Sustainability & Environment

• Why do naturalized areas look different?

  Naturalized areas can look different from traditional landscaped gardens, particularly during the first few years while plants are becoming established.

  It is normal to see:

  • Young trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers that have not fully established.
  • Areas that appear sparse or uneven.
  • Weeds growing alongside native plants.
  • A less manicured appearance than a traditional garden.

  This does not mean the area has been neglected or the planting has been unsuccessful. It is a normal part of establishing a healthy natural landscape, and the area will continue to change as plants grow and mature.

• How long does naturalization take?

  Naturalization is a long-term process. Most areas can take 5 to 10 years, and sometimes longer, to develop into a healthy, diverse natural landscape.

  Naturalized areas will continue to change each growing season as native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers mature and become better established. 

• Why doesn't the Town maintain these areas like gardens?

  Naturalized areas are managed differently from traditional gardens because they are intended to develop as natural landscapes.

  Naturalized areas are not routinely watered, weeded, mulched, edged or fertilized in the same way as traditional gardens. Instead, the Town monitors naturalized areas and manages invasive species where they pose a significant risk to the health and long-term success of the area.

  This approach supports the environmental benefits of naturalization while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.

• Will there always be weeds in naturalized areas?

  Some weeds and other unwanted plants are expected, particularly while a naturalized area is becoming established.

  As native vegetation matures, it becomes more competitive and can naturally help limit the growth of some unwanted plants. While naturalized areas will not be completely weed-free, weeds typically become less prominent as native vegetation becomes established.

• What are the benefits of naturalization?

  Naturalized areas provide a range of long-term environmental and community benefits, including:

  • Habitat for birds, butterflies, bees, and other wildlife.
  • Increased biodiversity.
  • Improved soil health and erosion control.
  • Better stormwater infiltration and water quality.
  • More resilient landscapes that adapt to changing environmental conditions.
  • Reduced long-term maintenance compared with traditional gardens.
• What should residents expect?

  Naturalized areas will continue to change and evolve from year to year. During the early stages, these areas may appear sparse, uneven or less manicured as native plants become established.

  Over time, the landscape will fill in and mature. The long-term goal is to create healthy, diverse natural landscapes that provide attractive green space, support the local environment and create lasting ecological benefits for the community.

  Nature takes time, and the appearance of naturalized areas will continue to change as they grow and mature.

Additional Information

• Municipal Energy Plan

  To address energy use related to municipal operations, the Town has created a Energy Conservation and Management Plan that will guide energy planning and reduction initiatives

  In addition to the Energy Conservation and Management Plan, the Town, along with all Ontario municipalities are tracking building energy use. Tracking and planning work towards energy conservation and ultimately greenhouse gas reductions. Improving equipment operation, retrofitting lighting and equipment, modifying behaviour and relying more on renewable energy sources are part of the Town’s strategies to conserve energy, mitigate climate change and save money.

• Single Use Plastics

  On June 3, 2019 Town Council approved a motion that, in part, implemented a voluntary ban on the use of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and stir sticks in Town of The Blue Mountains. 

  “Council supports the protection of the environment of the Town of The Blue Mountains through the reduction and future elimination of single-use plastic bags, straws, stir sticks and water bottles, and encourages all businesses, community members and visitors to avoid the use of these products whenever possible.  Council recognizes and appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders towards measures that support the sustainability of the natural environment in Town of The Blue Mountains.”

• Grey County Climate Change Action Plan

  The Grey County Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) is a comprehensive strategy that will focus on identifying strategies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve energy efficiency. As Grey County’s population continues to grow, it is important to understand how we can best manage future growth in a sustainable manner. This will help us mitigate potential impacts to our environmental, economic, social, and infrastructural systems. For more information, please visit the Grey County website. 

  Grey County Climate Action