HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD 20-07
Citlf o~
REPORT TO
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
Report Number: PO 20-07
Date: June 4, 2007
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From:
Neil Carroll
Director, Planning & Development
Subject:
Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
- Working Draft of the Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
- Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines for Neighbourhoods
- Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines for Subdivisions / Sites /
Buildings
- District Energy Pre-feasibility Report for Central Pickering
- File: D-11 00-028
Recommendation:
1. That Report PD 20-07 of the Director, Planning & Development, regarding the
Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan project, be received;
2. That the Consultants' Final Report on the Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan
project, [distributed under separate cover and available on the City's website at
cityofpickering.com], prepared by Dillon Consulting Limited, Joseph Bogdan
& Associates and Halsall Associates Limited with FVB Energy Inc., dated
May 2007, be received by Council and that:
a. the Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines contained as Appendices A
and B to the Consultants' Final Report be:
i. used as input to the development of the sustainability performance
measures and benchmarks required for Seaton;
ii. used as input to the sustainability components of the Pickering Official
Plan Review; and
iii. released to other organizations for input to their research on sustainable
development and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -
Neighbourhood Developments (LEED-ND) framework in Canada,
including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Canada Green
Building Council, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation;
b. staff be authorized to continue participating in the professional and academic
discussions regarding sustainability and LEED-ND; and
c. the District Energy Pre-feasibility Report for Central Pickering contained as
Appendix D to the Consultants' Final Report, dated May 2007, be made
available to all those interested, and used as input to the Energy
Management Plan required as part of the Master Environmental Servicing
Plan for Seaton; and
Report PO 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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3. That Council receive for information the Working Draft of the Scorecard for
Neighbourhood Sustainability and request staff to report back with a Final Draft
and a User's Guide later this year;
4. That staff conduct a consultation workshop in the fall to obtain comments from
stakeholders on the Draft Scorecard and User's Guide;
5. That a copy of Report PO 20-07 of the Director, Planning & Development and
the Consultants' Final Report be forwarded to the Federation of Canadian
Municipalities, with appreciation for the funding assistance provided for this
project; and
6. Further, that a copy of Report PO 20-07 of the of the Director, Planning &
Development and the Consultants' Final Report, be forwarded to others who
assisted or expressed an interest in the City's work including the Canada Green
Building Council, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Ministry of
Municipal Affairs and Housing, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority,
Region of Durham, City of Toronto, Town of East Gwillimbury, Town of Oakville,
the Clean Air Partnership and the Chelsea Foundation.
Executive Summary: Four important pieces of work have been completed through
this last stage of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan project:
1. Working Draft of the Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability;
2. Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines for Neighbourhood Plans;
3. Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines for Subdivisions / Sites / Buildings; and
4. District Energy Pre-feasibility Assessment for Central Pickering.
The Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines, completed by Dillon Consulting
Limited, Joseph Bogdan Associates and Halsall Associates Limited provide an
important contribution to the development of a Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design - Neighbourhood Developments (LEED-ND) based certification system for new
neighbourhoods in the Ontario context (adapted from the draft American version). The
Draft Guidelines are provided as Appendices A and B to the Consultants' Final Report,
dated May 2007. The Consultants' Final Report is being distributed under separate
cover and is available on the City's website at sustainablepickering.com.
The Draft Guidelines are based on significant research and have produced a valuable
source of targets for sustainable development in Pickering. Accordingly, it is
recommended that the Draft Sustainable Development Guidelines be used as input to
the two key City projects: the performance measures and benchmarks required for
Seaton; and the Pickering Official Plan Review.
It is also recommended that the Draft Guidelines be made available to those
organizations researching sustainability and LEED-ND, and that staff be authorized to
continue discussion with these agencies as part of the City's sustainable journey.
Report PD 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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A Best Practices Review, which helped inform the Draft Guidelines, is contained as
Appendix C to the Consultant's Final Report. This Appendix was previously released
with Dillon's Interim Report on the Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan project
(June 2006).
The LEED-ND system is structured to apply to new development, and is not easily
adaptable to existing development. Consequently, staff identified the need to develop a
system or "scorecard" to evaluate the sustainability levels of existing neighbourhoods.
Although work is still underway on the specific measures to be used, a Working Draft of
the Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability is provided as Appendix I to
Report PD 20-07. A Final Draft Scorecard and User's Guide will be brought back to
Council later this year and will also be the subject of further consultation with
stakeholders.
