The Canadian City Parks Report

2019 The Canadian City Parks Report

Highlighting the trends, challenges, and leading practices in 23 Canadian cities to inspire action, shared learning, and track progress in city parks across the country.

1 FOREWORD

The W. Garfield Weston we saw inspiring examples of People create this report. We hope Foundation is pleased to support how city staff and local volunteers you find it a valuable and useful this inaugural Canadian City cooperated to meet the needs tool to understand what other mu- Parks Report — a snapshot of of their diverse communities. nicipalities are doing, and we hope the state of parks at 23 munic- it is the beginning of a long collab- When Park People approached ipalities across the country. oration for the betterment of parks us with the idea to create a na- in every city across the country. tional report about city parks, we With more than 80% of Canadians knew it was a project we want- living in urban areas, city parks ed to support, to build on the play an increasingly important successes of the Weston Family Tamara Rebanks role in the lives of so many of us. Parks Challenge. As one of the They have the power to bring Chair - The W. Garfield largest environmental funders in Weston Foundation communities together, and revital- Canada, we had learned about a ize our relationship with nature. multitude of interesting projects When our Foundation launched across the country and we imme- the Weston Family Parks Challenge diately saw the need for a forum to in 2013, we were delighted to dis- share stories and best practices. cover so many creative, commu- Thank you to Park People for nity-driven initiatives that were leading this initiative, and for its brewing in neighbourhoods across continued commitment to im- Toronto. From outdoor tandoori proving Canadians’ relationships ovens to turtle pond restoration with their parks. They have been to hydro corridor gardens, the in- a valuable partner in helping novative ideas for revitalizing and our Foundation realize its goals animating city parks were endless. of restoring ecosystems, con- We were also reminded of the necting Canadians to nature, critical role that park staff play in and using data to inform deci- building community engagement sions about our greenspaces. and support for city-run greenspa- I would like to also recognize and ces. We saw firsthand some of the thank the dozens of municipal challenges they faced in a densely staff who took the time out of al- populated city, with budget and ready busy schedules to help Park space restrictions. But likewise,

CONTENTS

ACTIVATION 45 INTRODUCTION 1 Take it to the park 51 What we learned 2 Brrrrrrrringing people out in winter 53 Common challenges and trends in Canadian cities: 3 Urban forests that also feed 54

Why City Parks Matter 6 INCLUSION 57 City overview 7 Reflecting on the role of parks in reconciliation 61 THEMES 8 Parks as places of arrival 64

NATURE 9 Getting pumped up about age-friendly fitness 66 Building resilience through parks 14

Is it a park or flood protection GET IN TOUCH 69 infrastructure? Both. 16

Biodiversity buzz spreading across Canada 18 CITY PROFILES 70

Bringing nature back to the city 20 METHODOLOGY 117 GROWTH 22 Needs Assessment 118 Planning for the future by making con- Methodology and nections 28 Considerations 119 New measurement tools for park use, Challenges access, and quality 30 and Learnings 120

Definitions 121 COLLABORATION 33

Strengthening parks through partnerships 39 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 123 Building partnerships in unexpected spaces 41

Locals know best 42

What this report is

INTRODUCTION

The Canadian City Parks Report We hope this report By speaking with Canadian cities, takes a close look at the trends, helps you to: it was clear there was a gap in challenges, and opportunities sharing information about city facing city parks, tracked annually park data and practices. This re- through key indicators and stories. port seeks to fill that gap through Its goal is to inform and inspire Track & monitor the discussion and monitoring of city staff, community members, progress on key city parks in key thematic areas. professionals, politicians, and issues It’s not intended to be an all-en- non-profits by highlighting lead- compassing encyclopedia of city ing-edge Canadian practices and Make better, in- parks in Canada. Nor is it designed tracking the pulse of city parks. to measure operational efficien- formed decisions cies or management practices through concrete (see Yardstick and the Municipal examples Benchmarking Network Canada. As the first edition, this year is Become inspired both a pilot and temperature about new ideas check. While new trends will from other cities emerge every year, in this first report we’re establishing baselines Advocate for that we will track annually. We’re also testing our methodology—did change within we ask the right questions in the your own city right way? Did we focus on the right stories? We’ll be asking for your feedback to help us make this report better each year.

Introduction 1 What we learned

The number one challenge facing cities is budget pressure, which impacts in multiple ways.

Canada is a large, diverse country At the same time, cities aren’t Aging infrastructure is also in with a mix of climates, topogra- seeing the necessary increas- need of revitalization and ex- phies, and cultural communities. es in parks budgets to address pensive repairs. In their 2016 Our park systems reflect this fact. these needs. This puts many infrastructure report card, the However, despite these particular- cities, both small and large, in the Federation of Canadian Munici- ities, we found—through our in- difficult position of being asked palities scored Canada’s recreation augural survey of 23 cities—many to do more with less each year. infrastructure the lowest among common challenges and trends. measured categories, with near- This pressure has the most ly 20% in very poor condition. impact on park operating budgets—the money to maintain Adding to this pressure is in- parks and pay for the program- creasing damage from extreme ming communities depend on. weather and the effects of cli- Some cities told us this squeeze mate change, which is requir- has meant reducing park de- ing cities to rethink how parks sign standards. Others noted it can be resilient infrastructure requires tough trade-offs about as well as places for people. which parks get more resources. Without a doubt these demands This squeeze is coming at the are a critical challenge facing cities same time cities said that peo- across Canada- but it’s not all grim. ple are looking for more to do This report is about monitor- in their parks: more opportuni- ing and highlighting the com- ties to be active, to connect with mon challenges and trends. nature, to experience cultural Canada is an urban nation, with But it’s also about spotlighting programming, and to just hang over 80% of people living in cities. solutions and opportunities. out with friends and family. Many cities are experiencing Despite the challenges we fast growth in population and In this context, cities find it face, Canadian cities can lead density. This growth is putting challenging to develop new parks the way forward. We just have rising pressure on park systems to meet growing demand. Land to learn from each other. to deliver more and better pro- acquisition and construction of gramming, new and upgrad- new parks becomes more dif- ed parks, and more services. ficult in dense cities as land is gobbled up by development.

Introduction 2 Common challenges and trends in Canadian cities:

Inadequate funding Growing demand for levels, especially walking trails and off- operating budgets leash dog parks (e.g., park maintenance and programming) Greater demands for unstructured gathering Difficulty acquiring and spaces and places for developing new parks, spontaneous play especially in dense areas

Increased demand for Aging infrastructure naturalized spaces in parks requiring costly repairs and nature play opportunities for children

Increasing damage from extreme weather Changing demographics, such as an aging population, requiring new programming Rising use of parks as and designs alternative housing by (e.g., better accessibility, more people experiencing culturally specific programming) homelessness

Introduction 3 Common challenges and trends in Canadian cities:

NATURE GROWTH

We look at some of the leading Cities need forward-thinking Park practices and strategies in Van- System couver and Calgary to mitigate Master Plans to help priori- the effects of extreme weather tize action to meet growing damage from climate change populations and density. and create new, beautiful parks that protect against floods. We found that 70% However, more proactive plan- of cities had one ning work needs to be done to ensure these practices become of these plans ap- standard. Most cities are ex- proved or in devel- perimenting by piloting green opment. infrastructure in parks, such as bioswales and rain gardens. We profile leading work in park planning, such as Halifax and However, just Toronto, where the focus is on 48% have citywide building connections, assess- ing park quality, and making green infrastruc- better use of underused land. ture strategies in This helps build connections place that include between and within parks, creating corridors for the movement directions for of both people and wildlife. parks. We also highlight how Waterloo came up with a creative solution We also profile cities that are to take a growing challenge—the leading the way in the pres- amount of dog poop in city parks— ervation and rehabilitation of and turn it into an energy source. natural habitats, particularly for endangered wildlife. And highlight how some cities are buzz- ing with new projects to support pollinators and biodiversity.

Introduction 4 Common challenges and trends in Canadian cities:

COLLABORATION ACTIVATION INCLUSION

With cities facing increasing There is a growing desire for We found cities are striving to demands for new amenities, innovative programming and be more inclusive, recognize we found many are turning to space for unstructured activities in different cultural identities, and partnerships with non-prof- Canadian cities. We found this has reckon with past erasures and its and community groups to inspired creative programming abuses—but that doing so requires bring local expertise, new pro- that leverages parks as platforms deep explorations of park poli- gramming, and new funding. for issues such as improved men- cy, planning, and governance. tal health, enhanced food security, With the release of the Truth and and increased access to the arts. We found 74% of Reconciliation report, a heightened cities had at least We profile examples including awareness of the responsibility to Vancouver’s work to enliven work with First Nations across the one programming parks through arts, a partner- country is a growing area of work or operational ship in Victoria that offers free in many cities–one that will re- partnership with a nature-based therapy for youth, quire time, uncomfortable conver- and the edible forests of Kings- sations, and potentially radically non-profit and 52% ton, Victoria, and Charlottetown. new ways of thinking about how have a formal pro- parks operate.Here we profile work being done in Vancouver, where gram for commu- a “colonial audit” of the Vancou- nity groups to get ver Park Board’s work is currently involved in underway, led by the Park Board’s first Reconciliation Planner. their park. We also look at the work hap- We profile multiple scales of pening to welcome newcomers partnerships to learn what makes and refugees into cities through a successful made-in-Cana- parks, including the multi-city da collaboration tick, including Welcome to this Place project. Montreal’s Les Amis de Mon- tagne, Québec City’s Societe de la Riviere St-Charles, and Ed- monton’s RiverValley Alliance.

Introduction 5 Why City Parks Matter

Understanding and being able A 2018 study into the state of to resources on how parks can to communicate the impacts social capital in Toronto by the support affordable housing. of parks is critical in advo- Toronto Foundation found that A 2014 study by TD Economics cating for sustained invest- knowing your neighbours was found that for every dollar in- ment in parks. To aid in this, the number one variable linked vested into the urban forest the we round-up key research. to a higher sense of trust, strong return was between $1.35 and social networks, and belonging. $3.25 in benefits and cost-sav- Our research review found that ings in stormwater management, ENVIRONMENTAL so-called “weak ties”–the nod air quality, energy savings from hello to a neighbour in a park– shade, and carbon sequestration. A 2014 study found that Toron- contributes to feelings of greater to’s urban forest sequestered safety, social support, and re- HEALTH 46,000 tons of carbon each duced feelings of isolation. year, the equivalent of emis- Immersing in greenery can boost sions from 31,000 cars. This While there is limited research levels of cancer-fighting proteins helps combat climate change, in Canada related to the links and calm our heart rate, result- but also improves air quality. between parks and issues of ing in lower stress and anxiety. race, ethnicity, and income, a A study in Lethbridge found public A 2019 study found that adults new study from the Universi- trees helped divert 331,000 cubic were 55% less likely to develop ty of British Columbia of major metres of rainfall from enter- mental health disorders if they U.S. cities found that margin- ing the stormwater system–and had grown up near green spaces. alized communities often had that parks helped improve water less access to green space. A recent study found visiting quality by filtering run-off be- parks boosts happiness, after just fore entering rivers and lakes. ECONOMIC 20 minutes of use, even if peo- Parks can also act as nature’s ple aren’t partaking in exercise. Parks can increase land value in air conditioners and reduce surrounding areas, with one U.S. A 2017 study of U.S. neighbour- energy use, combating the ur- study finding that homes adjacent hood parks found that parks ban heat island effect caused by to parks received price premiums were twice as likely to be emp- the sun’s heat being absorbed of 20% to 30% relative to homes ty if they didn’t have walking by hard surfaces like asphalt. that were 300 to 800 metres away. loops–and that the presence of these loops generated the SOCIAL The same study also found more most activity by seniors. value was created by small- Our 2017 Sparking Change re- er parks or linear parks than a The same study found that parks port found that engagement single large park of equal area that offered programming for and programming are critical because it allowed more peo- different ages saw a 37% increase to unlocking the social bene- ple to live closer to its edge. in activity by local residents. fits of parks, including building Better marketing, signage, and civic engagement, developing The economic effects of parks bulletin boards letting people leadership skills, and widen- on housing has raised questions know what was going on resulted ing social support networks. around equity, which has led in 63% more activity in parks.

Introduction 6 City overview

PARTICIPATING CITIES:

Twenty-three cities participated in this first year of the report. We hope to expand our reach across Canada in subsequent years. If you would like to see your city in the report, please let us know.

To learn more about each participating city, please refer to its City Profile (70)

Delta Richmond Hill Victoria Mississauga Vancouver Oakville Langley Hamilton Prince George Toronto Lethbridge Kingston Calgary Montreal Edmonton Québec City Red Deer Gatineau Saskatoon Halifax Waterloo Charlottetown

Guelph Through five different themes we dove de

Introduction 7 Themes

Nature, Growth, Collaboration, Activation, and Inclusion

Through five different themes we dove deep into the numbers & stories to paint a picture of what’s happening in city parks across Canada.

