce as much energy as they consume, with features including rooftop solar installations, cold-climate heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and Level 2 electric vehicle chargers for all homes.
Elements of Meaford by Sarlie Canada received Silver recognition with 18 points. The 26-unit mixed-use development will be fully electric and includes plans for native landscaping, increased tree canopy, wider sidewalks, park connections and public gathering spaces.
Baycrest Apartments by SkyDev in Owen Sound also received Silver recognition, earning 16 points. The mixed-use development will include 712 residential units, along with high-efficiency lighting, low-flow water fixtures, electric vehicle charging, community gardens and outdoor social spaces.
Meanwhile, Five Creek Estates by Great Gulf in Orangeville received Bronze recognition with nine points. The 103-unit development includes native plantings, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, cycling infrastructure, access to parks and public transit, and a mix of housing types.
Wellington County Councillor and Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox says the program gives builders an opportunity to stand out for their investment in sustainable housing.
“That recognition can help participating businesses demonstrate value to homebuyers and strengthen their competitive position. Working together across three counties also sends a clear message to investors and developers: our rural communities welcome innovation and investment in sustainable housing,” Lennox said.
Dufferin County Councillor and Mulmur Township Mayor Janet Horner says long-term housing affordability goes beyond the initial purchase or rental price.
“But long-term affordability also includes what it costs to live in a home and community over many years. The Green Development Program will help reduce long-term costs related to energy, transportation and sustainable infrastructure in the development stage. Together with our partners at Grey and Wellington Counties, Dufferin is excited to launch the Green Development Program and make decisions today that will serve our growing communities for decades,” Horner said.
Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs says the initiative will help encourage development that benefits residents, the economy and the environment.
“Grey County is proud to be part of the Green Development Program and to work alongside our neighbours in Dufferin and Wellington counties to support more sustainable communities,” Matrosovs said. “This program recognizes that good development can deliver benefits across the triple bottom line: people, prosperity, and planet. By encouraging energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and affordable housing, we’re helping create communities that are better for residents, more cost-effective over the long term, and supportive of our shared environmental goals. We look forward to celebrating the builders and developers who are leading the way and demonstrating what sustainable growth can look like in our region.”
The program is supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Codes Acceleration Fund and aims to showcase sustainable building practices already being adopted in local communities while encouraging more developers to incorporate these features into future projects.