Lastly, an investigation of district energy was undertaken for Central Pickering. The
results are summarized in the report entitled District Energy Pre-feasibility Report for
Central Pickering, dated January 2007, and found as Appendix D to the Consultants'
Final Report on the Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan, dated May 2007. The
investigation concluded that a Seaton-wide district energy system was not likely
feasible. However, higher density and mixed-use areas may support a district energy
system.
Financial Implications: With receipt of the work from Dillon et ai, the City will be able
to request the remaining contribution from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
(FCM) Green Municipal Enabling Fund (GMEF), which covered 50% of the study cost.
The remaining contribution is $61,250.
Selected consulting assistance is anticipated for the consultation/workshop sessions,
completing the Draft Scorecard and User's Guide, professional writing and editorial
assistance in preparing articles promoting and explaining the City's work, and for staff
training. The approved 2007 Planning & Development budget has two line items
related to the Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan project: a line item for "Prof/Tech
Assistance for Implementing the Sustainable Development Guidelines" in the amount of
$25,000 as well as "Prof/Tech Assistance with Sustainability/LEED expertise for general
department support" in the amount of $25,000 (Consultative and Professional Account
2611.2392.0000).
Sustainability Implications: The sustainable neighbourhood plan project is directly
related to the Sustainable Pickering objective of "responsible development". The draft
sustainable development guidelines, which address different scales of development
(neighbourhoods and subdivisions / sites / buildings), is a new resource for further
evaluation of a LEED-ND based certification system, as well as potential targets for new
development in Pickering (both South Pickering infill and redevelopment, and Seaton).
The District Energy Pre-feasibility Study for Central Pickering provides background
information for subsequent implementation plans (such as an integrated energy
management plan as part of the master environmental servicing plan for Seaton).
Report PD 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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The Neighbourhood Scorecard and User's Guide under development will be a new
resource to allow evaluation of the level of sustainability in existing neighbourhoods and
monitor changes over time.
Background:
1.0 Pickering is on a sustainable journey.
Several City initiatives came together in the last two years resulting in the
initiation of a City-wide sustainability program called Sustainable Pickering. The
City recognizes sustainability as a journey, not a one time effort.
In 2005, under Council's Benchmarking for Sustainability Committee, a local
perspective on sustainability was established, based on integrating the three
lenses representing ecological, social and economic views. Through community
consultation, the City then developed a conceptual framework for Sustainable
Pickering with five objectives:
1. Healthy environment;
2. Healthy society;
3. Healthy economy;
4. Responsible development;
5. Responsible consumption.
The Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan project is directly related to the fourth
objective - responsible development.
2.0 The purpose of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan (SNP) project
changed since its inception from demonstrating why sustainable
development should be done, to what sustainable neighbourhood
development is.
The SNP project has evolved over the last 2-3 years. Originally, the project was
to prepare a neighbourhood plan for the first phase of development under the
City's Growth Management Study (2003). When the Provincial Seaton planning
process took over, the SNP project was refocused on demonstrating why
sustainable development should be done. At this point, the City applied for and
received a grant under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green
Municipal Enabling Fund (2005). However, as work progressed and consultation
was undertaken in early 2006, the mindset of the broader community had
changed so substantially that there was no longer a need to convince
stakeholders YW.Lsustainable development should be done, but rather, there
was a need to show stakeholders what constitutes sustainable development.
Report PD 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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Furthermore, with Pickering Council's continuing leadership in the area of
sustainable development, policies were included in the Provincial Central
Pickering Development Plan (May 2006) requiring the preparation of
performance measures and benchmarks for sustainability, that are to be
incorporated in the neighbourhood plans for Seaton. The neighbourhood
planning process is anticipated to commence in 2007.
3.0 The City of Pickering Sustainable Development Guidelines are the first
draft of a certification system for new neighbourhoods, adapted for the
Ontario context, from the draft American Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design - Neighbourhood Developments (LEED-ND) rating
system.
In September 2005, the US Green Building Council released the draft
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighbourhood
Developments (LEED-ND) rating system. This system was identified as a
potential model for Pickering's sustainable development guidelines.
The LEED-ND certification system is based on achieving required design
elements, and a number of optional design elements for which points are
assigned. Point ranges are assigned different certification levels: certified;
silver; gold; and platinum. LEED certification systems have been used in the US
and Canada, particularly for the construction of individual buildings. The
Canadian Green Building Council is also looking at developing a LEED-ND
system for Canada, but to-date, nothing is available.