Themes 8 THEMES

Nature

VISION:

Parks improve resiliency and contribute to the ecological in- tegrity of our environment, creating opportunities for people to connect with urban nature.

Nature 9 Nature

Close your eyes and think of a park. What do you see? Chances are it’s green. Parks are, above all else, urban natural spaces– and there’s a growing desire from residents for even more naturalized experiences.

KEY CHALLENGES

As our environment shifts from extreme, with more instances of In the spring of 2019, we saw major climate change and urbanization, heavy rainfall and heat waves. floods acrossQuebec and Ontario. parks are thrust to the forefront of Sea levels will rise on all coasts, Key challenges lie ahead in pro- building more resilient cities, and especially in Atlantic Canada. tecting biodiversity and safe- ensuring the ecological integ- Effects of this are already being guarding our communities from rity of the systems we depend felt in park systems across the the ravages of extreme weather. on for food, clean air, water, country, from flooding to fires. This is putting increasing pressure and moderate temperatures. Calgary’s devastating 2013 floods on already stretched budgets. A 2019 report from Environment caused over $400 million in dam- The good news? We have exam- and Climate Change Canada age, flooded waterfront parks in ples of how cities are investing in found that Canada is warming Oakville cost nearly $4 million in new parks to mitigate these effects, faster than the global average— 2017, and the same year Toronto restore habitat, and protect twice as fast. We can expect shut down its popular Toronto biodiversity. weather to become even more Islands due to flooding.

Nature 10 Nature

KEY INSIGHTS

1. Cities are grappling with rising in- 3. While many cities are experi- cidences of extreme weather dam- menting with small, green infra- age in parks, such as flooding and structure pilot projects (i.e. rain droughts. These effects impact gardens), there’s a need for com- tight operating budgets and will prehensive strategies to scale and become more frequent due to cli- become standard practice. mate change. 4. Increasing biodiversity in our cit- 2. New parks can be designed as ies is critical for the health of nat- flood protection infrastructure. ural systems and wildlife. More This requires diverse expertise and work to restore habitats and create close collaboration between city connectivity within park systems engineering, parks, transportation, is required. and water departments.

Nature 11 Nature

KEY INDICATORS 48% of cities have a citywide green infrastructure strategy that includes parks

87% of cities offer natural stewardship programming

83% of cities have a biodiversity strategy

Nature 12 % of parkland that is natural area

Edit: Edmonton’s natural parkland numbers updated Natural areas are those that receive a lower level of maintenance and support naturalized vegetation as opposed to more maintained park- *Arranged by land, which contain lawns, sports fields, and other amenities. population size

Nature 13 Building resilience through parks

Designing parks as sponges that Cities report, an integrated strat- Approved in 2016, the Rain City soak up rainwater helps miti- egy is critical for making green Strategy pushes Vancouver to gate the damaging impacts of infrastructure standard practice. evolve beyond pilots, using an extreme weather–and creates ecosystem approach to integrate As a city that is forecasted to expe- new, beautiful green spaces. green infrastructure citywide rience increasingly heavy rainfall and treat rainwater as a resource. due to climate change, Vancouver According to the City, over half leads the way with its citywide of Vancouver is made up of green infrastructure strategy. The Green impervious surfaces that can- strategy includes plans for streets, infrastruc- not absorb water. The strategy’s trees, parks, developments, and target is to divert 90% of rainfall ture is a key the City’s maintenance practic- before it meets waterways. element of es. Staff reported that “without building more comprehensive policy, green The plan’s implementation is a infrastructure projects have partnership between City de- resilient cities mainly been staff-led pilot initia- partments, including Planning, through parks. tives...rather than as an integral Engineering, and the Vancouver part of City capital programs.” Park Board. Cameron Owen, who works in the Engineering De- Green infrastructure includes partment’s Green Infrastructure engineering natural spaces, like Branch, said that the sweet spot bioswales and rain gardens, that better capture, soak up, and treat rainwater where it falls as opposed to whisking it away into grey infrastructure, like pipes. This helps reduce the flooding associated with heavy rain events, but also improve water quality.

While we found cities across Canada are experimenting with green infrastructure in parks, only 48% of cities we surveyed have a citywide strategy for integrating this into park planning at a systems scale. As we reported in our 2017 Resilient Parks, Resilient

Nature 14 is when a project can help meet There are lots of co-learning • Delta works in partnership with water management, biodiversity, opportunities between the Park the volunteer-based Cougar and park access goals in one. Board and Engineering, Cameron Creek Streamkeepers to install said, adding that it’s the diversity rain gardens, including a 500 Two recent examples: of knowledge within the depart- square foot garden built in a ment and its ability to work closely hydro corridor that will filter more with Park Board colleagues that than 2 million litres of rainwater • The 63rd and Yukon Street green leads to innovative solutions. in the Blake Creek watershed infrastructure plaza. The plaza area. As Deborah Jones, Rain The Green Infrastructure Branch creates a green amenity that also Gardens Coordinator with the includes landscape architects, captures run-off from a surround- Streamkeepers, told the Peace planners, green infrastructure ing 1,170 square metres of imper- Arch News: “Rainwater that seeps engineers, water engineers, vious surface through bioreten- underground from a rain gar- and more. “When we start look- tion systems, like rain gardens. den to a salmon stream is cool ing at how to solve a problem, and clean, whereas rainwater some people are detail-focused • The Tatlow and Volunteer Parks that’s piped directly from pave- and some are systems-focused,” daylighting project. A buried ments and roofs into that same Cameron said. “Which really led stream is being brought to the stream is warm and polluted.” surface, allowing stormwater us in a different direction than to more naturally filter through if we had just been a group of • The Township of Langley’s work plants before reaching the ocean. landscape architects or engi- in integrating green infrastructure neers to solve the problem.” into neighbourhood and green space development was featured The department’s hope Other highlights: in a 2017 case study, including the establishment of a Green In- is that this green infra- frastructure Services department. structure work can also • Saskatoon is creating a green • Charlottetown has piloted infrastructure strategy. Work to help connect existing bioswales alongside Simmons date includes a baseline inven- Arena as part of the Atlan- parks together by creat- tory of all of the city’s green tic Stormwater Initiative. ing more park-like ex- spaces and their functions, periences along streets, including areas of impervi- • Hamilton is building rain gar- ous surfaces. The final strate- dens into a new downtown contributing to an over- gy will be released in 2020. park, John Rebecca Park, with all better green network a goal of infiltrating 90% of • Toronto piloted green infrastruc- stormwater onsite. in the city. ture in Fairford Parkette and created the Green Streets Tech- nical Guidelines, which includes a tool to select the right type of green infrastructure for a project.

Nature 15 Is it a park or flood protection infrastructure? Both.

Calgary future-proofs it- Bow River. The $10.6 self from floods by designing million project puts 30% the stunning West Eau Claire Park along the Bow River. of those costs towards flood mitigation ele- Ever since a devastating flood ments. in 2013 caused over $400 million in damage and the evac- uation of thousands of people, Daniel England, Project Manager Calgary has been working on within Parks, Planning, and Devel- ways to better protect itself. opment at the City of Calgary said that the project was an exercise in Following those floods, the City “how to change design to protect approved a Flood Resilience Plan, the downtown” from floods. which included both upstream and community-level risk mitigation “We want to make sure peo- measures along the Bow and El- ple embrace the waterfront,” he bow Rivers, which run through the said, providing an accessible city. One of those community-lev- promenade and maintaining as el projects, West Eau Claire Park, many mature trees as possible, completed its first phase in 2018. but at the same time build infrastructure to protect from major floods. Elements couldn’t be West Eau Claire Park is included within the design, for a revitalized linear wa- example, that could be lifted up and damaged by rising water. terfront park along the

Nature 16 The park is designed to protect against a 200-year flood, which exceeds what occurred back in 2013 by about 35%.

It achieves this not by build- The park’s design includes an As well as acting as a barrier, ing huge retaining walls, but by earthen berm to raise land to the park itself is a sponge, with nestling flood mitigation in- protect against high waters and bioswales located to catch run-off. frastructure into the design so cement walls with benches where “We wanted to make sure any that it becomes a part of a new raising land wasn’t feasible. It of the water that drained off the public amenity, rather than a also includes systems built into hard surfaces was collected and barrier to the riverfront. A second the river’s edge that conceal utilized onsite,” Daniel said. phase, funded by the Province panels that can be dropped into of Alberta, will extend the proj- place during a potential flood. ect to Reconciliation Bridge.

West Eau Claire Park, City of Calgary

Nature 17 Biodiversity buzz spreading across Canada

Protecting biodiversity and ecosystem health is a national challenge, but city parks have an important role to play.

A new report by the Canadi- an Biodiversity Action Council sounds the alarm on biodiversity loss, arguing that the

“three critical drivers augmenting biodiversity loss are our discon- nected relationship to the land, over consump- tion and habitat loss.” Piper Creek Pollinator Hotel, City of Red Deer

Their calls to action include • Recognizing the need for more of off-leash dogs and outdoor setting concrete conservation information to communicate cats and decreasing the impacts targets, dealing with landscape and stimulate action, Ontario’s of light pollution on wildlife. and parks connectivity, collabo- Biodiversity Council produced rating with Indigenous peoples, • Vancouver approved its Biodi- resources in 2017 on how to talk integrating biodiversity strategies versity Strategy in 2016, which about biodiversity and climate with community planning prac- includes, importantly, metrics change and the links between tices, and repositioning conser- for evaluating the success of the biodiversity and public health. vation as an urban initiative. strategy. One goal is to restore • The work of the Ontario Biodiver- 25 hectares of natural habitat by We found that 83% of cities sity Council helps form the foun- 2020, including the restoration of have a biodiversity strategy, dation of more local plans, such the salt marshes at New Brighton but that many are engaging in as Oakville’s 2018 Biodiversity Park in 2018, which resulted in small-scale efforts to increase Strategy. The strategy includes the reintroduction of wild salmon. biodiversity and, in particu- tips on mitigating the impacts lar, habitat for pollinators.

Nature 18 • In Delta, it’s all about the birds. Approximately group’s terms of reference. The City’s Birds and Biodiver- • In 2015, Red Deer designated sity Conservation Strategy was three-quarters four pollinator parks, which were approved in 2016. Delta is home of food crops meant to protect and attract to over 275 species of birds, and rely on birds, bees, and bats. The City millions of migratory birds that doesn’t use pesticides in these use the Fraser River Estuary and pollinators. parks and weeds are hand-picked. Delta as a stopover, making it one As told to CBC, the City hoped of Canada’s Important Bird Areas. that it would spur ideas for how The strategy includes a strong fo- • Toronto approved its Pollina- residents could “turn their own cus on strengthening partnerships tor Strategy in 2018. It includes yards into an oasis for essential with local organizations, such directions to increase commu- players in the ecosystem.” The as the Delta Naturalists, a local nity partnerships, educational City also created a large “pollina- group that offers birding walks. opportunities, and incentivize the creation of habitat corri- tor hotel” within the Piper Creek Pollinators have been a particular dors. In early 2019, the City area that allows bees to nest. area of focus within biodiversi- launched its PollinateTO grants ty work. The use of pesticides, of $5,000 to assist residents in loss of habitat from urbanization, planting pollinator gardens. and threats from invasive spe- • Guelph became a certified Bee cies have resulted in urgent calls City in 2018. A 45-hectare former for action from experts about landfill is being transformed into the ongoing health of pollina- a pollinator park, with the help of tors like bees and butterflies. local charity Pollination Guelph. Canadian researchers recent- Currently the group has planted ly sounded alarm bells about 3 hectares and has “document- possible extinction for certain ed several at-risk birds, bees, bee species, leading to “cascad- and butterflies on the site,” said ing impacts” across Canada. Victoria Macphail, co-chair of the group. The group also runs art projects and education walks.

