County of Frontenac Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

The County of Frontenac’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan represented the first instance of a long-term vision and development plan established for an entire county in Ontario. This initiative emerged from priorities identified by a county-wide group of chief administrative officers. They had defined how two government tiers could work together for efficiency and sustainability. The plan aimed to address sustainable community development for one regional and four municipal governments spanning a large rural county. It focused on 13 areas, including land-use planning, protection of natural areas, economic development, transportation and communications, infrastructure and municipal operations, water, energy and solid waste management, recreation and leisure, health and social services, housing, capacity building and governance, and culture and heritage. Community residents and stakeholder groups including local elected officials, business owners and social groups were integral to the process. They participated in information sessions, community gatherings, working groups and an interactive website. Their work helped to define baselines, desired future states, associated targets, implementation plans, performance indicators, and monitoring and reporting processes. The expected result was a set of practical strategies and policies to support long-term human and environmental health and well-being.