Dillon et al prepared two guidelines to reflect the different scales of development.
Guideline #1 addresses the neighbourhood scale of development, and identifies
required elements of sustainable design to be met plus optional elements that
provide points. A rating system is also identified. Guideline #2 addresses the
subdivision I rezoning I site I building scale. Similarly, it identifies required and
optional elements, and the point system.
The Guidelines are provided as Appendices A and B to the Consultants' Final
Report [distributed under separate cover, and also available on the City's
website at sustainablepickering.com].
4.0 Some significant challenges were identified in working with a LEED-ND
based certification system.
In reviewing the draft Guidelines, staff identified a number of concerns with
continuing forward with a LEED-ND based system that were not evident at the
outset. Staff's observations on the advantages and disadvantages of the system
are summarized below.
Report PO 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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4.1 Advantages
. "LEED" has some brand-name recognition.
. LEED certification for buildings has some degree of familiarity in both the US
and Canadian market.
. LEED-ND is a voluntary certification system.
. A certification system provides market differentiation and promotion for both
the development industry and municipalities.
. A national rating system provides comparison across the country.
4.2 Disadvantages
· LEED-ND in the US is not well tested (it is just now in a pilot phase).
· Unless mandated by policy or resolution of Council, certification is voluntary.
· Certification process takes time, effort and some expense.
· Certification is a one-time process that applies only to new development (i.e.,
it cannot be used for existing neighbourhoods, or to assess changes).
· The sophisticated planning and development system in Ontario, and in
particular in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) results in many of the "optional"
elements in the draft US framework becoming "required" elements in the GTA
context.
· A significant number of required elements duplicate existing policy
documents, and thus may result in only a moderate improvement in the
quality of neighbourhood development over current requirements.
· With the significant number of required elements (39 of 50 in Guideline #1,
and 47 of 90 in Guideline #2), there are fewer optional items (and thereby
less flexibility) from which to achieve points.
· The system is inflexible since failure to achieve one of the many required
items means that certification cannot proceed.
The disadvantages of the LEED-ND based certification system only became
evident in reviewing the Draft Guidelines. Staff has some concerns that adopting
a LEED-ND based certification system may not be the best course of action for
the City. However, a number of other agencies are researching sustainability
and LEED-ND, and the Draft Guidelines would provide valuable input to their
initiatives. By making the Draft Guidelines available to these organizations, and
authorizing staff to continue discussions with them, there will be opportunities for
continuing exchange of ideas.
For Pickering, the identification of draft sustainable development targets and the
fundamental research upon which they are based, can be extracted from the
Draft Guidelines. The information will provide valuable input to two City
initiatives: the Seaton neighbourhood planning process; and Pickering Official
Plan Review. For Seaton, sustainability performance measures and benchmarks
are required. For the Official Plan Review, the sustainability components of the
Plan need strengthening.
Report PO 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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5.0 A "Neighbourhood Sustainability Scorecard" and "User's Guide" for
existing neighbourhoods are also under development as a complement to
the draft sustainable development guidelines.
Staff is also working on a Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability that would
address sustainability levels in existinQ neighbourhoods, whereas the Draft
Sustainable Development Guidelines address Qreenfield neighbourhoods. Much
of Pickering's new development will occur as redevelopment and infill in existing
neighbourhoods. Thus, the ability to evaluate the sustainability level within an
existing neighbourhood, and track changes in sustainability levels over time, is
essential.
A Working Draft of the Scorecard is attached as Appendix 1. Staff has identified
six attributes of neighbourhood development that contribute to its level of
sustainability. The attributes are:
. Complete & Connected;
. Land-Efficient & Transit-Friendly;
. Safe & Comfortable;
. Adaptable & Resilient;
. Energy-& Resource - Efficient; and
. Green & Healthy.
Staff has identified the key characteristics that influence each of the main
attributes. The intent is that a score be calculated for each of the main
attributes, which can then be tallied to give a "neighbourhood sustainability
score". Although the Scorecard draws in part on the Draft Guidelines, the
specific approach to measuring the characteristics and assigning the score is still
under development as a User's Guide. Staff will report back to Council with a
draft later this year.
6.0 District Energy was also investigated for its opportunity to contribute to a
more sustainable Seaton.
