Westhills

We live in a time where there is a deep and still-growing appreciation for the environment, and an increasing desire to ensure that our human role as part of the environment becomes more responsible, contributory and ultimately harmonious.

This means really thinking through every decision we make and action we take and what the environmental impact is.

Westhills was chosen as one of the Canadian developments to participate in the LEED-ND Pilot program. Pilot projects are chosen for their potential contribution to understanding and quantifying the multitude of elements that define healthy neighborhoods. United States Green Building Council further identified Westhills for a short list of LEED-ND pilot projects to participate in a “focus group” of projects that will be subject to additional analysis and given priority in the certification queue. This LEED-ND and focus group participation signifies the importance of Westhills as an industry leader in green development and the degree of commitment Westhills has made to building a sustainable community.

Read about Westhills approach to …

The Environment

Westhills approach to sustainable development starts with the land — understanding its vibrancy and life and committing to the protection and enhancement of its features. Westhills is protecting 40% of the property in parks and green space. The waters that run over and settle into the contours of the land are also protected and, where human hands have altered them, Westhills will enhance and restore these natural systems.

The neighborhoods feature a variety of uses. This ensures the majority of residents’ daily needs can be satisfied within a few minutes walk which drastically reduces both the need for and environmental impact of a car. Road standards, landscaping, architecture and lighting have all been designed in an effort to make walking the preferred choice of travel.

The structures that emerge will incorporate non-toxic materials and be healthy environments to live and work in and be sensitive to the environment at the same time. All Westhills homes will be built to BuiltGreen™ standards and are designed with a commitment to careful siting, strict building practices and materials guidelines, energy efficiency, beauty and comfort.  All commercial buildings will be built to LEED™ standards.

Westhills’ Master Plan is predicated on walkability and reduced automobile reliance which in turn reduces harmful and unpleasant noise and emissions. Westhills is also hard at work with other local groups and government to ensure the rail infrastructure that runs through the Town Center is used in a way that actually serves the needs of area residents so the need to drive to and from surrounding areas is also minimized.

Social Equity

In real estate development, social equity refers, in part, to the creation of places that value people from a wide variety of economic and social standings. Most post-war suburban developments are primarily focused towards a single demographic, creating a plethora of sterile communities that contribute to a narrowed social perspective and decreased tolerance for social diversity.

Communities that bring an array of people together and provide a variety of gathering places are more vibrant, interesting and compelling. Westhills will have diverse residential offerings, mixed-uses and many public and private gathering places to ensure a rich social fabric.

Social equity can also refer to the sense of belonging or caring that we experience in community life. This was significantly diminished as modern planning practices concerned themselves more with cars than people. That trend is changing and is fully evident in Westhills.

The result is that in places like Westhills people tend to know their neighbours, care more about their communities, and consider the public realm an extension of their homes and actually utilize them and walk more;  to the store, to school, to a show, to get a coffee, to work and more. The result is the happenstance contact with neighbours and a familiarity with all the elements that make up the community. This increased human interaction, in turn, creates a sense of belonging and a socially enriched existence.

The Economy

There are three considerations regarding the economic health of Westhills — its long-term economic viability for residents, business operators and the financiers of the development. Sustainable development is about balancing the economic needs of the community alongside social and ecological needs – so that a community can support all who reside there.

Westhills has begun by designing a Town Center and Neighbourhood Centers with walkability, interest and vibrancy in mind. Featuring pedestrian-oriented design; interesting, human-scale architecture and mixed-uses, the Centers will contribute to a vibrancy and strong sense of place that facilitates their economic health.

In its simplest expression, Westhills is designing places that people and businesses will want to visit and be part of. Additionally, flexible zoning will permit the operation of a variety of home-based businesses.  Where a home-based business is within a few moments walk of a center, it eliminates the isolation experienced by many suburban-based home businesses and adds to the desirability of locating at home.

Westhills is seeking labour and materials for the physical development of the property from suppliers who are located as close to home as possible. Plus we are educating and working with local suppliers so they understand the sustainability goals of the development and have an opportunity to participate to the benefit of the environment and to the development of a local economy.

Well in advance of construction, Westhills has established a Business Network — a mechanism to bring business operators together so that they can collectively nurture long-term strategies aimed at the economic heath of the entire community.

Westhills is actively engaged in bringing about a revitalization of the rail link from up-Island and Victoria. The property’s location alongside the rail combined with the development of a train station opening into the Town Center, all contribute to the ease with which people can get to Westhills.

A wonderful and easy place to visit, compact and walkable neighbourhoods, a business community that is connected and involved and engaged in fulfilling a shared vision — this will create value for all stakeholders.