• In Waterloo, another 2018 Bee City inductee, a pollinator working group was struck that includes community volunteers who will help find ways to promote pollinators and edu- cate the public through events and activities. Check out the

Nature 19 Bringing nature back to the city

Restoring habitat, par- The following park projects features, providing an education- ticularly for endangered involve creativity, partner- al opportunities for park goers. ships, and foresight in restoring species, and creating wildlife habitat in the city. Eels in Oakville’s Har- great parks in the pro- bour West Shoreline cess. Turtles in Kingston’s Set for construction in Spring Douglas Fluhrer Park 2019, Oakville is improving 500 As our cities grow and develop, it’s metres along its west shore as not just homes for humans that In Kingston, the volunteer group aquatic habitat. The project in- we need to think about, but the Friends of Kingston Inner Har- cludes special accommodations in natural habitats of the wildlife that bour has been working with the the design for the American Eel, live alongside us. Unfortunately, City since 2016 to protect turtle which is an endangered species. urban development continues habitat in the 7-acre Douglas to remove and degrade natural Fluhrer Park. In 2018, the group habitat, leaving some species in Salmon in Vancouver’s New received a grant to expand their our urban areas endangered. Brighton Park salt marshes work mapping turtle nesting sites with GPS technology and Completed in 2017, the City of hosting community events. Vancouver created a new salt marsh habitat in New Brighton Salamanders in Rich- Park, reconstructing what was mond Hill’s Jefferson once there before urban develop- Salamander Park ment filled in the tidal area. Even before the project’s completion, Completed in early 2019, Jeffer- the City observed juvenile salm- son Salamander Park is adjacent on using the new marsh area. to an “amphibian crossing” that The $3.5 million project was allows the Jefferson Salamander, a partnership with the Port of whose habitat has been severe- Vancouver, which owns the land, ly impacted by urbanization, to and Musqueam, Squamish and safely cross to a nearby pond. The Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. park design builds the story of the salamander into its pathways and

Nature 20 MORE STORIES

A greener way to cut the The pilot’s aim was to create an organization used it to create green in Edmonton economical, non-chemical way street furniture, transforming a to manage invasive weeds, such challenge into an opportunity. Edmonton piloted two self-driv- as Canada thistle. The goats were ing, electric lawn mowers in so efficient that they demolished Coronation Park in 2018. The an acre of thistle in one day, $9,000 units could help the City rather than the projected four, meet its carbon neutral goals, so the City extended the pilot. if deployed at a larger scale. Using goats is beneficial for pol- While the project raised concerns linators and nearby water bodies, from unionized staff, the City which won’t have to contend with maintained it won’t be replac- chemical weed control. But just ing any jobs, but cutting grass as importantly the goats have where it’s currently dangerous created a fun, family-friendly to do so, such as river banks event where residents can chat and ravines. The project also with City staff and learn about piqued community interest, with the importance of environmen- one curious resident walking tal sustainability in Piper Creek. off with one of the lawnmow- Neighbouring cities like Leth- ers (City staff later rescued it). bridge have also experimented with goats in parks. A pilot proj- A cuter way to manage ect in fall 2018 saw a herd of 200 weeds in Albertan cities goats—accompanied by a squad of canine companions trained to protect them—introduced into Cottonwood Park to manage trail-side vegetation that was difficult to reach using mechanized equipment. Lethbridge, too, has extended its pilot.

From felled tree to furniture in Montreal

Following the massive loss of ash trees due to the effects of the Emerald Ash Borer—an issue facing many cities in Canada—the Borough of Rosemont-La Petite Ever since the City of Red Deer Patrie decided to do something a began a pilot project using goats little creative. It commissioned a to manage weeds in the environ- local entrepreneur to find a way mentally sensitive Piper Creek to re-use the wood from felled area, the Mayor of Red Deer now ash trees. Rather than discard- finds herself attending popular ing the wood by burning it, “Meet n’ Bleets” where residents the newly created Bois Public can meet the goats—& the Mayor.

Nature 21 THEMES

Growth

VISION:

Parks across Canada keep pace with population growth and community needs with budgets that support a well-maintained park system. growth 22 Growth

A key challenge for Canadian cities is ensuring park systems keep up with growth and changing demands. Budgets are tight. Demographics are shifting. Infrastructure needs costly repairs. And it’s becoming harder to find space for new parks.

To keep up, we need to ensure It isn’t only park acquisition Collecting this data is often ex- we’re planning for the future. that growing cities find chal- pensive and challenging, so cities lenging. It’s also ensuring that are mostly relying on permits Leading park system master plans parks meet user demand as and occasional surveys to under- employ a “network” lens, with cit- demographics shift and trends stand use. There’s a big oppor- ies not just looking to acquire new in park use shift with them. tunity to learn from cities using parkland, but connect existing exciting techniques to improve parks together. Building these net- To make the right programming how we measure park use. works is important for the health and design decisions, more data and happiness of people and is needed about actual park use wildlife, and increases the acces- and satisfaction—a gap identi- sibility of the entire park system. fied in conversations with city staff throughout Canada. growth 23 Growth

KEY INSIGHTS

1. A critical challenge facing cities is 3. As cities grow and become more a lack of operating dollars for pro- built out, proactive park planning gramming and maintenance, with becomes even more important to budgets not keeping pace with get ahead. New Park System growth as demand increases. This Master Plans are focusing on con- leaves many parks departments nectivity within the system—for tasked with doing more with less both wildlife and people—as much each year. as acquiring new parkland.

2. Cities would like to better mea- 4. With space at a premium, cit- sure and track park use to inform ies are exploring opportunities to planning, design, and program- integrate streets through green ming—especially as demographics connections or flexible spaces to and use shift—but doing so can be expand public space, particularly challenging and expensive, leav- in dense areas. ing a data gap for many cities. growth 24 Growth

KEY INDICATORS 70% of cities have park system plans updated within the last 10 years or in development.

17% of cities have completed an observational study of park use.

growth 25 Ha of parkland/1000 people

This shows the amount of total parkland, including natural areas, per 1000 people. It illustrates that our larger, more dense cities have a harder time providing parkland. Tracking this over time *Arranged by will illustrate how cities are keeping pace with growth. population size growth 26 $ of parks operating budget per person

*Arranged by population size This shows the amount each city spends per person on parks operations, which includes maintenance. Amounts vary depend- Edit: Vancouver operating ing on local contexts, but the average spend is $72 per per- budget number updated son. Tracking this over time will illustrate budget pressure. July 2019 growth 27 Planning for the future by making connections

New park system master plans are focusing on building out a network of green spaces by looking for opportunities to strengthen connectivity—for both people and animals.

When you create a park system master plan for a city with a variety of natural environ- ments that is bigger than Prince Edward Island, you’re bound to get something unique.

Halifax’s Green Network Plan, approved in 2018, is a “combination of a regional planning document and also a municipal open space document,” said Richard Harvey, Berczy Park, City of Toronto (Industryous Photography) Manager of Policy and Planning for Parks in Halifax. While his de- As the name suggests, the Green down the city into edges, wedg- partment deals with master plans Network Plan brings a sys- es, patches, and corridors: for city parks, Richard said, “we are tems-level approach to thinking also involved with the acquisition about the network of parks and • Edges form boundaries around of large areas of open space that open spaces within the city and communities (like a shoreline) in many ways shape the city.” their ecological and cultural in- • Wedges are green spaces that tegrity. As part of the plan, the City Indeed, an entire section of the insert into communities from created a multi-layered Green Net- plan involves city shaping, where edges, connecting them into work Database that will allow staff the green space system is seen the larger green space system. and the public to understand how as a tool for directing develop- a site-specific proposal impacts • Patches are the distinct open ment to appropriate locations the city’s larger ecological context. spaces found within a commu- and ensuring there are clear nity, such as parks and plazas. neighbourhood boundaries. The plan promotes this focus on network connectivity by breaking • Corridors are linear green growth 28 larger natural systems–all fitting together into a connected network. The plan also looked beyond parks to open spaces such as privately-owned public spaces, streets, and laneways to maxi- mize public space opportunities.

Reminiscent of Halifax’s edges and wedges, TOcore includes a “core circle” that knits together existing and proposed parks and public spaces in a ring around downtown. At the neighbourhood scale, the plan highlights “park districts” as well as “portal parks” which act as linkages between neighbourhood park districts and the wider city park system.

The plan also proposed several big ideas, such as decking over a downtown rail corridor to create a new 21-acre park, dubbed Rail Toronto lower Don Trail Deck Park. Another is realigning the median of park space down spaces that also serve as ac- green connections,” Richard said, the centre of University Avenue tive transportation routes, using bike lanes, larger sidewalks, to one side, tripling the amount like trails and greenways. and improving street trees. of open space available by stitch- ing it with the street edge. Richard said that “ecological connectivity” drives much of the City’s Toronto finds inspiration thinking, but by making sure in connectivity in its new lands are connected to facilitate downtown park master plan wildlife movement and create hab- Toronto took a similar network itat corridors, “you’re also creating approach in developing its TO- opportunities for human interac- core Parks and Public Realm tion” with that natural landscape. Plan, approved in 2018 as part This focus on connectivity ex- of its overall downtown plan. tends to the neighbourhood-scale. The plan grapples with the chal- When thinking of planning neigh- lenge of an increasingly dense and bourhood parks, Richard argued rapidly growing population within it’s important to think about a relatively small area that contains offering a diversity of experiences few opportunities for acquiring within a system of nearby parks. land for new parks. In areas where Even if your local park may not there is land, it’s often prohibi- offer the amenity or activity you’re tively expensive—just an acre of looking for, another within walk- land can cost around $60 million. ing distance will. This includes TOcore approaches this chal- prioritizing “the ability even along lenge through working at a variety streets to place an emphasis on of scales–from site-specific to growth 29 New measurement tools for park use, access, and quality

Spurred by urban develop- This information was combined Based on methodology from Gehl ment, changing demograph- with data around current and Studio and managed by Park ics, and tight budgets, cities future residential and employment People, the study included over are developing innovative populations to provide an in- 100 volunteers using behavioural methods for measuring park depth snapshot of park access and observation techniques to col- access, use, and quality. provision across the entire city. lect information about park users such as age, gender, and activity.

Prince George evaluated The study was coupled with an park quality through score- intercept survey, where volunteers cards and an interactive app randomly approached park users to complete a questionnaire in- Understanding where new cluding demographic information. parks are needed is one thing, The results provide a snapshot but understanding the quality in time of park use and can help of existing parks is another. inform decision-making about As part of its parks master plan design or planning changes. in 2017, Prince George undertook the process of creating individual Cities using sensors park scorecards to rate the qual- to track park use ity of parks under a number of criteria including neighbourhood With no turnstiles at the en- context, infrastructure, safety, trances and exits, it’s notorious- and environment. Overall, 109 ly hard to measure how many parks were evaluated and posted people use a park or trail–which publicly on the City’s website. is why some cities are exper- Vancouver measured imenting with sensors. actual walking distance The City also released an interac- to parks tive app that allowed residents to Following a pilot project in 2016, access different layers of infor- Montreal began using new tech- Walking distance to a park mation, such as playgrounds nology to measure use of its is a common measure of slated as revitalization priorities. seven nature parks by installing park provision, but it’s not as 59 infrared sensors. Data collected simple as drawing a direct Toronto undertook a massive helps the City get a more accurate 10-minute radius around a downtown public life study measure of the use of these parks park—unless you’re a bird. and informs where investments In 2016, Toronto completed the can be directed in the future. Vancouver’s VanPlay Park Provision City’s first public life study to in- Mississauga, Calgary, Guelph, Study—part of its ongoing VanPlay form the City’s downtown master Saskatoon, Victoria, and Leth- Master Plan—developed a clever plan, to understand the who, what bridge also use sensors to monitor method to account for topogra- and how of downtown park use. users, such as pedestrians and phy, off-street routes, and traffic cyclists, in parks and along trails. conditions (like crossing times) to determine walking distance. growth 30 MORE STORIES

Montreal invests in parks revitalization of Berczy Park, a A friendly game of pick- over three years small downtown park, included leball, anyone? the redesign of adjacent Scott In February 2019, Montre- Street to integrate the street with As populations age, parks depart- al committed to investing $75 the park, allowing the street to ments are fielding requests for million in parks and shorelines. be used as a continuation of new recreational activities like The new program will use a set the park when needed. This is pickleball. Played with a wif- of equity criteria to direct in- the first instance in Toronto fle ball and paddle, pickleball is vestments to areas in most need, of connecting street and park easy to learn and doesn’t require including family size, popula- design in this holistic manner. the same sweat-inducing effort tion density, and the poverty as other games like tennis. And in Kingston, an expan- index of the neighbourhood. sion of Churchill Park is being With more and more people The plan, which provides funding made possible by turning adja- taking up pickleball, many cities directly to boroughs, requires each cent Napier Street into parkland, are looking for ways to provide of the 19 boroughs to renovate at potentially hosting basketball space for it, including converting least one park per year for three courts and other hard-surface tennis courts as Waterloo is doing. years, for a total of 57 renovated amenities, and connecting the Prioritizing finesse over speed parks. In 2018, the City noted it park to St. Mary’s Schoolyard. and power, pickleball is a way spends more per hectare on parks to offer older adults the benefits than other Canadian cities be- Poop power: Waterloo turns of regular exercise. Oh, and that cause it has less green space per dog waste into energy name? It comes from a dog named capita. This means more people Pickles, who kept stealing the use the parks that exist, caus- wiffle ball from the first folks who As the populations of our cities ing higher maintenance costs. played the game back in 1965. grow, so too does another population—that of our four-legged bark- Turning streets into parks ing friends. And where there are One plan to rule them all. in Toronto and Kingston dogs, there’s dog poop. Lots of it. (Québec City’s rivers that is)

In fact, Waterloo determined Québec City is developing a river that between 40% and 80% of plan called Rêvons nos Rivières garbage in park litter bins was (dreaming up our rivers) to actually dog poop, so they de- create a single master plan for cided to do something about it. the main rivers within its bor- Turn that poop into power! ders, including the St-Charles Through a pilot that began in and Du Berger, Montmorency, 2017 in three city parks, the City Beauport and Du Cap Rouge. ships dog poop to a nearby plant The plan aims to raise aware- where it undergoes a process that ness of the rivers, imagine how captures gases and creates fer- they can be animated, reinforce As cities look for more space to tilizer out of what’s left. The pilot connections to neighbourhoods, create and expand parks, they’re reportedly diverted nearly eight and ensure they’re planned as turning to the land they al- tons of dog poop, converting it a signature feature of the city. ready own in the form of streets, into enough energy to power 18 The work will be conducted at which can make up about a homes. The City is now expand- three levels: the city, neigh- quarter of a city’s land area. ing the pilot to four more parks. bourhoods, and river banks. Opened in 2017, Toronto’s growth 31 Led by the Planning, Development Dive in! Kingston opens an and Environment Department, urban swimming pier the project was initiated in 2017 with an international competition A once-polluted stretch of Lake of ideas, which helped inspire and Ontario is now open for Kings- guide the project. In parallel with tonians to dive in. Opened in these steps, the City led a series of 2018, the Gord Edgar Downie public consultations, including the Pier and upgraded Breakwater creation of an interactive mobile Park transformed an area with a exhibition called the Rivièro- history of sewage contamination scope. The plan is expected to be issues into a vibrant waterfront completed by the end of 2019. where people can get into the water without leaving the city.

