3.5.2 Site Design&Landscaping • Site design should minimize impervious hard surfaces. The surface area of driveways and parking areas should be as small as possible within allowable standards. • Porous pavement, and landscaped areas with adequate size and soil conditions, should be maximized to capture roof drainage and increase the total amount of water run-off absorbed through infiltration. • Existing significant trees and vegetation should be protected and incorporated into site design where feasible. • Recommended landscape materials should include species that are native to Tillsonburg and non- invasive, as well as species that are generally drought resistant and require minimal maintenance. • Landscape design should incorporate strategies to minimize water consumption (e.g. use of mulches and compost, alternatives to grass and rainwater collection systems).
• In large surface parking areas, vegetative or grassy swales should be incorporated on the perimeter of the site to catch storm water. These drainage basins should be planted with native plan materials that thrive in wet conditions (swales should be designed to not impede pedestrian flows). • Well-drained snow storage areas should be provided on site in locations that enable melting snow to enter a filtration feature prior to being released into the storm water drainage system. • Buffer landscaping should be provided for surface parking areas, to soften the edge between the parking area and adjacent sidewalks. • Shade trees should be provided adjacent to pedestrian walkways, and coniferous trees and shrubs should be provided, where necessary for weather mitigation, provided such landscaping allows for appropriate opportunities for casual surveillance.
Vegatated or “green” roofs are recommended, especially in areas with minimal landscaping.
Porous pavement, and landscaped areas with adequate size and soil conditions, should be maximized.
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Tillsonburg Central Area Design Study
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