Settlement Heirachy Used to Classify Our Communities Click here to show/hide the table

Sea Level Rise and What You Can Do About It

  • "Mother Nature want's her Land Back"

    This is an example of an experiment to return previously built communities to Nature after they have been extensively damaged from Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In this case homeowners decided they would rather relocate than rebuild their homes. Is it time to retreat from the coasts?

  • Retreat from Flooding

    The damage that Hurricane Harvey and Irma cause when they hit the United States can act as a reminder for Canada that something similar could happen to us as rainfall will become more frequent and severe. According to the government of Canada between 2003 and 2013 there has already been 20 billion dollars’ worth of damage to urban areas due to flooding. Arguably this is only going to get worse with climate change. Learn about lessons from Harvey for Canada

  • Intergenerational Housing

    Intergenerational living models pair seniors with students and this relationship is often a very harmonious one. In many of these models the student pay no rent in exchange for spending a certain amount of hours with seniors in the complex. This is a mutually beneficial affordable housing option for students. Learn why some Students Love Living with Seniors

  • Intergenerational Housing

    Intergenerational living models pair seniors with students and this relationship is often a very harmonious one. In many of these models the student pay no rent in exchange for spending a certain amount of hours with seniors in the complex. This is a mutually beneficial affordable housing option for students. Learn why some Students Love Living with Seniors

  • Intergenerational Housing

    Intergenerational living models pair seniors with students and this relationship is often a very harmonious one. In many of these models the student pay no rent in exchange for spending a certain amount of hours with seniors in the complex. This is a mutually beneficial affordable housing option for students. Learn why some Students Love Living with Seniors

  • Secondary Units

    Secondary units are where there is an apartment outside of an existing residence. They are commonly referred to as granny suites or flats that are a good way to bring more housing into an already established area. This type of housing does a good job of encouraging a mix of income levels and ages. Learn more about Secondary Suites

  • Innovative Affordable Housing

    As city population increases in a metropolis or large city so does the cost of living, and that’s why affordable housing is an important issue. For residents with a low income this often leaves them with little choices and choices that are isolating in appearance and do not encourage strong communities. See More Examples

  • Innovative Affordable Housing

    As city population increases in a metropolis or large city so does the cost of living, and that’s why affordable housing is an important issue. For residents with a low income this often leaves them with little choices and choices that are isolating in appearance and do not encourage strong communities. See More Examples

  • Houseboats

    Houseboats are a common sight in the Netherlands and they may be a solution to sea level rise. There are two types a metal ship that has been transformed into a living space, and a house built on a floating pontoon made of concrete sometimes called a modern ark. Old transport vessels were used as the answer t the housing shortage in Amsterdam after the Second World War. City council prefers the traditional metal ship house boat for their charm. Houseboats are connected to electricity and must be connected to sewer system. Learn more about Amsterdams Houseboats

  • Cohousing

    Cohousing is a concept that came from Denmark where a neighbourhood combines private dwelling with community living and shared resources. It is a way to in our modern world return to the best of small-town living. Residents are often involved with the entire process of planning, constructing and maintaining the community, which often offer environmentally conscious designs. The neighbourhoods often involve somewhere between 10-35 households with a multigenerational mix of a diverse group of people from singles to families to elders. Learn more about cohousing

  • Adaptive Reuse

    Adaptive reuse is the act of retrofitting an older building to ensure it is useful to the modern user’s needs. It is in this way that it is different from historic restoration or preservation, because the goal is not to maintain the buildings original state. An important factor in the decision of weather to adapt an existing building is the cost as it must be the most cost effective method or the rebuilding option is often used. Learn more about Adaptive Reuse

  • Tiny Houses

    Tiny houses are a trend in housing where people choose to live in a smaller space of between 65-400 square feet. People often choose this housing to have a simpler living and to be conscious about how we live, with the added benefit of saving time on cleaning and money by spending less on monthly bills and maintenance. Planners and city officials are starting to see this as a viable option to help address affordable housing needs. Learn More about Tiny Houses

Key Concepts

Promoting Resilience

Torjman (2007) suggests that shared places help to promote strong and vibrant communities because it helps to build resilient communities capable of prospering in times of adversity. By bringing together people, a foundation for engagement is provided whereby which people can find common understanding. From this engagement and understanding, we are able to work towards common goals to help further support and build stronger communities. Shared spaces present great opportunities for great discussion. (Torjman, S. (2007). Shared Space: The Communities Agenda. ON: The Caledon Institute of Social Policy) .

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Importance of Place

The concept of shared and public spaces is rooted in the notion of place. Whether it be the physical space in which we live or emotional place, place provides meaning and belonging in our daily lives. Places are the foundation upon which a network for people can be built. The importance of place takes significance when we think about well-being and development; quality of places and their attributes impacts our health, social cohesion, and economic welfare (Torjman, S. (2007). Shared Space: The Communities Agenda. ON: The Caledon Institute of Social Policy).

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Social Capital

The purpose of shared spaces is to bring people together, they are a location whereby which human interaction occurs. The way a place is planned ultimately impacts community health as increased social activity helps to foster an environment of support, security and trust. The socio-spatial attributes associated with these places help create unique spaces for community gatherings. Regardless of their size or geometry, public spaces serve as a means of community development and social development creating and reinforcing social bonds among people. (Friedman, A. (2014). Planning Small and Mid-Sized Towns. NY: Routledge).

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