Upgrades to Breakwater Park have included a new promenade, accessibility improvements, and a pedestrian bridge to the pier. The redevelopment supports the Kings- ton Waterfront Master Plan and is paving the way for other Canadian cities to re-think how their water- fronts might accommodate more active uses. Swim Drink Fish Can- ada already has its eyes on Toron- to’s Ontario Place as a site where a similar pier might be replicated.

growth 32 THEMES

Collabo- ration

VISION:

Cities engage partners to bring fresh ideas, new models, and alternative funding to support well-maintained, programmed, and inclusive parks.

Collaboration 33 Collaboration

Canadian cities haven’t seen the explosive growth in park con- servancies that has taken place across the United States. Largely because, while Canadian budgets are tight, there haven’t been the same major budget cuts faced by many U.S. cities.

There is, however, a growing value but aren’t a replacement for There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strat- desire to help address challeng- the city, which remains a crucial egy. Partnerships exist at a variety es facing city parks by seeking funding and governance partner. of scales and span an extensive out collaborative partnerships combinations of roles, respon- While a call for partnerships was and new governance models to sibilities, and funding models. included in a few of the parks program, operate, and raise funds. plans surveyed, overall this area We can learn how to draw our Many cities have forged relation- is underdeveloped in terms of own roadmap for effective part- ships with non-profit and com- actions and policies. There’s a nerships in Canada from suc- munity-led organizations to bring need to better understand how to cessful existing partnerships in local expertise and renewed pursue and manage these part- and burgeoning new ones. focus. These arrangements add nerships in Canadian cities.

Collaboration 34 Callaboration

KEY INSIGHTS

1. Strong partnerships leverage the roles, allowing relationships to ability of non-profits to access evolve over time. new funding and be nimble in re- 3. Community-led groups can lead sponding to local programming to unique local programming and needs, while recognizing the im- meaningful engagement, but these portance of maintaining public groups need city support, and can funding and core services. face barriers related to permits and 2. Partnerships are exercises in trust, permissions. with time needed to test ways of working together through governance pilots and guidelines for

Collaboration 35 Collaboration

KEY INDICATORS 74% of cities said they had a partnership with a non-profit that includes programming, education, and/or maintenance.

52% of cities have a formal community program for people to get involved in their local park, such as an adopt-a-park program.

Collaboration 36 $ in philanthropic and sponsorship funding in 2018 for parks

This represents the amount of outside funding cities raised for park projects, largely towards built features like new parks or playgrounds. Tracking this *Arranged by over time will help illustrate how cities fundraise for park improvements. population size

Collaboration 37 # of community park groups per city

*Arranged by population size

This represents the number of community groups work- Edit: Vancouver parking with the city in parks. Tracking this over time will help illus- focused community group trate community collaboration and resident involvement. number updated July 2019

Collaboration 38 Strengthening parks through partnerships

Mont Royal, City of Montreal

Collaborations with non-prof- The Société de la Rivière St- services as well as programs its are helping expand services Charles was formed with like cross-country skiing. and sharpen focus on par- a mission to animate, pro- The group’s main source of ticular places, but cities still tect, and raise awareness funding is through direct con- support with public funding. about the St. Charles River. tracts with the City. However, While a popular recreational they’re also able to access oth- Québec City has built collabora- amenity now, the river was once er sources of funding, such tion into the very way it operates housed within a garbage-strewn as donations and grants. its parks, signing various agree- concrete channel. After a renat- As the group’s Director of Op- ments with non-profit organiza- uralization effort in 2008, there erations, Guillaume Auclair, tions for maintenance, natural were concerns about how the has said, “With time, the trust protection, and programming. newly revitalized river would between the two entities in- be maintained, which sparked This includes agreements with creased. The Société de la Riv- the formation of the Société. organizations that were formed ière St-Charles maintained its to steward the natural riverfront Starting small, the group obtained position as a group of action, parks in the city, such as the initial contracts with the City to collaborating with the City and Société de la Rivière St-Charles , provide employment opportunities focused on the river, as opposed Conseil de bassin de la rivière the to marginalized youth to maintain to a political pressure group.” due Cap Rouge Conseil , and the trails. Contracts expanded to in- de bassin de la rivière Beauport . clude waste management, horticultural, and winter maintenance

Collaboration 39 Leveraging community rentals, with revenues rein- operations. In Edmonton, proj- energy and expertise vested back into the park. ects have included creating boat access points and the construction Montreal also has experienced of a funicular to ensure barri- success through partnerships, As a result, 63% er-free access to the river valley. entering into agreements with of its $4 million In Toronto, a new partnership local non-profits for the pro- operating bud- gramming and maintenance of is blooming in Edwards Gar- parks, both large and small. get in 2017/18 dens between the City and the Toronto Botanical Gardens. For example, the City works with was from pro- organizations through the Re- grams and ser- A management plan was ap- groupement des Éco-Quartier de vices offered proved for the 14-hectare park in 2018. Currently, the TBG has Montréal for the management of to park users. 20 Éco-Quartiers across the city. a lease for only 1.6 hectares of These groups are responsible for parkland, including an indoor projects that support community The City maintains a strong role in facility with event space. The involvement and environmental the park. In 2015, the City hired a new plan will see its mandate education, like green alleys. And full-time Mont Royal Park Rang- expanded to the entire park. er whose job is to liaise between in Mile End an innovative co-man- The new management plan works various City departments and the agement agreement for Champ des to “create a seamless boundary park’s many stakeholders, in- Possibles Park was recently signed between Edwards Gardens and cluding Les Amis de Montagne. with the resident-led non-profit the Toronto Botanical Gardens,” The City of Montreal’s formes Les Amis du Champ des Possibles. as opposed to splitting manage- division head for the Bureau de ment responsibilities in the park. One of Montreal’s more estab- Mont-Royal, Pierre-Paul Savig- lished partnerships is with the nac, has said that the partnership The goal of the partnership is to non-profitLes Amis de Montagne, results in better stewardship of elevate the park’s gardens to the which is dedicated to the protec- the park overall, noting that with level of other globally-acclaimed tion and enhancement of Mont good partnerships “the whole is gardens, while also ensuring Royal—a park that draws over 5 greater than the sum of its parts.” fiscal and ecological sustainabil- million people to its 230 hect- ity. The master plan includes a ares in the heart of the city. Using partnerships to $50 million capital fundraising The group leads community en- focus operations campaign to be led by the TBG. gagement, conservation activi- The City will maintain its level ties, and fundraisers to support Sometimes park partnerships are of investment in operations. the park. Their activities range created to sharpen attention on from cross-country skiing to a space that otherwise might be summer day camps to providing planned in a fragmented way. nature programs for students. That’s the case with the RiverVal- ley Alliance. It was formed in 2003 Les Amis de Montagne works to focus on knitting the North under a formal agreement with the Saskatchewan River, which flows City of Montreal, which includes through Edmonton as well as sev- contributions towards its operat- en other Alberta cities, into a pro- ing budget and in-kind space. Les tected and connected trail system. Amis de Montagne runs gift shops and winter sports equipment The group has a unique tri-gov- ernmental funding model and leads planning and construction projects along the river. Member cities take on maintenance and

Collaboration 40 Building partnerships in unexpected spaces

While not officially parks, internationally renowned artists, One pilot is a partnership with the Vancouver and Toronto have and local activities through a West End Business Improvement tested new governance mod- community incubation grant. Area in Jim Deva Plaza—a down- els for streets-turned-pla- town plaza created out of street In Vancouver, the City is de- zas and a linear public space space. Both partners bring fund- veloping a Plaza Stewardship beneath an expressway. ing to support the plaza’s opera- Strategy, which seeks to strike tions and programming, which agreements with non-profit The City of Toronto approved now hosts many community organizations to assist in oper- the creation of The Bentway events and includes movable seat- ating and programming plazas. Conservancy—a non-profit that ing and, of course, giant Jenga. operates, maintains, and programs a new linear public space created underneath a portion of the Gardiner Expressway.

The project was spurred by a $25-million private donation.

An existing non-profit, Arts- cape, helped incubate the na- scent Bentway Conservancy, providing expertise to get the group off the ground. Now in its second year, The Bentway has successfully hosted a skating trail, pop-up events that include beer gardens and music, Jim Deva Plaza - Vancouver

Collaboration 41 Locals know best

Resident-led groups are with “like-minded organiza- instrumental in bringing new sparking change, bringing tions” with a long track record ideas to R.V. Burgess Park. community energy, and tap- of work in the city helps gives The group started small, advo- ping into local expertise. smaller, newer groups, like hers, cating for improvements like credibility. To spur interest, the more garbage cans and better group hosts events and walks, playground equipment, and tends pollinator gardens, and Calgary’s Friends of then took on larger initiatives like leads art installations like lanterns Reader Rock Garden starting up a summer market that light the route up at night. where locals sell handmade goods The Friends of Reader Rock Garden and food. This required patience is a volunteer-led group that works Delta’s Cougar Creek and work with the City to figure with the City of Calgary to steward Streamkeepers out the park permits to make the unique Reader Rock Garden, this unique program possible. which was designated as a nation- The Cougar Creek Streamkeepers al historic site in 2018. The garden is a self-described “informal group With financial support from the is located on a hillside that was of volunteers” working towards City, the group also spearhead- originally planted by former Cal- restoring and maintaining the ed the installation and man- gary park superintendent William health of Cougar Creek, a salmon agement of the first tandoori Reader in the early 20th century. stream that flows through Delta. oven in a park and now runs a shipping container park cafe. The group leads walks, plant sales, To accomplish their work, the garden shows, and runs volun- group partners with schools and teer programs, such as working the City on projects such as rain Gatineau’s dog own- in partnership with the City gardens, salmon rearing and ers mobilize and the Calgary Horticultural releasing, and invasive removals. In 2017, Gatineau’s Recreation Society to have Master Garden- Their goal is to use projects large Department began reviewing ers volunteer in the gardens. and small to “nickel and dime a by-law concerning the pres- the creek back to good health.” ence of dogs in parks, which Hamilton’s Pipeline Trail Their work has paid off with a banned dog walking in more strong turnout for salmon in than 93% of the city’s 353 parks. To spur the creation of a connect- late 2018, according to a count ed trail along a Hamilton water The Aylmer Canine Club has done by group volunteers. pipeline route, the resident-led more than 1,200 members and group Pipeline Trail Hamil- has an agreement with the City ton worked with neighbours, Toronto’s Thorncliffe Park to run a fenced dog area in Paul non-profits, and the City to raise Women’s Committee Pelletier Park. The club mobi- awareness, excitement, and lized to convince the borough In Toronto’s high-rise Thorn- ultimately create a master plan. councillor to act, ultimately cliffe Park neighbourhood, a resulting in new regulations Group member Elizabeth Seidl has landing pad for new immi- that now allow on-leash dog said that forming partnerships grants, the Thorncliffe Park walking in 71% of city parks. Women’s Committee has been

Collaboration 42 MORE STORIES

Toronto’s Meadoway turning a Halifax partners on a features like new play structures, hydro corridor into a linear park wilderness park soccer pitches, community-created murals, seating areas, and In order to create a wilderness park pollinator patches. The makeover just 5km from downtown Halifax, activities often culminate with a the City is working to purchase park reopening and “Canadian 154 hectares of land from a devel- Tailgate Party” to celebrate the oper. The Nature Conservancy of community’s new favourite place. Canada will then pay the municipality $2.5 million to acquire a Township of Langley’s arbore- conservation easement, which tum built through partnerships places limitations on the use of the lands and maintains them in their Resembling a cozy log cabin, a Spurred by a $25 million funding natural state. The Province of Nova new interpretive centre is going commitment from The W. Gar- Scotia also kicked in an additional up in Langley Township’s Der- field Weston Foundation (WGWF), $1 million in funding in 2018. ek Doubleday Arboretum. The The Meadoway is a seven-year The NCC is now fundraising to centre is the result of a partnership project that will transform a 16km acquire this easement—which may between the Town and Langley stretch of hydro corridor in Scar- include donor recognition in the Rotary Club, which funded half of borough into a linear park and park and naming rights on some the $500,000 budget. The project trail complete with naturalized features—kicking off its Keep Hali- also relied on volunteer hours and meadow habitat for pollinators. fax Wild campaign in 2018. A long- donated construction materials. The project is led by the Toronto term management plan for the and Region Conservation Au- Once complete, the centre will park will be developed by the City, thority, in partnership with the offer information about the NCC, and community partners. City of Toronto and community gardens, but also become the stakeholders along the route. nucleus for community stew- Hamilton marshals com- ardship and educational pro- It builds on the success of a pilot munity energy gramming, such as the Langley project, The Scarborough Butter- Environmental Partners Society. fly Trail, in a section of the hydro You won’t find this extreme corridor that created a 50-hect- makeover program on TV, but on are butterfly meadow planted the ground in Hamilton’s parks. through a grant to the TRCA as Over a dozen parks in Hamilton part of the Weston Family Parks have received “extreme make- Challenge. What was once hect- overs” through a City-led pro- ares of barren mown grass be- gram that brings municipal staff, came a thriving natural meadow local residents, and community habitat that is now well-used groups together for a few days and loved by the community. of fun-filled, hands-on projects With hydro corridors taking up that add up to a transforma- so much land in cities they’re tion of a neighbourhood park. ripe for use as linear parks. With the help of donations from We found 52% of cities report- charitable organizations like the ed having a partnership in Elly4Kids Foundation and the Ro- place with a hydro authority. tary Club, past extreme makeovers have seen parks upgraded with

Collaboration 43 Mississauga One Million Trees makes tree-planting a team effort

As the name suggests, this initiative sets the ambitious goal of planting one million trees in the city over a 20-year period. Resi- dents, community groups, businesses, and schools are all called upon to get their hands dirty.

To get involved, Mississaugans can visit the One Million Trees website to find an upcoming event, or simply plant a tree on their property and submit it to the City to be counted. The program, which supports the ‘Living Green’ pillar of the City’s Strategic Plan, will see the city’s tree count increase by nearly 50%. With the program wrapping up in 2032, the City is right on track—over a third of the way to its goal.

Collaboration 44 THEMES

Activa- tion

VISION:

Parks are platforms for people to come together through community engagement and programming that invites diverse participants to get involved.

Activation 45 Activation

As public spaces, parks act as platforms for many things. The multiple benefits of a good, animated park system for our mental and physical health, sense of community, local economies, and environmental strength are well proven. However, with tight budgets, support for programming in Canadian cities varies.

As research has shown, the While there are great exam- No one wants over-programmed existence of a park is often not ples of creative programs being spaces either. A recent American enough to realize social and run by cities and their partners Scholar article stated that we all health benefits. It requires in- across Canada, there’s room need idle time in parks. This is vestment in programming and for more supports for residents on trend with Canadians desir- engagement to connect people. to get involved in their local ing more unstructured spaces A 2016 study of neighbourhood parks. For example by easing for spontaneous use. Many of us parks in the U.S. found that each permit barriers and costs, or just want a place to hang out. additional supervised activity in providing funding support for It’s all about balance. a park increased its use by 48%. local community initiatives.

Activation 46 Activation

KEY INSIGHTS

1. Park use is shifting across 3. Providing dedicated community Canada, with cities reporting engagement workers in city parks growing desire for parks that sup- varies widely across the country, port unstructured, spontaneous with some cities employing rela- uses as opposed to more orga- tively large amounts of city staff to nized activities, challenging many engage residents relative to their cities to keep up with new de- size, and others relatively few. mands. 4. Cities are tapping into organi- 2. Programming is often a mix of zations and partners, like arts city, non-profit, and communi- groups, who may already have ty-led, but some cities offer more programs developed that can be supports for residents to get in- brought to parks. volved through adopt-a-park programs, grants, or permit fee waivers.

Activation 47 Activation

KEY INDICATORS 61% of cities have a community grant program that can be used for park projects

43% of cities have a policy to waive or reduce permit fees

Activation 48 Average park permit cost

Many cities charge permits to community groups hosting park activities. We standardized data to represent the approximate cost of a four hour or half day event for each city. Of the cities that charge for per- *Arranged by mits, 43% have a policy to reduce or waive fees for financial need. population size

Activation 49 # of volunteers/ 1000 people

Controlled for population size, tracking number of volunteers *Arranged by helps show the level of participation in parks in each city. population size

Activation 50 Take it to the park

New, creative programming brings arts, food, and mental health therapy to city parks.

Go to a park a take a deep breath. Feel better? You’re not alone. Research has established strong links between spending time in nature and improved mental health. A partnership between the City of Victoria and Human Nature Counselling builds on that with a program called New Roots.

The program brings youth out into city parks for nature-based therapy that targets anxiety and negative thinking. Participants take part in a variety of solo and group activities such as mind- City of Victoria fulness, journaling, hiking, and nature play. It helps “them to slow The City is a crucial champion One of the program’s key champi- down and dip into their senses of the program, helping to find ons is Shelley Brown, a City Parks and connect them to the natu- funding and making connections and Recreation Programmer. She ral world,” said Katy Rose from to specific parks. The afterschool had been working with students Human Nature Counselling. program, fully funded by Island on a meadow restoration program Health in 2018, is open to youth and “saw how quickly the youth Running the program in city parks in middle and high school. became passionate about parks is an important part of its success and natural spaces,” she said. because youth “want to be there,” Staff also provide youth with Katy said. Other mental health service projects, such as pull- Shelley said a big part of her job is programs are indoors, which can ing invasive English ivy, which to help find funding to keep New be uncomfortable for some people. is then dried and woven. Katy Roots free. “Because this program “It’s just so much easier to build said this helps show youth how is fairly new and quite different to community outside,” she said, so-called negatives can be trans- what people think of when they adding that youth are also building lated into positives by using the think therapy, we wanted as few connections to their local parks. invasive species as a metaphor. barriers as possible,” she said.

Activation 51 The role of nature in positive Building community to working with local communi- mental health outcomes is also through arts in the parks ty groups to make sure the art is key to another partnership, this appropriate and locally-responsive. time in Guelph. There, the City Vancouver is turning would-be hosts a registered charity that runs empty park buildings into hotspots the Enabling Garden in Riverside of arts and culture in its inventive In 2018, the Park, offering therapeutic ex- Fieldhouse Activation Program. program saw periences through horticulture In a you-scratch-my-back- 282 events in in an accessible garden space. I’ll-scratch-yours partnership, 36 parks across “The therapeutic garden provides the City connects community the city, with both a soothing and engaging groups with vacant park build- atmosphere that allows individ- ings that used to be caretak- the majority of uals, with the assistance of the er’s suites, providing rent-free those happen- Registered Horticultural Thera- space in exchange for 350 hours ing outside the pist, to connect creatively in their of community animation. community and share stories that downtown. Running since 2011, it now op- encourage wellness and ease suf- erates in 22 parks and accepts fering,” said Anna Kroetsch, a Hor- A 2019 toolkit provides more applications from groups work- ticultural Therapist at the garden. information for those wanting ing in arts, sport, environment, to create similar programs, with The garden is specifically de- local food, or social engagement information on funding, partner- signed for those of all ages and to host three-year residencies. ships, outreach, and evaluation. abilities. “With a low-glare, wide For the next residency, which accessible pathway, Braille signs, The City of Waterloo operates a started in 2019, programs in- and raised garden beds, people smaller scale program with their clude Indigenous food, inter- that may not usually be able to Artist in Residence. An initiative generational activities, girls access nature are able to com- of the City’s Culture Plan, this rock camps, seed swaps, eco- fortably engage with the natural program provides “opportunities film workshops, and more. world’s smells, textures, and tastes for artists to partner with the City no matter their ability,” Anna said. In Toronto, the city is heading to deliver community art proj- into the third year of its popular ects to citizens of all ages, abili- Arts in the Parks program, which ties, and experience.” In 2018 the is run by the Toronto Arts Coun- program showcased the work of cil. As TAC Director Claire Hop- artists Denise St Marie and Tim- kins said in a 2018 blog, the idea othy Walker in Waterloo Park, came from the fact there were few including word walks, storytelling venues for artists to present their activities, and treasure hunts. work outside the downtown.

She also noticed that many artists were having difficulty getting park permits and permissions. As Claire put it: “Taxpayer dollars are going to fund arts organizations to make art, and they’re forced to spend most of their money on permits and marketing for a free public event.”

The program isn’t meant to para- chute arts into neighbourhoods, so a lot of attention is dedicated

Activation 52 Brrrrrrrringing people out in winter

Face it, Canada is a win- A recent survey by the through fun activities, starting ter nation. These initia- City found 44% of res- with the publication of an active tives help residents suit up winter public spaces guidebook. and get outside into parks idents said they had a Boasting the largest fleet of ar- during the colder months. more positive percep- tificial outdoor ice rinks in the tion of winter since the world, Toronto worked in part- Though the impression from nership with Montreal-based outsiders of Canada as an al- program began. Le Pepiniere to kick off itsRink ways cold, frozen country is a Social Program in early 2019. The myth, it’s impossible to deny that The City also expanded its popu- program animated outdoor rinks for many months our cities are lar Green Shack Program—where with fireplaces, food and bever- chilly, snow-covered places. City staff help program parks ages, social gathering spaces, and with recreational amenities Some Canadian cities have em- skate lending. The City also hosts housed in a green shack—to all braced their wintery-ness, cele- training sessions for residents that year round in a 2017 pilot. The brating it as a time to get outside want to create natural ice rinks $120,000 pilot included eight and enjoy parks rather than hun- in parks, including a handy tip green shacks that rotated through ker down indoors with a cup of tea. sheet for would-be ice makers. parks between September and Edmonton leads the pack with its June. Attendance was on par with Both Halifax and Charlotte- WinterCity Strategy and organiz- summertime programming. town have found creative ing of the inaugural Winter Cities ways to get people outside and Shake-Up conference in 2017. Sas- But it’s not just Edmonton moving around in winter. katoon, which hosted the Winter that’s having fun in the snow. At Halifax’s Emera Oval, one of the Cities Shake-Up in 2019 is working largest skating rinks in Canada, on its own WintercityXYE Strategy. Another Canadian city that truly you’ll find movie and DJ nights embraces winter creatively is Edmonton actively promotes and artist-inspired warming huts. Montreal. In January 2018, a and runs a variety of winter And Charlottetown hosts Winter- group of collaborators including programming—from snow- lovePEI every February, which is La Pépinière Espaces Collectifs, shoeing to winter picnick- put on by a grassroots organiza- Rues Principales and Vivre en Ville ing—to invite people outdoors. tion that promotes cold-loving launched the Winter Laboratory. events like “snoga in the park.” The project aims to reclaim winter

Activation 53 Urban forests that also feed

From coast to coast, edible for- up to five fruit and nut trees in live on lower incomes, have ests are sprouting up, providing parks. The pilot was launched in recently arrived in Canada, or opportunities for enhanced food 2016 as part of the larger Growing are young families. Beyond the security, community building, in the City program that intro- benefits of enhanced food security and neighbourhood greenery. duced updated policies to support and community building, these urban agriculture more broadly. projects are a key opportunity to strengthen the City’s relationships with residents, community Kingston’s Community Charlottetown’s Edible Or- groups, and newcomer asso- Orchard and Edible chards and Foraging Wall ciations. Additionally, the City Forest Policy Charlottetown is bringing edible worked with local residents in In Kingston, the Community growing projects to neighbour- 2018 to create a “foraging wall” of Orchard and Edible Forest Policy hoods in need of improved food 150 food-bearing trees and plants supports community-led efforts access. In 2017, orchards were that will re-naturalize an area of to plant and steward food-bear- planted in two parks in parts of a local park and provide a source ing trees on City land. Through the city where many residents of produce for Charlottetonians. a stewardship agreement, community groups take on the maintenance and harvesting of produce, while the City provides support with elements such as determining appropriate sites and species, providing start-up grants, and navigating the development and consultation process.

Victoria’s Food Tree Stew- ardship Program

In Victoria, a pilot Urban Food Tree Stewardship Program allows residents to partner with community organizations to plant and maintain mini-forests of

Activation 54 MORE STORIES

Bored? Go play in the park Mississauga’s Dan- ville Park has arrived In order to spur creativity, self-em- powerment, and agency, some Call it a creative departure—one cities are experimenting with of Mississauga’s newest parks non-standard playgrounds that celebrates all things aviation. favour nature and adventure In response to the site’s unique play over the catalogue-issued topography and proximity to slide, swings, and jungle gym. Toronto Pearson Internation- In these parks, so-called loose al Airport, Danville Park’s main parts, such as tires and card- attraction is at the highest point board boxes, allow kids to use in the city: a platform with a their own imaginations to play. view of planes taking off.

