Urban Strategies was retained by the Krpan Group to develop a concept plan for the Evergreen Community, a new mixed-use community in Burlington, Ontario. The 67 hectare site is located within the broader Tremaine Dundas Secondary Plan area and encompasses the majority of the developable lands within this area. The concept plan was developed concurrently with the broader area study undertaken by the City of Burlington and therefore substantially informed the overall Secondary Plan.
The site is the last undeveloped residential greenfield in the City of Burlington and therefore presents an opportunity to create a leading-edge and environmentally sustainable mixed-use community. The concept plan responds to a number of distinct site qualities, including significant natural heritage features, access to existing and planned transportation routes, and important cultural heritage assets. Through the adoption of an integrated approach to development engineering, stormwater management, built form, land use, and natural and built heritage preservation, the Evergreen Community presents a progressive example of sustainable, complete community design.
The concept plan is premised on the integration of innovative sustainable community design strategies, including opportunities for low-impact stormwater management, superior energy efficiency standards, enhanced landscaping, renewable energy, and other sustainable building techniques. A diverse mix of land uses will help to create a complete community, providing over 750 new homes and over 850 jobs that will be complemented with new parks and open spaces all within walking distance of each other. A range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartment units, will create housing options for people at all stages of their lifecycle. A 2-hectare public park is planned at the centre of the community, providing opportunities for passive and active recreation, while other open space areas and trails will support access throughout the area. The plan also achieves the preservation and adaptive re-use of a heritage house along Dundas Street.