Green Initiatives

Trees and shrubs are an important part of the Hydrologic Cycle.   They wick water from the soil, provide transpiration into the air, condensing, thus causing precipitation back to infiltration by absorption through the soil and dry pits.

Creek Side Village will be introducing over 150 large native  trees, plus hundreds of shrubs and smaller trees, not only to beautify the landscape, but to perform a vital role in the enhancement of the environment.

Carolinian Prairie Grass

Native Trees & Shrubs

It is our intention to re-establish thousands of square feet of Carolinian Prairie grass initially and with the cooperation of the GCRA, Tall Grass Ontario and other interested agencies.  Carolinian Prairie Grass is a globally imperiled ecosystem and one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada.  It is part of Ontario’s natural heritage and provides habitat for a huge number of wildlife species, including many that are officially designated as rare at the global, national or provincial level.  It is home to species such as northern bobwhite which is in danger of disappearing from Canada. Some tall grass species, like the greater prairie chicken and the karner blue butterfly, have already disappeared from Canada.

Savannas and prairies develop on sites which  are subject to environmental stresses, typically fire, drought, spring flooding, and warmer than usual local climates. Prairie occurs where these effects are most severe, while savanna grows where these stresses are not so pronounced.  Specific plantings will be ideal for certain parts of the development.

Walkable Community

Creek Side Village is designed to encourage walking to neighbours, the Clubhouse and the downtown area, thereby reducing driving.   Walking trails near the forest, put residents closer to nature, thereby reducing stress.  The connected green spaces throughout the site allow for pedestrian access, wildlife movement and storm water conveyance. 

Extensive research has shown that walkability:

  • improves quality of life for residents and visitors;
  • increases property values and desirability for home buyers;
  • enhances the economic vibrancy of a community;
  • improves safety for all road users especially the young and elderly; and
  • improves the health of residents as a result of increased physical activity and cleaner air.

Community Gardens are an exciting approach to gardening.  Residents interested in growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs, will want to participate in an excellent source of exercise and meet new friends that share the same passion for gardening.  Creek Side will provide plots for residents in the Community Gardens area near the Clubhouse and North Park.  In the event that there is a greater supply of plots, then these plots will be worked by a future resident and the produce will be donated to the local food bank.

Drought Resistant Turfgrass

Many positive effects on nature, the environment, water drainage and aesthetics will be attained through careful use of landscaping. The presence of vegetation on LID facilities does reduce the surrounding temperatures. This can reduce requirements for heating and cooling systems, resulting in reduced energy use.  Vegetated LID facilities (e.g. bioswale, bio-retention) can improve air quality through the uptake of air pollutants and the deposition of particulate matter.  LID supports biodiversity and provides valuable wildlife habitat by contributing green spaces and connections to ecological corridors.  Vegetation cover can enhance aesthetic appeal of an area and increase adjacent property values by increasing the desirability of the lots and their proximity to an open space.  Many of these concepts are listed below.


Creek Side Village will utilize a slow growing turf grass selected for the ability to survive with little or no water for extended periods.  This grass will not only look pleasing, but cool the environment, slow water movement and require less labour and energy to maintain.

Community Gardens