Another part of the SNP project was an investigation of district energy for
Seaton. A District Energy Pre-feasibility Report for Central Pickering was
prepared by FVB Energy Inc. and is contained as Appendix D to the Consultants'
Final Report. The Report concluded there were some opportunities for district
energy, in selected neighbourhoods with proportionately greater amounts of
higher density residential and mixed uses.
The Employment Areas were reviewed for district energy opportunities. The
Report assumed a development build-out similar to the Whites Road / Granite
Court Business Park in South Pickering. On this basis, the report concludes that
the business case for district energy to serve the Employment Areas is
somewhat limited.
Report PD 20-07
June 4, 2007
Subject: Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan Project
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It is recommended that the District Energy Pre-feasibility Report be made
available to all those interested, and as input to the Energy Management Plan
required as part of the Master Environmental Servicing Plan for Seaton.
Appendix:
Appendix I: Working Draft of the Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
Prepared By:
~~
Catherine Rose, MCI~ P
Manager, Policy
Approved I Endorsed By:
Tom Melymuk, CIP, PP
Director, Office of Sustainability
PP
ng & Development
CR:jf
Attachments
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
Director, Operations & Emergency Services
Recommended for the consideration of
Pickering Ci / 0
.f
APPENDIX I TO
REPORT PO 20-07
WORKING DRAFT OF THE SCORECARD FOR
NEIGHBOURHOOD SUST AINABILlTY
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Working Draft of the
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
City of Pickering Planning & Development Department
May 2007
Working Draft of the
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
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Attribute 1: Complete & Connected
What we mean by Complete & Connected
. The neighbourhood offers a choice of housing types suitable for all types of
households and all ages of residents.
. The neighbourhood contains homes, shops, and workplaces.
. Residents have many choices for getting around (walking, cycling, transit, private car)
and many choices of routes.
Characteristics to consider in evaluating Complete & Connected
. Is there variety in the housing types and tenures (such as housing for seniors,
affordable housing, rental housing, condos, live-work options)?
. Is there a variety of workplaces within the neighbourhood?
. Are the blocks fairly short, so that you have a choice of routes to any given
destination?
. Can most residents walk from their homes to shops and services such as banks,
hairdressers, recreation facilities, schools, and workplaces?
. Is there transit, trails, bike paths and bike lanes within a convenient distance of
residents' homes and local businesses?
. Are parks and greenspaces easily accessible from the neighbourhood?
Attribute Score
Using a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means "the neighbourhood has none of these
characteristics" and "10" means "the neighbourhood has all of these characteristics,"
insert a score for the attribute Complete & Connected:
Score:
City of Pickering
May 2007
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Working Draft
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
Attribute 2: Land-Efficient & Transit-Friendly
What we mean by Land-Efficient & Transit-Friendly
. Shops, services, and other land uses are clustered together, and close to where
many people live and work, so walking to them is easy and transit can serve the
neighbourhood conveniently.
. The neighbourhood contains plenty of jobs and/or residents compared to the
amount of land the neighbourhood occupies.
Characteristics to consider in evaluating Land-Efficient & Transit-Friendly
. Are there more than 50 jobs and residents per hectare in the neighbourhood?
(Planning staff can help provide this information).
. Are there more than 30 dwelling units per hectare in the neighbourhood?
(Planning staff can help provide this information).
. Are non-residential uses clustered together or located along main roads?
. Are there shops in a variety of sizes in the neighbourhood?
. Does the neighbourhood have transit service? Does it run fairly frequently?
. Are there bus-only rights-of-ways on the main roads?
. Do most people in the neighbourhood live within a short walk of a transit stop?
Attribute Score
Using a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means "the neighbourhood has none of these
characteristics" and "10" means "the neighbourhood has all of these characteristics,"
insert a score for the attribute Land-Efficient & Transit-Friendly:
Score:
City of Pickering
May 2007
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Working Draft
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
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Attribute 3: Safe & Comfortable
What we mean by Safe & Comfortable
. People want to walk in the neighbourhood because the area feels safe, there are
interesting things to look at, there are other people around at all times, there are
public benches to rest on, and walkways are sheltered from rain, wind, or sun.
. Development is designed on a scale that does not overpower pedestrians and in a
way that allows for people to see and be seen, which contributes to safety.
Characteristics to consider in evaluating Safe & Comfortable
. Are there sidewalks on the street?
. Do the buildings that you see as you walk make you feel enclosed and sheltered?
