Community Design - Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood design that uses a mixed land use approach brings housing, commercial, industrial, employment, recreational and cultural land uses within close proximity to each other. This allows people to easily access services and destinations that are needed for daily living which follows the Traditional Neighbourhood Development model of organizing and planning a healthy community.^{1 2}

A neighbourhood with these features is sometimes called a complete community. Complete communities can also improve socialization, reduce crime and provide a sense of place and belonging for those who live there.³

Active Transportation

By having a mix of land uses within a neighbourhood, a complete community supports the use of active modes of transportation such as walking, cycling or public transit by having destinations close together. Complete communities are also connected to the larger community beyond its’ borders through a network of mobility options, including not only roads but sidewalks, bicycle lanes, multi-use paths and public transit.³

Healthy Food Access

Having access to healthy food is a basic quality of a complete community. Community food security means that all people have safe and nutritious food.” ⁵

For example, the official plan for the City of London, Ontario, includes city building policies that address the availability of healthy and affordable food options and supports the following aspects of the food system⁶:

• growing / producing food
• food processing
• food distribution

Neighbourhood food source options can include:

• grocery stores
• farmers’ markets
• community gardens
• rooftop gardens
• food banks
• school programs
• food co-operatives
• on-street food markets

Learn about community resources for food and healthy eating.