Some cities are leading the charge, The park, Final Approach Danville such as Delta, which offers a free Terminal, was created through a Snakes and Ladders Park- drop-in activity throughout the City of Richmond Hill donation from the Greater Toron- summer, with 3,700 visits in 2017. to Airports Authority. The park And Calgary operates seasonal features an airplane sculpture, mobile adventure playgrounds, Permits, permits, permits windsocks, a runway, high-pow- rotating all summer between six ered binoculars, and limestone different parks. EarthDay Cana- Permits are necessary to help from the former Avro Arrow da is also a big proponent of the manage park use—but boy do they building donated by the GTAA. model, providing pop-up ad- ever cause headaches for both city It also features a cricket pitch, venture play parks in different staff and community members. tobogganing hill, and accessible cities and training staff to con- pathway to the viewing platform. Through our survey, we found tinue the work on their own. a huge variation in permit pro- Taking a slightly different ap- cesses, permissions, and costs proach, Lethbridge opened the across Canadian cities with some first challenge course in Canada at charging as much as $164 and Legacy Park. The outdoor obsta- some as little as nothing to local cle course is meant to engage the groups putting on park events. whole family in competitive fun Of those that do charge, just 43% and features a professional-grade percent have a policy to waive or timing system and a scoreboard reduce fees for financial need. so that people can see how they In 2017, Toronto made things eas- stack up against their neighbours. ier for residents to animate parks And in 2015, Richmond Hill through arts, music, and movies brought the iconic board game, through new permit categories Snakes and Ladders, to life-size for these activities. With some format in a park of the same name. restrictions (specifically around An innovative way to bring fun food sales), these free permits and whimsy that also encourages are a much easier process than intergenerational play, this park special event permits, which cost takes the more typically found at least $100 and must be sub- life-size chess set to a new level. mitted eight weeks in advance.

Activation 55 Making getting involved in parks official

While many cities offer opportunities for residents to volunteer at events like park clean-ups or tree-plantings, only 52% have a formal park program for community groups.

These programs differ from event- based volunteering by providing the opportunity for community members to self-organize and take on responsibility for a park in an ongoing way—whether through stewardship or programming.

Some of these groups are adopt- a-park groups, while others are focused on a specific feature, like Delta’s adopt-a-rain garden program. Generally, these programs allow volunteers to sign up directly online and may require volunteers to commit to a formal policy or agreement that outlines roles and responsibilities for both city and group (for example, Mississauga’s Commu- nity Group Registry Program).

The group may also benefit from the support of a city staff liaison or access to special grants and permit discounts. If your city runs a program like this, you can find a link to it in the City Profiles.

Activation 56 THEMES

Inclusion

VISION:

Parks welcome people of all ages, abilities, identities, and back- grounds, and foster connections that nurture learning, respect, and relationships across differences.

Inclusion 57 Inclusion

At a time when growing political, social, and economic divides are posing challenges for cities worldwide, parks are helping bring Canadians closer to one another.

This starts when everyone feels responsibilities to one an- systemic colonial impacts related welcome, has comfortable ac- other and the land. to park policies and governance. cess, and is able to find the In the spirit of our national goals And as people from around the amenities that speak to them— of truth and reconciliation, parks world continue to make Canadian whether it’s wheelchair-acces- can help bring visibility to the con- cities their home, parks play a key sible exercise equipment, picnic tinuum of Indigenous presence in role in many newcomer settlement shelters for large families, or Canada. Some cities have started journeys. Creative programming gender-inclusive washrooms. to build partnerships with Indig- transforms parks into footholds Parks can also be fertile ground for enous communities to highlight for new immigrants and refu- place-making and programming this history and culture through gees by providing a platform for that fosters a deeper understand- public art while others, like connection and memory-making, ing of our relationships and Vancouver, are forging a deeper and helping ground the process level of work through examining of adjusting to a new place.

Inclusion 58 Inclusion

KEY INSIGHTS

1. Indigenous-focused projects and 3. Effective engagement, particular- celebrations in parks can help to ly for newcomers, requires part- raise awareness and provoke re- nerships with organizations like flection around truth and recon- community centres, religious in- ciliation, but deeper opportunities stitutions, settlement organiza- for change exist in examining tions, and temporary housing park policy, operations, and gover- providers, as well as specialized nance. expertise, like speaking another language or having lived experi- 2. While cities recognize the impor- ence of migration. tance of providing accessible park spaces, particularly as populations 4. Age-inclusive fitness programs in age, many also reported budget parks can provide opportunities pressures in meeting these re- for social connection that are just quirements as infrastructure ages as important as the physical activi- and updates are required. ty for older adults

Inclusion 59 Inclusion

KEY INDICATORS 83% of cities have an accessibility plan or guidelines for parks in place

70% of cities have a seniors plan or strategy that includes parks

Inclusion 60 Reflecting on the role of parks in reconciliation

Cities are working with Indige- nous communities to celebrate Indigenous culture, strengthen relationships, and reckon with the ongoing colonial entan- glements of parks systems.

In Vancouver, the Park Board has begun unprecedented work to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth about Canadian parks: their existence is root- ed in colonial dispossession.

In July 2018, the Park Board initiated a “colonial audit” that entails looking inward at its own “core acts of colonialism” to begin a process of learning and reflecting that aims to advance the truth-telling phase of reconciliation. Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Pavilion - City of Prince George

The initiative comes at a time after the City of Vancouver de- of being “conciled” which has when the Park Board is grappling clared itself a City of Reconcil- never been possible under colo- with a critical question that will iation in 2014, and adopted the nialism—and far-off as a reality. likely resonate across Canadian UN Declaration on the Rights of The first step in moving for- city parks departments: “how does Indigenous Peoples in 2016. ward, the Park Board learned, is our commitment to spaces for ‘the The audit’s truth-telling purpose to meaningfully understand the people’ sit alongside recognition is informed by a staff report which actions, practices, and systems of Aboriginal rights and title?” a outlines findings from consulta- embedded in the Park Board’s past Park Board staff report asked. tions with Indigenous people and and present that have inflicted The audit, currently underway, organizations to learn about their injustice upon the Musqueam, will trace colonial histories into experiences and challenges work- Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First the present to unpack the ways ing with city government. A key Nations, upon whose unceded in which colonialism contin- learning is that, for many people, territory the City of Vancouver sits. ues to shape the Park Board’s “reconciliation” is problematic The Park Board’s first Rec- work—from strategic planning as a concept—the “re-” implies a onciliation Planner, Rena to everyday operations. It comes return to an imagined past state

Inclusion 61 the land it’s on, as Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick told Prince George Daily News, but “we also wanted to honour our youth and our elders.”

Featuring the logos of both the City and the Lheidli T’enneh, Rob noted that it’s “the first joint facility in the community.”

“This is about a relationship… it’s not just about the pavilion, it’s not just about some events that occur, this is about every day,” Rob said, while also acknowledging that working in partnership is “not always easy, because of different organizational and administra- tive and governance realities.”

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Pavilion - City of Prince George City staff are mindful of the in- herent tensions and limitations Soutar, is leading the audit. A key moment in the partner- of working on Indigenous ini- ship came in 2015, when the park “For over 100 years, the Park Board tiatives on unceded parklands. was renamed to Lheidli T’enneh was the narrator and curator of Memorial Park to acknowledge “It’s very easy to look at these cultural narrative in Vancouver’s the site’s history as a First Nation issues and be overwhelmed… parks. This has long contributed village and burial ground, but also and say ‘it’s too complicated, to the erasure of the local First the continuing presence of Lheidli we’re just going to leave that Nations,” Rena said. “We are now T’enneh in Prince George. This for now.’ I think it’s really about in a prime position to correct these laid the groundwork for further trying and not letting complex- situations and demonstrate what collaboration on the development ity or protocol or fear trump our a decolonization process within of an award-nominated park pavil- behaviour, and it’s just going to a Reconciliation framework can ion, which opened summer 2018. be that where we don’t know, we look like in a public institution.” just ask. And that’s hard—that’s The pavilion is centred on the Initial research for the audit hard in government,” Rob said. theme of confluence. It’s situat- identified four areas of colonial ed at the meeting of the Fraser “We’re used to sort of having ju- impacts: dispossession, archae- and Nechako Rivers, a cultur- risdiction—if you work in utili- ology, culture, and prioritizing ally significant place for Lheidli ties, that water main is ours, and non-Indigenous ways of knowing. T’enneh people, but it’s also “a when it breaks, we go and fix it… real physical expression of a I think we’ve taken the approach A collaborative project relationship between the City, that we’ll fail, but we’ll get bet- forges relationships the community, and the Lheidli ter and we’ll continue to try.” T’enneh,” said Rob van Adrichem, In Prince George, B.C., a part- Director of External Relations nership at the city’s flagship Other highlights: at the City of Prince George. downtown park has allowed for renewed relationship-build- The pavilion offers programming • In 2018, a new park called ᐄᓃᐤ ing between the City and the to celebrate intercultural learn- (ÎNÎW) River Lot 11∞, opened Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. ing and displays that include in Edmonton on the site of photographs of youth and elders. Indigenous ancestral lands. A The projects is meant to honour

Inclusion 62 Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park Pavilion - City of Prince George

collaboration between Confed- • In 2016, Gatineau opened Abinan eracy of Treaty 6 First Nations, Square, which means “People Métis Nation of Alberta, Edmon- were here” in Anishinabe. The ton Arts Council, and the City, project included art by the An- the park showcases permanent ishinabe artist Simon Brascoupé, art installations created by six Birch Bark Basket, which is the Indigenous artists who were first piece of Indigenous art to be asked to “tell the story of this incorporated into the Municipal place.” The resulting artworks, Public Art Collection. The park viewable here, include pehon- was done in collaboration with an by Tiffany Shaw Collinge, the Algonquin community of Kit- an amphitheatre-style gather- igan Zibi, whose Chief, Jean-Guy ing space meant for teaching, Whiteduck, said in a press release performance, and storytelling. he hoped the square would “better publicize the history of • In Montreal, the Roundhouse our ancestors and this territory.” Cafe located in Cabot Square is an Indigenous-operated cafe. This project’s mission is to promote social diversity and empow- erment of Indigenous people. A report about the learnings from the project was carried out by the Montreal Urban Aboriginal Strategy Network in collaboration with the borough of Ville-Marie.

Inclusion 63 Parks as places of arrival

Canadian cities are finding Drawing on local partnerships and b), having the lived experi- creative ways to bring parks with artists and organizations, ence of themselves being new into the settlement experience Welcome to This Place saw parks to Canada, to really be the most for newcomers and vice versa. in Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, incredible welcomers for these Vancouver, and Winnipeg come refugees that we were meeting.” For newcomers to Canadian cities, alive with activities like dance, To share the insights gained, local parks can be sites that help music, cooking, and storytelling. MABELLEarts has created Plac- ground the disorienting process As MABELLEarts’ Artistic Direc- ing Parks—a resource on hosting of adjusting to a new home. tor Leah Houston explained, the art-based park events with new- But getting acquainted with the program was conceived to address comers in mind. It includes policy park system isn’t always a simple “an essential part of the settlement points to help guide cities and experience. Many newcomers process and story that we were funders in supporting this type face challenges related to a lack of identifying was being missed.” of work and a toolkit for fostering familiarity with neighbourhood active inclusion and partnerships. People coming to Canada “were parks and programs, a busy often fleeing violence and war, schedule, linguistic and cul- and they were getting a lot of Engaging newcomers in tural barriers, and experienc- their needs met,” Leah said. “But park redevelopment es with discrimination. what they weren’t getting was the In addition to welcoming new- opportunity to meet other people, comers into existing parks, cities including more established Cana- Last summer a new like Calgary are recognizing a dians, and they weren’t getting the initiative launched in need to re-think the way parks chance to just have fun. And so we are designed, and how people are five Canadian cities to really saw that as an opportunity.” engaged in that process. Parks transform local parks Some of the program’s partici- staffwork closely with the Calgary into vibrant and inviting pants had only been in the coun- Neighbourhoods Unit to draw “places of arrival.” try for a week. In this context, it’s easy to see how engagement could on existing community-based require different strategies and research and partnerships. Welcome to this Place, led by skills. In Toronto, Leah credits the arts organization MABELLEarts Through this collaboration, Parks community leaders MABELLEarts and supported by many part- staff review community profiles works with in the Mabelle neigh- ners, brought newcomers and to better understand the demo- bourhood as playing an invaluable refugees together with long- graphics of the park’s potential role in the success of the events. term Canadian residents and users and receive training on how Indigenous peoples to celebrate “[They] have developed a lot of to effectively and respectfully work and connect with local parks— really good facilitation skills by with specific groups. This helps and each other—through art. being a part of our project,” Leah staff better tailor their engagement said, “but also this added super- strategies to reach local residents. power of a), speaking Arabic,

Inclusion 64 For example, in Calgary’s Prai- Highlighting parks at new- rie Winds Park, staff spread the comer orientations word about an upcoming park re-development through local Charlottetown has found that a mosques, temples, and a Punjabi starting point to welcome new- radio station. The engagement comers into parks is simply ensure resulted in a culturally respon- they know where to find them. sive park design that includes Each fall, the City runs a series a tandoori oven, cricket pitch, of newcomer welcome events to and picnic shelters to accommo- introduce newly-arrived immi- date large family gatherings. grants to the city and includes a bus tour of the city’s parks.

