Sustainable Growth

Throughout our Northumberland Next Official Plan Update process, we have heard that growth, where it happens and how, is a key concern for Northumberland residents. By growth, we mean making improvements to existing neighbourhoods, as well as building new ones. Sustainable growth is about balancing the benefits of development with the capacity to appropriately service this growth.  

It is estimated that by 2051 there will be about 36,000 more people living in Northumberland. Our county needs to grow to accommodate new neighbours. That will mean more homes, neighbourhoods, roads, bridges, transit routes, and other infrastructure.

Help us understand what is important about this topic. Share your comments and heart the ones you like or agree with.  

Here are some questions to consider:

• When it comes to community growth, what is the most important for us to focus on and why?
  • Space for new homes (ie: where they are located throughout the County)
  • Transportation (examples: transit systems, traffic management, bike and pedestrian lanes)
  • Construction of new – and maintenance of existing – County roads and bridges (examples: potholes, bridge updates, snow removal)
  • Other?
• Why does growth matter to you? Why is this issue important for our community?
• If, over the next 10 years, we made major improvements to how the County grows, what would change for the better in our community?