Black Creek SNAP has been developed with local residents to help transform this northwest Toronto neighbourhood into a healthy, green and self-sufficient community.
About the Black Creek SNAP Community
The Black Creek neighbourhood is home to a diverse population of about 25,000 residents. It is made up of high-rise residential buildings and single-family homes, as well as commercial and institutional developments.
Much of the neighbourhood was built in the 1960s and 1970s, and does not meet current energy and water conservation standards. Income, safety and food security are top-of-mind concerns for residents of the community, which is located in one of Toronto’s Priority Improvement Neighbourhoods.
The neighbourhood’s main feature is Black Creek, a tributary to Humber River that flows along its eastern boundary. The valley of the river includes a recreational trail and provides opportunities for nature viewing and a quiet place for reflection.
Unfortunately, the hard surfaces of local roofs, roads and parking lots and the lack of stormwater controls contribute to degraded water quality and increased erosion in Black Creek, as well as localized basement flooding.
About the Plan
What are the goals of the Black Creek SNAP Action Plan?
- To find ways to better manage rainwater to reduce basement flooding and restore more natural flows and stream conditions in Black Creek.
- To increase tree cover in order to provide shade and shelter and improve local air quality.
- To help residents and businesses save money by conserving energy or generating renewable energy.
- To encourage water conservation and the use of rain water for outdoor irrigation.
- To promote the expansion of urban agriculture to provide residents with easy access to healthy, local, organic produce.
- To enhance natural areas such as local parks for the community to enjoy.
The SNAP recommendations apply to public spaces (such as parks and community centres), private homes, high-rise towers and businesses.
As we evaluated options for developing the plan, we considered what impact the actions would have on local priorities, such as green job creation, safety, health and access to healthy foods.
Projects
Local Resources
Stay Connected
Find out what’s been going on with Black Creek SNAP by checking out back issues of the newsletter:
Contact Information
Do you live or work in this neighbourhood? Get involved!
Want to be a part of neighbourhood change? It’s a SNAP! There are many Black Creek SNAP residents already growing vegetables, collecting rain water for their gardens, planting trees, saving energy (and money!) and engaging in other sustainable practices.
Take part in Black Creek SNAP initiatives to meet your neighbours, get started on some of these actions, and share the lessons you’ve learned.
Questions? Please contact:
Adriana Gomez
Supervisor, Sustainable Neighbourhoods
adriana.gomez@trca.ca
(437) 880-2408
In Partnership With:
