2nd Collingwood World Summit (Habitat in Towns) 2021 Resolution

November 30th, 2021

Preamble

We, the participants of the second Collingwood World Summit (Habitat in Towns 2021), gathered virtually on October 7th & 8th, 2021 on the occasion of World Habitat Day in the Town of Collingwood and the broader Southern Georgian Bay area including Meaford, Grey Highlands, Clearview, the Town of the Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and the Counties of Simcoe and Grey (Canada) express our ongoing commitment to the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the scale of towns, small cities and Indigenous communities.


While the summit was held virtually, we acknowledge we are working on traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples throughout Ontario, Canada, and the World, and in particular the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Ojibway peoples, where the Town of Collingwood resides. We are thankful to share in this rich and diverse culture on the global stage as we work together in the spirit of collaboration for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The intent of Habitat in Towns includes the role of towns, small cities and Indigenous communities as specific and distinct urban entities, and a crucial group in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, an “inclusive, safe and resilient” urbanism. 


Overall, more people in the world live in urban than in rural settings. In 2020, 56.2 percent of the world population was urban with about half of them living in towns and small cities of less than 500,000 inhabitants. The global SDGs will succeed if they are also achieved at the level of towns, small cities and Indigenous communities. Human settlements of this size have a key role to play in creating a more harmonized regional development and fostering sustainable urbanism, including a central role in accessible and affordable housing, reducing the impacts of climate change, creating a viable and prosperous economy and achieving the SDGs. Town leaders and residents are the main actors in rural and urban linkages and they need to become more prominent in the New Urban Agenda and its implementation.


Habitat in Towns 2021 hosted participants from various sectors, including national, subnational, and local governments, parliamentarians, UN-Habitat and other UN agencies, towns, small cities, and Indigenous community leaders, the private sector, academics, municipal associations, community organizations, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to discuss, agree and adopt this resolution for promoting sustainable economic, social and environmental well-being at the scale of towns, small cities and Indigenous communities.


This Habitat in Towns 2021 Resolution aims to build upon last year’s resolution (Habitat in Towns 2020) and advance the cooperative goals deliberated during discussions held at Habitat in Towns 2021.


We thank the Ministers, Mayors, and other Elected Officials who joined us from around the globe to bring more attention to this Summit and to share the urban economic, social, and environmental challenges and opportunities faced in their countries. We thank UN-Habitat, Government of Canada, and the Town of Collingwood for providing support and encouragement during the process leading up to and during Habitat in Towns 2021. We also express our gratitude to many experts and participants who have freely shared their expertise and wisdom.


We recognise the importance of and rally behind this year's World Habitat Day, 2021 with the Theme: Accelerating Action for a Carbon-Free World. We acknowledge the intersectionality between housing, sustainable development, the realization of the SDGs, and achieving a carbon-free world.


We will continue to promote, support, and monitor the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals at the local level, among other things, through the support of the "World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park" in Toronto, Canada. We acknowledge the close collaboration with UN-Habitat with substantive inputs and guidance. 


We recognize with appreciation the important contribution made by local and Indigenous authorities around the world, and towns and small cities in particular, in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda as an integral part of achieving the SDGs, including the effective partnerships established between UN-Habitat, Member States and local governments in the design, adoption, and implementation of local plans. We acknowledge that towns and small cities, in partnership with Indigenous communities, require a dynamic and effective platform to bolster their own voices to work toward sustainable development. We are convinced that towns, small cities, and Indigenous communities also have the capacity to lead global initiatives and be proactive in enabling spaces to find solutions to our shared challenges.


We recognise that the New Urban Agenda will help to alleviate poverty and hunger in all its forms and dimensions; reduce inequalities; ensure access to affordable housing; promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth; achieve gender equality, equity and the empowerment of all women and girls to fully harness their vital contribution to sustainable development; facilitate all citizens regardless of their socio-economic status, race, age, faith, gender, and sexual identity to access the resources and benefits of development; provide the opportunity for all citizens to participate in civic and political life to build a common future and improve human health and well-being; foster resilience; safeguard cultural and natural heritage, and environment protection. We recognize that civil society must be part of the solution to address climate emergency and reverse the trend in rising inequalities. 


In an even broader perspective, SDGs are part of a pathway toward regenerative approaches, and we need to transform our lifestyles to be compatible with life-sustaining ecosystem functions of the places and regions we inhabit.


We recognize the Summit as an important global gathering that serves to strengthen the dialogue and exchange of experiences between local town and small city leaders, Indigenous communities, civil society and the general public from all over the world involved in sustainable development and the implementation of the SDGs. Only through a global collaboration with collective action can a prosperous, peaceful and sustainable place-based future be achieved.

Habitat in Towns 2021 Themes

Habitat in Towns 2021 endorses the priorities, objectives, and projects identified by Habitat in Towns 2020, and participants are in general and non-binding agreement to promote the concepts and approaches as follows:

HOUSING 

Principles

1. Invest meaning into housing as a human right – We recognize that housing is a human right and a catalyst for all other fundamental rights. A secure place to live for human dignity, physical and mental health and overall quality of life is a universal need. We recognise that governments and the private sector have not always translated the right to housing into action. As participants, we commit to this shared meaning and to embracing it as a principle for policy and action for investment in the housing sector.


2. Right housing, right place, sustainable communities – We acknowledge housing plays a crucial role in community well-being. Housing must be sustainable, inclusive, close to amenities, physically accessible, affordable, and include a diverse range in the built form with zero carbon footprint, to offer all people the choice in where they live, work and play.


3. Housing for all – We acknowledge that aAcross the world, towns, small cities, Indigenous communities, LGBTIQ+ people, youth and other minorities are more likely to face evictions and homelessness. Inclusive housing means housing options for people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and all income levels. This represents people of all ages, races, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientation and gender expressions. Attention should be given to the needs of all people and especially those in vulnerable situations (women in single family households, children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and poor communities). 


4. NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) - We acknowledge the growth of NIMBYism , which is creating barriers to new diverse housing supply such as shelters, subsidized housing and densification, and housing to meet all demands of the housing spectrum. Transparency, inclusion, collaboration, and trust should be the basis for new housing developments in local communities.


5. Housing Crisis - It is increasingly apparent that shortages of housing are affecting all towns and cities and is seen as a challenge that spans across local regions, for example in Canada. While the housing crisis is a global problem, it is the localities and regions that are experiencing the harsh realities in the lack of housing. We agree that increasing housing supply will require efforts in all levels of governments and that new housing supply must address the growing demand in the entire housing spectrum. 


6. Non-market housing provisions - We acknowledge the need to promote non-market or non-profit housing to offer affordable rents or ownership.


7. Regional Coordination and Housing: In the context of Collingwood, we affirm the need to establish a South Georgian Bay Housing Association (SGBHA) or a not-for-profit development corporation in Collingwood (Canada) to address housing gaps in the region and ensure a range of housing types are available for all. The SGBHA could offer a full range of services including development, resource tools, policies, land acquisition and sale, technical consultation, and partnership agreements, among others. SGBHA has a unique opportunity to unite and coordinate an incredible complex political region. As a not-for-profit association , it can deliver a range of housing types by bringing together a multi team approach with specific expertise in how to deliver housing in its’ various forms and markets. The SGBHA can centralize the knowledge, skills, expertise, and tools required for developing and delivering housing throughout Collingwood region. Additionally, it can provide outreach, engagement, and training at the local level.


8. Regional Pilots: Also, in the context of Collingwood we recognize the importance of showcasing regional pilot projects from housing corporations and authorities incorporating sustainable practices and the SDGs to facility knowledge sharing.


9. Federal and Provincial Funding for Housing Sector – We acknowledge that national or federal and provincial /sub-national funding opportunities should be leveraged locally and regionally to reduce the burden of each municipality applying for same housing efforts and requirements. A regional sharing knowledge hub could be set up for net zero/sustainability standards and guidelines, pre-construction and incentives for municipalities and developers. 


10. Better outcomes, shared responsibilities – We affirm that sustainable housing includes housing finance and the banking sector to play a crucial role in the post-pandemic recovery to ‘build back better and stronger.’ All levels of government must work together to establish clear plans for ensuring the delivery of sustainable affordable housing.


11. Build on the benefits of towns and small cities - Towns and small cities are relationship spaces that can promote social cohesion, networks, trust and collaboration to build on local knowledge, resources, and partnerships for inclusive housing.


12. Nurture stewardship and innovation - Unsustainable housing approaches have detrimental impacts on the environment and natural resources. With this in mind, we commit to promoting and encouraging sustainable innovative methods for housing design, standard, infrastructure and energy use.


13. Include all people as partners for change – We affirm that reducing inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind are integral to achieving the UN SDGs. We uphold the commitment to include people and communities as partners in shaping and delivering housing for all, recognising the importance of participation by lived experience in local housing decisions. 


14. Build fair forums for civic engagement - We recognise that inclusion in local decision making on housing and placemaking is crucial to building inclusive, sustainable and thriving communities. We recognise the role of social media as a tool of engagement for building inclusive and sustainable housing for all. 


15. Housing and sustainable technology - The housing industry has not kept pace with rapid developments in sustainable technology. There is a growing number of technologies that can contribute to sustainable housing. We commit to exploring further technological solutions that will reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency in building practices. 


16. Developing countries and housing - Developing countries are experiencing high rates of urbanization making them in most need of housing supply and housing finance options. We affirm that housing solutions must be relevant to their specific contexts and needs

Immediate Actions

17. Informal settlements - We recognize interim housing projects as a vital iteration in addressing informal settlements. Enhancing the standard of living in these communities is essential to achieve SDG11. These projects, as an immediate action, will help some of the most vulnerable groups globally.


18. Housing needs assessment – In the context of Collingwood, we recognize the need to undertake a housing needs assessment to gain a clear understanding of the different types of housing required in the South Georgian Bay region to support families, young adults, seniors, single parents and professionals. 

Short Term Actions

19. Suggested Changes in the housing sector: 

a) Housing investment - We commit to making housing investment more collaborative, inclusive and outcome focused.

b) Investment hierarchy - We commit to placing investment based on local outcomes at the heart of our collective housing decisions. 

c) Driven investment - We commit to investment driven by the right local data, captured authentically and inclusively, with intentional engagement on issues of gender, race, sexuality and other community needs. 

d) Shared collaboration - We recognise the benefits of shared leadership and collaboration across policies, communities and sectors as the way to do business, with shared commitment to accountability and responsibility. 

e) Shared resources and assets - We commit to make the best of existing resources and asset-based management before we prioritise new builds and new investment. We recognize the importance of local innovation and shared knowledge in this context. 

f) Shared evaluation process - We commit to capturing, evaluating and using the right local data for the shared evaluation of outcomes. 


20. Manage land and assets for housing for all

a) We recognise the importance of land, assets, infrastructure and untapped resources to shape accessible and appropriate housing choices for sustainable, fair and thriving communities.

b) We recognise the importance of community land trusts, not for profit corporations, and community focused land and asset portfolios to ensure we land to build on for current and future needs, thus enabling housing for all.

c) We commit to exploring opportunities for taking land and assets out of the speculative market to enable more sustainable community led housing.


21. Leadership tools for housing for all

a) We recognise the need to use tax, existing policy and enabling levers under the control of community leaders, and where necessary new fiscal and tax levers to create a needed context for the distribution of housing to support equitable, sustainable and inclusive communities.

b) We acknowledge that building and planning codes should address sustainability standards, such as environmental factors, public participation, circular economy, and walkable communities.

c) We acknowledge that increasing requirements for sustainable housing, such as safety and environmental standards, also comes with increasing housing costs. Housing solutions should consider how to mitigate costs associated with increasing standards to ensure housing is attainable by everyone. Efforts should be made to reduce barriers for housing developments. 

URBAN DATA, ASSESSMENT AND TECHNOLOGY 

Principles

1. Urban growth – We acknowledge a healthy large region has a network of cities and human settlements of all sizes, with small and intermediary cities as linkages, essential nodes for scaled growth. Urban growth is expected to increase globally by 2.5 billion over the next 30 years where towns, small cities and Indigenous communities play an important role. 


2. Performance measurement – We recognize that towns, small cities and Indigenous communities are falling behind in the essential capacity to harvest and process data and measure performance that helps with decision-making, to the point where it is impossible in many cases. This includes data, digital technologies including security, ways of working, people and innovation (and the funding to deliver these).


3. Global index – We recognize the need for a widely-used and consistent global index to measure our overarching goals. We appreciate the initiatives of UN-Habitat’s work in this context, for example the UN System-Wide Urban Monitoring Framework . The global index will allow data comparison and the ability for us to learn from each other. However, this index will have to be aligned with local variations in indicators and priorities of communities. 


4. Urban data and assessment – We acknowledge that the collection of data and assessment support important decisions and policy adoption including:

a) Affordable and inclusive housing 

b) Diversity and inclusion

c) Indigenous priorities

d) Sustainable and resilient infrastructure 

e) Sustainable transportation modes 

f) Climate change resilience, energy and resource efficiency

g) Inclusive green and public spaces

h) Viable local economy

i) Due diligence needed for development bank investments and allocation of community-based funds

j) Enable inclusive discussions to identify sometimes difficult political commitments and building accountability

k) Show what is needed and enable towns, small cities and local authorities to render the possibilities or vision and engage others in public/private sectors. For example:

i. Commerce opportunities for informal and small scale vendors who cannot afford rented premises, and

ii. Informal physical space in small towns, to increase resilience

l) Urban agriculture, food systems, urban-rural linkages and other policies that increase resilience 


5. Data aggregation and disaggregation – We recognize that data should be aggregated on a larger area, up to the national level, and also disaggregated to the smaller town, small city, Indigenous community, according to age and gender factors. 

REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY 

Principles

1.  Regional and global collaboration - We recognize that only through cooperation and collaboration can we truly realise the full potential of our towns, small cities and Indigenous communities.

a.  Town Leaders Global Network for SDGs – We commit to establishing the Town Leader Global Network (TLGN) to work toward achieving the SDGs at the scale of towns, small cities and in collaboration with Indigenous communities (2020 reaffirmation) and help them feature more prominently in economic, social and environmental global agendas.

 

2.  Sharing resources - We acknowledge the importance of sharing resources and providing support from town-to-town and country-to-country.

 

3.  Local leadership – We recognize that municipal leaders from towns, small cities and Indigenous communities have the capacity to influence national policies and constitute strong advocacy and global networks for sustainable urbanism, economic prosperity and achieving the SDGs.

 

4.  Innovation towns and regional economic growth – We reaffirm (Habitat in Towns 2020) that towns, small cities, and Indigenous communities play a key role in connecting urban settlement areas and rural spaces, as these are inextricably linked economically, socially and environmentally and cannot be dealt with in isolation from one another. The recognition of this urban-rural continuum also highlights how partnerships, collaboration and unity in action can yield dividends for all people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or whether or not they live in urban or rural areas.

 

5.  Innovation districts and innovative towns – We recognize that regional innovation ecosystems consist of different stakeholders and the bonds between them. Mapping these elements on a rural to town, town to town, town to city and town to global perspective will make the towns capable of playing a unique key role in the national context. Extensive collaboration between urban Innovation Districts and Innovative Towns is necessary to manage regional growth. We further identify the features of enhancing public inclusiveness in innovation districts and these districts should not be limited to occupational and educational activities.

 

6.  Regional innovation – We acknowledge that democracy and education are fundamental elements for innovation. Multi-municipality collaboration will strengthen green procurements and the region’s global connectivity. Designing innovation around funding opportunities, branding the “good life” in towns and illustrating remote working possibilities could attract a more high-skilled workforce.

 

7.  Town of Collingwood as an SDG Town - We encourage the Ontario Provincial Government, regional governments and Canadian Federal Government to support the Town of Collingwood as an SDG Town in the World Urban Pavilion in Regent Park. The Town of Collingwood is a world-class destination that can undertake sustainable town development initiatives based upon global best practices in collaboration with surrounding towns, communities, and local Indigenous peoples in southern Georgian Bay.

 

A) The Town of Collingwood as an SDG Town intends, in partnership with other stakeholders, to demonstrate and share results from ten (10) key pilot projects as practical local examples that are informed and enhanced by Summit discussions and learnings to seek replicable approaches to sustainable town and small city development. The pilot projects are as follows:

 

i. Sustainable Affordable and Attainable Housing, including a plan to fast track delivery, a diversity of built forms and zero carbon or negative carbon footprints. 

ii. Information to assess how we are doing, such as using the Cities Prosperity Index. 

iii. Continuing to improve civic engagement, to bring together communities on complex local issues by encouraging participation through effective communication challenges and messages. 

iv. Expanding and enabling the role of business to help grow a caring community and to play their part in the sustainable development of towns, small cities and Indigenous communities. 

v. Creating welcoming communities for all people regardless of income level, ability, gender identity, race, age, ethnicity, religion, or sexual identity. 

vi. Fostering our human resources, including through educational and entrepreneurship opportunities. 

vii. Establishing funding for social good, such as the creation of a community foundation. 

viii. Development of an international network for town and Indigenous community leaders who work toward achieving SDGs at the scale of towns. 

viiii. Demonstration of proactive approaches to environmental challenges and climate mitigation and adaptation. 

x. Using our Official Plan as a fundamental strategic document for the municipality, to codify the town’s intentions to be a smarter, more sustainable, and greener community. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT 

Principles

1. Climate action – We recognize the state of the environment around the world is deteriorating at an alarming pace, and communities are experiencing the destabilizing effects of climate change in dramatic and costly ways. Adaptation and mitigation by way of climate action should include socio-economic and environmental factors.


2. Local action – We confirm that national policies are important in climate action and significant action could and should begin at the local level, with public participation and civic engagement, using existing tools and opportunities.


3. Climate and environmental resilience – We acknowledge that increased efforts in climate and environmental action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity, including hazards in towns and small cities across the world; integrating measures into national policies, strategies and planning; and improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity for mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.


4. COVID-19 and climate crisis – We recognize that COVID-19 experience has highlighted the importance of collective action at all levels. Learning from this, concerted and collective action can also reduce climate change impacts , and in recovering from the pandemic there is also an opportunity to introduce further measures to tackle the climate crisis.


5. Women and youth - We must enhance women and youth engagement and gender equity in climate action and environmental emergency.


6. Economic development and the energy sector – We reaffirm that economic development and innovation (Habitat in Towns 2020, #31) should promote new business opportunities in sectors including renewable energy, conservation, climate resilient infrastructure, electric mobility, public transportation and low carbon initiatives. This should emphasize that post COVID-19 development strategies should focus on reducing environmental footprints and promoting low-carbon and climate resilient infrastructures and services.


7. Green economy – We commit to the creation of green jobs for a green economy(win-win situation) rather than the environment versus economy. 

8. Climate change and forest fires – In the context of Canada, We acknowledge that the growing extent and increasing severity of wildfires are driven by climate change. The IPCC’s 2019 report, Climate Change and Land , confirmed that statistics on forest fires show that fire seasons are getting longer and forest fires are becoming bigger and burning more land. Climate change has also influenced the likelihood of drought. Not only is vegetation getting drier with warmer temperatures but the lack of rainfall can double the drying process.


9. Wildland/Forest Fires funding and resources – Researchers at the Canadian Forest Service have developed models that aim to project future costs of wildland/forest fire protection across Canada. As climate change is causing weather conditions to trigger wildland/forest fires, towns, small cities and Indigenous communities will need resources to prevent and mitigate these climate emergencies. 


10. Community engagement – We acknowledge the need for consistent and reliable information to address the impact of wildfires on property, livestock, feedstock and the health and mental well-being of local community residents.


11. Civic leadership – We recognize that proactive, collaborative, political, and civic leaderships are required to build wider consensus, including policy and fiscal incentives, to drive system and behaviour changes.


12. Social enterprises – We commit to the creation or enhancement of departments and/or enterprises promoting sustainability in government, business, and the non-profit sector as well as the promotion of social enterprises.


13. Indigenous communities and climate action - We recognize that climate change poses threats and dangers to the survival of Indigenous communities worldwide, even though they contribute the least to carbon footprints. Indigenous communities are vital to, and active in, the many ecosystems that inhabit their lands and territories and as such play a vital role in combating climate change and environmental emergencies. Furthermore, Indigenous communities interpret and react to the impacts of climate change in creative ways, drawing on traditional knowledge and other technologies to find solutions which will help society at large cope with the adverse effects of climate change.

14. Good governance and urban collaboration – We acknowledge there should be a strong partnership between local government and civil society to advance the common goals that are consensus based for inclusive sustainable development. Towns and small cities in collaboration with local government associations must work with national governments, global city networks and inter-government organizations to seek innovative solutions to prepare and implement sustainable urban projects. Projects of a similar nature and characteristics can be put together into project portfolios when seeking funding to reduce transaction costs and streamline project application processes collectively by towns. 


15. Funding opportunities – We commit to advocating to funding organizations and funding made available at the town, small city, and Indigenous community level.


16. Power of civic ecosystems - We commit to exploring methods and practices of building stronger local civic ecosystems around community public spaces and their networks to make our towns, small cities, and Indigenous communities more cooperative, equitable and resilient.


17. Data collection system - We recognize the need for a comprehensive and detailed data collection system, including qualitative quantitative, and disaggregated data, for public participation and civic engagement. Capacity building of towns where necessary in this regard is important.


18. Bottom-up approach - We recognize the need to ensure that decision and policy making is inclusive, using a bottom-up process and not a trickle down process.


19. Inclusivity – We commit to ensuring inclusivity in public participation and civic engagement irrespective of gender, nationality, legal status, ethnicity, and age of all citizens and residents, including migrants, refugees, and minorities.

Habitat in Towns 2022

We recommend that the next Habitat in Towns will be held in October 2022, in conjunction with the World Habitat Day.*


*These resolutions were written and edited during Day 2 of the Habitat in Towns summit on 8 October 2021 by attendees, input was also provided by participants prior to the final review.


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