Likewise, representatives from Mississauga’s Forestry Depart- ment attend the City’s ‘newcomer roadshow’ to invite people to participate in tree-planting events as part of the City’s One Million Trees program. Such initiatives are simple ways to open the door for the city’s newest residents to get involved in parks.

Inclusion 65 Getting pumped up about age-friendly fitness

Thoughtfully designed park In an end-of-program survey of grandparents to enjoy their own programs and amenities are 265 participants—about 4 in 5 of workout while their kids play. helping older adults stay ac- whom were older adults—99.6% tive—physically and socially. said that they plan to continue Saskatoon’s River Landing walking regularly for exercise. But Outdoor Adult Fitness Circuit Whether playing a sport, walk- it’s not just about the exercise— ing along a trail, or frolicking the number of participants who Saskatonians can enjoy a work- in a splashpad, parks are key indicated they feel a strong con- out with a view at the River places to get the blood pump- nection to their local community Landing Outdoor Fitness Cir- ing. But the way we exercise more than doubled from the start cuit where exercisers can find in parks often changes over of the program, demonstrating 16 stations including elliptical the course of a lifetime. that the pairing of physical and machines, rowing machines, social activities can be especial- and agility track—all overlooking A key challenge is ensuring ly meaningful for older adults. the South Saskatchewan River. parks are accessible and pro- The age-friendly circuit features gramming is appropriate for an wheelchair-accessible equip- aging population. A 2018 study Calgary’s mobile fit- ment and instructional plaques of U.S. neighbourhood parks ness pop-ups to help beginners get started. found that while seniors made Over the summer of 2018, Cal- up 20% of the population, they gary launched a pilot program only made up 4% of park users. Prince George’s “Try- bringing mobile fitness equip- it” Community Sport Age-friendly fitness initiatives ment to parks and animating Discovery events demonstrate that it’s all about five new and existing outdoor instilling confidence, accommo- gyms with a rotating sched- Pickleball, tai chi, and “learning dating different physical abilities, ule of free fitness instruction. to run” are just a few of the activ- and, of course, making it fun! ities adults over 40 have had the The programming, designed chance to try out through Prince specifically for people above the George’s “Try-It” events. A part- Toronto’s Walk in the age of 65, aimed to boost peo- nership between Engage Sport Park Program ple’s comfort and confidence North, local community associ- using the equipment, and pro- In 2018, Park People’s Walk in the ations, and the City, Try-It events mote physical and social activity Park program trained 25 commu- allow residents to experiment with among older adults who are at nity leaders above the age of 55 new activities in an encouraging greater risk of social isolation. to organize walking clubs in their and judgment-free setting. While local parks. Key to the program In the Southwood neighbourhood, some Try-It events are open to was developing partnerships with the pop-up was placed next to a all ages, a grant from the Union community centres and social ser- library and a playground, mak- of BC Municipalities created a vice agencies, including in three ing it convenient for people to special series for those over 40. underserved neighbourhoods. access and allowing parents or

Inclusion 66 MORE STORIES

Vancouver’s Trans, Gen- summer. The TGD2S Inclusion This is part of their mission to em- der Diverse, and Two-Spir- Advisory Committee’s work has power individuals with disabilities it Advisory Committee been so successful that in 2016 so they can participate in the com- the City of Vancouver modelled munity and live life to the fullest. Whether washrooms and recre- their own citywide policy for trans, ational programs are inclusive of gender-diverse and two-spirit diverse gender identities can mean inclusion after the Park Board’s. the difference between comfort and exclusion for some park users. Edmonton’s Funicular: where However, we found few examples ‘fun’ meets accessibility of specific strategies developed with LGBTQ+ communities to ad- Edmontonians of all ages and dress these different experiences. abilities can now enjoy easy The Vancouver Park Board’s Trans, access to the city’s largest green space thanks to a new funicu- Gender Diverse, and Two-Spir- Park accessibility - Rick it (TGD2S) Inclusion Advisory lar that takes people on a free, Hansen Foundation Committee is working to address 48-second scenic ride from the unique barriers to access that street level to river valley. “Trails and parks are a funda- members of the trans and gen- Since opening in December 2017, mental part of community,” said der-variant community face. the 100 Street Funicular hasn’t Brad McCannell, the Founda- Formed in 2014, the Committee’s only become a destination, but tion’s VP of Access and Inclusion. work to date includes universal also a key part of people’s every- “They represent the thread that day lives, with on-site surveys binds families and allows them indicating 22% of riders use it as to participate in outdoor activi- part of their workday commute. ties together. If parks and trails are not accessible–if a parent The funicular is part of the larg- with a disability can’t take their er Mechanized River Valley Ac- kids to the park or a grandmother cess Project that has brought can’t take her grandchildren for new infrastructure including a walk because the trail is too stairs, a pedestrian bridge, and narrow–then that thread breaks. an elevator to the site. In its first Municipalities are on the frontline year of operation, the funicu- of creating meaningful access.” lar made 114,038 trips—sometimes up to 28 trips an hour. The certification process includes signage on single-stall park wash- a site evaluation and, if accessibil- rooms and change rooms, hosting Rick Hansen Foundation cer- ity requirements are met, certi- an outdoor “comic jam” and BBQ tification helps improve and fication. The Foundation points for TGD2S families to connect, and celebrate accessible places out that a major benefit to getting facilitating awareness workshops In 2017, the Rick Hansen Foun- rated is the recommendations to train Park Board staff on work- dation launched Rick Hansen provided by an RHFAC Profession- ing with TGD2S communities. Foundation Accessibility Cer- al, with the scorecard acting as a More recently, the Park Board tification™ to help businesses, blueprint for improving accessi- approved $35,000 for TGD2S arts organizations, and municipali- bility. You can find accessibility and cultural initiatives in parks ties—including parks and trails— resources for playgrounds and and community centres as part become universally accessible. trails on the Foundation’s website. of the Queer Arts Festival this

Inclusion 67 Eating together, outdoors

In Québec City, a new development in a public square in the Orsainville District of the Charles- bourg Borough will invite residents to gather around shared food. The Recreation Depart- ment, in collaboration with the local councillor, initiated the construction of a public outdoor kitchen in the square, which is in an underserved neighbourhood. Adjacent to a community garden, the square is intended to serve as a gathering place for sharing food for those living in the surrounding high-rise buildings. The project, which was initiated in 2018, involves multiple partners focused on youth and family programming and will be completed in 2021.

Inclusion 68 GET IN TOUCH Park People is a Canadian charity that supports and mobilizes people to help them activate the power of parks to improve the quality of life in cities across Canada.

We support a national net- events supported by 23,000 vol- We want to hear your sugges- work of park group volun- unteers. Thanks to our generous tions for future stories, ques- teers and community or- donors, we have directed invest- tions to ask, challenges to ad- ganizers, non-profits, park ments of more than $6 million in dress and fun tidbits to share. professionals, and funders parks and park programming. Please fill out this short survey. across Canada, through net- Through support from The W. Don’t see your city reflected in this working events, grants, tool- Garfield Weston Foundation, report? We invited over 60 across kits, research, resources, we’re able to bring you this first the country to participate this and professional services. edition of our annual Canadi- year, resulting in the 23 cities in an City Parks Report. The report this report. We hope to grow the tracks challenges, trends, and number of cities included each opportunities in Canadian city year. Get in touch with us to learn parks both through numbers and how to participate next year. the stories that inspire action, progress, and shared learning. Are you a park person? Read more about what this re- There are lots of ways port is (and what’s it’s not) here. to get involved: Whether you’re a city staff person, elected official, non-profit • Sign up for our Newsletter or park group leader, funder, • Join the Park People Network or a community member that loves parks, we hope that you • Use our Research and Resourc- Founded in 2011, Park People has will help us make this report es to help you make awesome since helped community park the most valuable it can be. things happen in your park groups undertake more than 3,000

Contact 69 City Profiles

Continued from (pg 7)

City Profiles 70 BRITISH COLUMBIA Delta

103,000 618 2,198 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

6 304 / 49% N/A Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

6 HA / 1000 N/A Parkland Provision Goal 18,370 / 3% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$5,528,000 $105,000 YES Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks

$1,550,000 YES Historical estimations Total Capital Budget of past parks Policy to waive permit fee for groups with financial need? Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park $0-120 development? Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 71 Key Plans & Strategies

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ STRATEGY

Birds and Biodiversity Con- servation Strategy 2018

Invasive Species Manage- ment Strategy 2016

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Social Action Plan 2018: Healthy Communities Project

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Adopt-a-Rain-Garden

COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS

Community cost-sharing program with a budget of $200,00

City Profiles 72 BRITISH COLUMBIA Victoria

85,792 207 148 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

2.4 91 / 44% 3 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

400m 8 Parkland Provision Goal 1,947 / 11% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$8,724,120 $6,000 5% of development sites or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $4,610,000 Total Capital Budget N/A N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park $52 development? Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 73 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Parks & Open Space Master Plan 2017

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forest Master Plan 2013

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

My Great Neighbour- hood Grants

City Profiles 74 BRITISH COLUMBIA Vancouver

641,600 1,262 14,000 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

2 482 / 38% 14 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

1.1 HA / 1000 110* 5 min walk 11,497 / 11% Park focused Parkland Provision Goal Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$40,969,000* N/A 5% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $62,256,829 Total Capital Budget N/A N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park $15-114 development? Average cost of a permit

*Edit: Operating budget and park-focused community group numbers updated July 2019

The City of Vancouver is the only city in Canada and one of only a few in North America that operates with an elected Park Board where Park Commissioners are elected every four years.

City Profiles 75 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN MANAGEMENT PLAN

VanPlay Master Plan for Urban Forest Strategy 2018 Parks & Recreation 2019

People, Parks, & Dogs 2018 COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ Neighbourhood Matching Fund STRATEGY

Bird Strategy 2015

Biodiversity Strategy 2016

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Climate Change Adap- tation Strategy 2012

Rain City Strategy 2017

City Profiles 76 BRITISH COLUMBIA Township of Langley

126,000 386 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

3.1 76 / 20% 2 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

3.4 HA /1000 N/A Parkland Provision Goal 31,600 / 1% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$9,900,000 $75,000 5% of development area or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $9,000,000 Total Capital Budget N/A A standard set of annually Policy to waive permit fee reviewed rates is used for for groups with financial need? new parks and park elements (e.g., x$ / linear feet $27-54 of trail). Average cost of a permit Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park development?

City Profiles 77 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM INCLUSION PLANS/ MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES

Parks, Recreation & Cul- Age-Friendly Strategy 2014 ture Master Plan 2013

COMMUNITY PARK BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ GROUP PROGRAMS STRATEGY Adopt-a-Park Program Wildlife Habitat Conser- vation Policy 2008

Japanese Knotweed COMMUNITY GRANT Control Strategy PROGRAMS

Neighbourhood Ini- tiative Program RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Greenway Amenity Policy 2015

Connecting the Dots: Re- gional Green Infrastruc- ture Network Guide

City Profiles 78 BRITISH COLUMBIA Prince George

74,003 1,900 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

25.7 850 / 45% 6 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

N/A N/A Parkland Provision Goal 31,826 / 6% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$5,139,203 $50,000 N/A Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks

$1,111,000 Total Capital Budget YES N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park development? $30-87 Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 79 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Park Strategy 2017

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Community Forest Man- agement Plan 2006

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Age-Friendly Action Plan 2017

Lheidli T’enneh First Nations Government & Reconciliation

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Various Community Grants

City Profiles 80 ALBERTA Lethbridge

99,769 2,827 1,696 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

28.3 1,918 / 68% 5 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

N/A N/A Parkland Provision Goal 12,400 / 23% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$13,070,811 $3,750 10% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $7,550,000 Total Capital Budget N/A Cost of work multiplied by Policy to waive permit fee the units (e.g., area, length) for groups with financial need? of new growth Formula to adjust park $150 budgets based on new park Average cost of a permit development?