. Are there other pedestrians on the street, and do you have a sense of other people
around when you walk?
. Does traffic move at a pace that makes you feel safe?
. Are there laneways for garages, so that people don't have to park in front of the
houses?
. Are public areas well-lit during the evenings?
. Are parks and open spaces clearly visible from public streets?
. Are there open fences or hedges that you can see through (rather than solid walls)
to separate properties or different land uses?
. Are there lots of windows facing the street, so people inside the buildings can watch
the passing pedestrians and traffic?
Attribute Score
Using a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means "the neighbourhood has none of these
characteristics" and "10" means "the neighbourhood has all of these characteristics,"
insert a score for the attribute Safe & Comfortable:
Score:
City of Pickering
May 2007
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Working Draft
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
Attribute 4: Adaptable & Resilient
What we mean by Adaptable & Resilient
. The neighbourhood is likely to age gracefully over time, adding new uses,
residents, and workers while keeping the best of its heritage.
Characteristics to consider in evaluating Adaptable & Resilient
. Are there properties available on main roads that could accommodate new shops
and services?
. Do the uses at the main intersections create places that attract pedestrians and
many users?
. Does the layout of the neighbourhood include land that could accommodate
buildings of varying sizes?
. Does the neighbourhood contain buildings of different ages?
. Are there heritage buildings or properties in the area?
. Do plans for the neighbourhood allow for the addition of new buildings and
services?
Attribute Score
Using a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means "the neighbourhood has none of these
characteristics" and "10" means "the neighbourhood has all of these characteristics,"
insert a score for the attribute Adaptable & Resilient:
Score:
City of Pickering
May 2007
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Working Draft
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
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Attribute 5: Energy- & Resource-Efficient
What we mean by Energy- & Resource-Efficient
. The neighbourhood is designed to help residents and workers minimize the use of
water and non-renewable energy sources every day.
. Buildings are designed so that they don't need as much air-conditioning in summer
or heating in winter, and are built with sustainable materials.
. A reduced use of energy from non-renewable sources means reduced greenhouse
gas emissions.
Characteristics to consider in evaluating Energy- & Resource-Efficient
. Are many driveways, walkways, and open areas designed without hard surfaces,
so rainwater soaks in instead of running off into storm sewers?
. Are most of the plants in parks and gardens the kind that need little watering?
. Are the hard surfaces in the area light-coloured, to deflect away the sun's heat in
the summertime and reduce the need for air-conditioning?
. Are any of the buildings made with recycled materials such as recycled certified
wood or recycled plastic or glass?
. Is there a district energy system in the neighbourhood, or plans for one?
. Are there any LEED-certified buildings in the neighbourhood? Are there any other
"green buildings" (buildings specially designed to use less energy and water and
generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions) in the neighbourhood?
. Are there any buildings with green roofs or roof-top gardens?
. Do any buildings have solar panels or wind turbines on the roof?
Attribute Score
Using a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means "the neighbourhood has none of these
characteristics" and "10" means "the neighbourhood has all of these characteristics,"
insert a score for the attribute Energy- & Resource-Efficient:
Score:
City of Pickering
May 2007
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Working Draft
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
Attribute 6: Green & Healthy
What we mean by Green & Healthy
. The neighbourhood contains protected natural features and green areas.
. The neighbourhood is designed to maintain good water quality in neighbouring rivers
and streams,
. The neighbourhood protects the health of humans, animals, and plants.
Characteristics to consider in evaluating Green & Healthy
. Are there parks and trails that allow residents and visitors to the neighbourhood to
walk and bike in green areas?
. Are the natural areas in good condition (plants are thriving, birds and animals live
there)?
. Are important natural features (such as a stream, a special landform, or a shoreline)
protected from destruction or pollution?
. Are measures in place to protect water quality, such as stormwater management
ponds?
. Is the air quality good in the neighbourhood (for example, there are few or no places
where people tend to idle cars)?
Attribute Score
Using a scale of 0 to 10, where "0" means "the neighbourhood has none of these
characteristics" and "10" means "the neighbourhood has all of these characteristics,"
insert a score for the attribute Green & Healthy:
Score:
City of Pickering
May 2007
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Working Draft
Scorecard for Neighbourhood Sustainability
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Neighbourhood Score
Insert total score for Neighbourhood by tallying scores from each attribute
Neighbourhood Score:
/60
City of Pickering
May 2007
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