Last weekend I attended the Town of Markham's first ever Sustainability Fair.
This call was answered by the Town's residents, councillors and other notable municipal figures. Through their Green Print sustainable plan, Markham intends on becoming a municipal leader by encouraging social well-being, a flourishing culture, economic success and a healthy environment. More importantly, they stressed the need for residents to get involved to develop a long term plan for these healthy sustainable communities. Markham's overarching goal is for the individual resident to reach his or her's full potential living in the Town.Being held on the International Day for Climate Change, Markham made explicit their concerns with the changing climate, and how its infrastructure can cope with these changes.
McGill University's Dr. Avi Friedman (also one of *Wallpaper Magazine's 10 people “most likely to change the way we live”) spoke on sustainability and what can be done in Markham to enhance the Town's connectivity and contribute to the health of the residents. His theme - and what has been the theme of the week - is that collectively, we have lost our way. Friedmann got nostalgic and stressed the need to revert back to the old ways of living where markets would come to the people, living in bi-generational neighbouhoods, and town squares built for neighbours to congregate all contribute to our social network.
McGill University's Dr. Avi Friedman (also one of *Wallpaper Magazine's 10 people “most likely to change the way we live”) spoke on sustainability and what can be done in Markham to enhance the Town's connectivity and contribute to the health of the residents. His theme - and what has been the theme of the week - is that collectively, we have lost our way. Friedmann got nostalgic and stressed the need to revert back to the old ways of living where markets would come to the people, living in bi-generational neighbouhoods, and town squares built for neighbours to congregate all contribute to our social network.
"Communities are about social networks - not housing." - Avi Friedman
This inspiring speech was what Markham needed to get started on creating a sustainability plan. Small group activities followed, allowing for Town staff and residents to collaborate and voice their concerns in a constructive manner on various topics (such as water conservation, social equity and so on). This was the first of several meetings to develop the Green Print so stay tuned!
This inspiring speech was what Markham needed to get started on creating a sustainability plan. Small group activities followed, allowing for Town staff and residents to collaborate and voice their concerns in a constructive manner on various topics (such as water conservation, social equity and so on). This was the first of several meetings to develop the Green Print so stay tuned!
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