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Economic Strategy |
1.4 The 20/20 Guiding Principles
One of Ottawa's first acts as an amalgamated city was to convene the Ottawa 20/20 Smart Growth Summit, a public consultation on sustainability. The resulting document-Charting a Course-put forth principles to guide the City's future growth. Ottawa City Council endorsed the seven guiding principles in June 2002. These principles are reflected in the five growth management plans and will guide the municipality's day-to-day decision-making in the next 20 years.
The seven principles recognize the connections between development and quality of life. They acknowledge that development must serve the economy, the community and the environment. Their goal is to achieve growth in the context of sustainability. Thus, social, environmental and economic issues must be kept in balance to make a liveable, prosperous city. The principles are:
- A Caring and Inclusive City - is about universal access to adequate
income, food, clothing, transportation, health services and recreation; safety
and security; equal opportunity to fully participate in community life; respect
for cultural and social diversity; access to services that are responsive
to special and differing needs.
- A Creative City Rich in Heritage, Unique in Identity - is about being
proud of what we have and who we are as the nation's capital; a vibrant downtown,
local arts and heritage; community vitality, creativity and innovation; culture
that is present in all the city's communities; a distinct rural countryside.
- Green and Environmentally Sensitive City - is about preserving and
enhancing natural habitats, urban woodlands and rural forests, and the network
of green spaces; developments that respect the environment and use land wisely;
a focus on walking, cycling and transit; improving the quality of the air,
water and soil; and protecting natural resources and agricultural lands.
- A City of Distinct, Liveable Communities - is about communities with
identity; communities that have a variety of housing choices, employment,
parks, services and facilities accessible by walking, cycling or transit;
communities that are accessible to the disabled.
- An Innovative City Where Prosperity is Shared Among All - is about
creating a critical mass of knowledge and experience that attracts venture
capital and talent and spins off new companies; a supportive environment for
the creation of strong local businesses and a strong rural economy; connecting
people to opportunities.
- A Responsible and Responsive City - is about accountability, conducting
on-going strategic monitoring and making appropriate adjustments; fiscal responsibility
meaning the City makes efficient use of its infrastructure and resources;
an open and participatory process that is welcoming and easy for everyone
to participate in; partnerships with other levels of government, the private
sector and community-based organizations; public education to raise awareness
and understanding of key issues and choices.
- A Healthy and Active City - is about communities that are designed
in ways that promote the health of all residents; a focus on prevention by
getting people to participate in physical activities; the provision of parklands,
recreational pathways, beaches, playgrounds, arenas, swimming pools, and gymnasiums;
a clean and safe water supply; treatment of stormwater; and the safety of
contaminated soils/sites.
Next: 1.5 The economic directives
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