A sustainable community has four balanced and interconnected dimensions:

1. Healthy environment
2. Economic vitality
3. Social equity, and
4. Vibrant culture

The definition that most people associate with sustainability came from the Brundtland Report in 1987, which defined ‘sustainable development’ as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

At that time, it was becoming clear that if we continued on the same path it would lead to worldwide environmental and social crises. Today, these crises are well-known, including socio-political conflict, loss of biological diversity, climate change and the difficulties of the global food system.
 
In the two decades since the Brundtland Report, our understanding of sustainability and the role of municipal governments has improved. Local communities, like Markham, have a major role to play in defining sustainability.

The decisions we make now on things like land development, cultural programming, recreation opportunities, waste collection and bike paths, will have a significant impact on future generations and ultimately determine whether or not Markham becomes a more sustainable community.