City Profiles 81 Key Plans & Strategies

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forestry Strategy 2019

Integrated Pest Man- agement Plan

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Adopt-A-Park

City Profiles 82 ALBERTA Calgary

1,267,344 8,121 4,000 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

6.4 4,472 / 55% 60 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

450m 1 5 minute walk 84,820 / 10% 2 HA / 1000 Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups Parkland Provision Goal / percent of city is parkland

$85,000,000* $1,500,000 10% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $49,000,000 Total Capital Budget YES N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park $55 development? Average cost of a permit

*Operating budget includes urban street trees, pathways, and cemeteries

City Profiles 83 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM INCLUSION PLANS/ MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES

Open Space Plan 2002 Parks Inclusive Play 2018

Cultural Landscape Policy 2012

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ STRATEGY COMMUNITY PARK Our BiodiverCity 2015-2025 GROUP PROGRAMS

Integrated Pest Management Green Leaders

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Climate Resilience Plan 2018

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forestry Strategy 2019

City Profiles 84 ALBERTA Edmonton

932,546 6,535 18,000 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

7.00 2,979.5 / 46%* 32 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

500 m 13 5 min walk 69,980 / 9% Park focused Parkland Provision Goal Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$49,700,000 $790,000 10% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $3,150,000 Total Capital Budget N/A Adds 3% of the capital Policy to waive permit fee price to service new park- for groups with financial need? land and sportsfields Formula to adjust park $0-137 budgets based on new park Average cost of a permit development?

*Edit: Edmonton’s natural parkland numbers updated **The city of Edmonton has just completed a re-organization exercise that may see some functions in the parks be moved around from or into parks budget. This may result in major budgetary changes as items are moved around in the next year or two.

City Profiles 85 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM INCLUSION PLANS/ MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES

BREATHE Green Net- BREATHE Green Net- work Strategy 2018 work Strategy 2018

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ COMMUNITY PARK STRATEGY GROUP PROGRAMS

Natural Connec- Partners in Parks tions Strategic Plan

Biodiversity Action Plan

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

The Way We Green 2011

BREATHE Green Net- work Strategy 2018

Resilient Edmonton: Adapta- tion Strategy and Action Plan

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forest Manage- ment Plan 2012

City Profiles 86 ALBERTA Red Deer

104,492 1,949 230 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

18.7 923 / 47% 0 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

18 HA / 1000 15 400m 10,701 / 18% Park focused Parkland Provision Goal Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$8,278,043 $1,300,000 YES Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks

$2,010,000 Total Capital Budget N/A YES Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park development? $0 Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 87 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

River Valley and Tributar- ies Plan, 2010 (river valley master plan only)

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Climate Change Adap- tation Plan 2014

Environmental Mas- ter Plan, 2011

URBAN FOREST MAN- AGEMENT PLAN

Red Deer Urban Forest Man- agement Plan 2018. Com- pleted, but needs to be approved by council

City Profiles 88 SASKATCHEWAN Saskatoon

278,500 1,030 0* Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

3.7 120 / 12% 13 Hectors Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

4 HA /1000 50 Parkland Provision Goal 23,633 / 4% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$20,000,000 N/A YES Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks

$1,000,000 N/A Annual operating impact Total Capital Budget adjustments Policy to waive permit fee for groups with financial need? Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park $30 development? Average cost of a permit

*Volunteers are organized by another organization.

City Profiles 89 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Recreation and Parks Master Plan 2015

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Green Infrastructure Strat- egy in development

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forestry Management Plan (currently in development)

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Provides grants to community associations

City Profiles 90 ONTARIO Waterloo

137,420 946 1,850 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

6.9 302 / 32% 2 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

5 HA / 1000 2 Parkland Provision Goal 6,400 / 15% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$5,668,392 $13,090 Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $1,658,843 Total Capital Budget N/A Policy to waive permit fee N/A for groups with financial need? Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park $50-106 development? Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 91 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM COMMUNITY PARK MASTER PLAN GROUP PROGRAMS

Park Strategy (in development) Neighbourhood Matching Grants and Mini Grants

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forestry Policy 2005 (currently being updated)

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Older Adult Recre- ation Strategy 2015

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Partners in Parks Program

City Profiles 92 ONTARIO Guelph

136,600 1,289 5,000 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

9.4 807 / 63%* 9 Hectors Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

2-3.3 ha / 1000 popula- 25 tion and five-ten minute 8,800 / 15% walk from residential area Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups served / percent of city is parkland Parkland Provision Goal

$8,400,000 $40,000 Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $9,400,000 Total Capital Budget N/A Policy to waive permit fee Yes for groups with financial need? Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park $75-100 development? Average cost of a permit

*Natural area number includes City-owned conservation lands and non-City owned conservation lands.

City Profiles 93 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Recreation, Parks, & Cul- ture Strategic Master Plan 2009 (update in progress)

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ STRATEGY

Natural Heritage Action Plan

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Emerald Ash Borer Plan

Urban Forest Manage- ment Plan 2013-2032

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Older Adult Strategy

Think Youth

City Profiles 94 ONTARIO Richmond Hill

209,142 1,002 2,370 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

4.8 686 / 68% 4 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

1.52 HA /1000 0 Parkland Provision Goal 10,100 / 10% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

N/A* $166,400 Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks N/A* Total Capital Budget Discounts between 30-50% N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park $164 development? Average cost of a permit

*Budget numbers were unavailable given the number of different divisions that deal with parks planning, design, and operations.

City Profiles 95 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM COMMUNITY PARK MASTER PLAN GROUP PROGRAMS

Richmond Hill Parks Plan 2013 Community Steward- ship Program (CSP)

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS Urban Forest Management Plan (currently in development) The community stewardship program provides 2/3 Urban Forest Plant- funding for activities. ing Guidelines

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Multi-year Accessibili- ty Plan 2018-2022

City Profiles 96 ONTARIO Missisauga

721,599* 2,912 7,600 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

4 1,113 / 38% 5 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

1.2 HA / 1000 11 Parkland Provision Goal 29,243 / 10% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$33,100,000** $160,000 Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $28,600,000 Total Capital Budget N/A Policy to waive permit fee Area-based formula takes for groups with financial need? into account park classifi- cation, size, and operating $60-128 cost from previous years Average cost of a permit from the same types of parks. Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park development?

*2016 population available only. **Operating budget includes street trees.

City Profiles 97 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM COMMUNITY PARK MASTER PLAN GROUP PROGRAMS

Parks & Forestry Mas- Adopt-A-Park ter Plan 2019 Community Group Reg- istry Program

Leash Free Mississauga RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY COMMUNITY GRANT Living Green Master Plan 2012 PROGRAMS

Community Grant Program

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Natural Heritage & Urban Forestry Strategy 2014

One Million Trees Nat- uralization Program

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Older Adult Plan 2008

City Profiles 98 ONTARIO Oakville

193,832* 1,596 350 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

8.2 920 / 58% N/A Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

2.2 HA /1000 12 Parkland Provision Goal 13,850 / 12% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$16,699,000 N/A Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $17,601,600 Total Capital Budget N/A Policy to waive permit fee Templates to determine for groups with financial need? annual cost for labour, equipment, and materials $99-137 for various amenities (ball Average cost of a permit diamonds, splashpads, grass cutting per ha). Costs are added into operating budget. Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park development? *2016 population available only

City Profiles 99 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Parks, Recreation, & Library Facilities Master Plan 2012

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ STRATEGY

Wildlife Manage- ment Strategy 2012

Biodiversity Strategy 2018

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forest Strategic Man- agement Plan 2008-2027

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Park Ambassador

City Profiles 100 ONTARIO Hamilton

563,480 2,715 907 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

4.8 1,240 / 46% 1 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

0.7 HA / 1000 69 Parkland Provision Goal 112,775 / 2% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$22,083,870 $250,000 Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $8,890,000 Total Capital Budget YES Policy to waive permit fee N/A for groups with financial need? Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park $80-113 development? Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 101 Key Plans & Strategies

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forest Strategy

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Age Friendly Strategy

COMMUNITY PARK GROUP PROGRAMS

Adopt-a-Park

City Profiles 102 ONTARIO Toronto

2,956,024 8,095 6,000 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

2.7 3,693 / 46% 18 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

N/A 85 Parkland Provision Goal 63,020 / 13% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$323,487,300 $5,500,000 Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $224,705,000 Total Capital Budget YES Policy to waive permit fee N/A for groups with financial need? Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park $91 development? Average cost of a permit

City Profiles 103 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM INCLUSION PLANS/ MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES

Parks & Recreation Facil- Seniors Strategy Vision 2.0 2018 ities Master Plan 2017 Indigenous Place-mak- Parkland Strategy (un- ing Framework 2018 der development) Accessibility Design Guidelines

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ COMMUNITY PARK STRATEGY GROUP PROGRAMS

Biodiversity Strategy 2018 Community Natu- ral Ice Rink Program Pollinator Protec- tive Strategy 2017

Ravine Strategy 2017 COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS

RESILIENCY & GREEN Community Investment Funding INFRASTRUCTURE PollinateTO Community Grants PLAN/STRATEGY

Toronto Green Streets guidelines

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Strategic Forest Man- agement Plan 2017

City Profiles 104 ONTARIO Kingston

124,000 633 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

5.1 198 / 31% 12 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

4 HA / 1000 5 Parkland Provision Goal 45,119 / 1% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$4,700,000 $1,650,000* Community Benefit Charge or 5% of develop- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- ment area ships, Philanthropy Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks $4,600,000 Total Capital Budget YES Policy to waive permit fee Annual operating cost for groups with financial need? per hectare may be ap- plied when new parkland $120-150 is brought into service as Average cost of a permit part of annual operating budget requests. Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park development? *2018 was an unusually high year for sponsorship/donation funding in relation to a specific project. The city is also currently updating its master plan, which includes reviewing parkland provision goals and other information presented here.

City Profiles 105 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2010 (currently being updated)

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ STRATEGY

Biodiversity Strategy 2018-2023

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Urban Forest Manage- ment Plan 2011

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Engage for Change (in development)

Facility Accessibili- ty Design Standards

COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS

Community garden grants with $5,000 budget

City Profiles 106 QUEBEC Montreal

1,704,694* 4,162 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

2.4 1,378 / 33% N/A Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

2.44 HA / 1000 N/A Parkland Provision Goal $36,520 / 11% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$175,600,000 N/A By-law concerning the transfer for purposes of Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- establishing, maintaining ships, Philanthropy and improving parks and playgrounds and of pre- $247,200,000 serving natural areas on city territory Total Capital Budget N/A Park levy or legislative Policy to waive permit fee tool to fund new parks for groups with financial need? N/A Average cost of a permit N/A Formula to adjust park The City of Montreal owns 13 great parks and 8 natural parks managed by the Ser- budgets based on new park vice Central des Grands Parcs, du Mont Royal et des Sports. The City is composed of development? 19 boroughs which have the responsibility of managing 1300 local parks. Boroughs also have separate powers and budgets to offer.

*2016 population available only

City Profiles 107 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN MANAGEMENT PLAN

Sport and Outside Recre- Plan de foresterie ur- ational Urban Activities Mas- baine (in french) ter Plan 2018 (in french) Politique de l’arbre de Mon- tréal 2005 (in french)

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ STRATEGY INCLUSION PLANS/ Local Action for Bio- STRATEGIES diversity Program Municipal Action Plan for Se- City of Montreal Report on niors 2018-2020 Montréal, a Biodiversity 2013 (in french) city reflective of seniors’ needs

Universal Accessibility- Action Plan 2015-2018 (in french) RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Montréal Urban Agglomeration 2015-2020– Adaptation Measures 2017

Sustainable Montréal 2016- 2020 Together for a sustainable metropolis

Montréal’s Green CiTTS Re- port Great Lakes and St.Law- rence Cities Initiative Toward Sustainable Municipal Wa- ter Management– 2013

City Profiles 108 QUEBEC Québec City

531,902 N/A 0 Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

N/A 1400 / N/A 250 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

500m N/A Parkland Provision Goal N/A Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

N/A N/A For each piece of equipment, the estimated addi- Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- tional management cost is ships, Philanthropy calculated and submitted to the relevant depart- $28,989,884 ment so they can add this YES amount to their operation- Total Capital Budget al budget. In the case of a Policy to waive permit fee contract awarded to an ex- for groups with financial need? ternal organization, there $0 is an increase in funding. Formula to adjust park Average cost of a permit N/A budgets based on new park development? Park levy or legislative tool to fund new parks

City Profiles 109 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Dreaming up our rivers (in development)

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Sustainable Forest Man- agement Strategy

Tree Vision 2015

INCLUSION PLANS/ STRATEGIES

Universal Accessibil- ity Guidelines

City Profiles 110 QUEBEC Gatineau

283,961 5,000 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

17.6 3,310 / 66% 30 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

15 min walk 20 Parkland Provision Goal 34,194 / 15% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$24,500,000 $0 10% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $5,000,000 Total Capital Budget YES Funds in the amount of Policy to waive permit fee $10,000 are allocated to for groups with financial need? the public works department for each new neigh- $150 bourhood park. Average cost of a permit Formula to adjust park budgets based on new park development?

City Profiles 111 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM INCLUSION PLANS/ MASTER PLAN STRATEGIES

Sport, Recreation and Gatineau Inclusive City - Per- Community Infrastruc- sons with disabilities and ture Master Plan 2012 reduced mobility framework and action plan

Three Year Integrated Ac- BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ tion Plan 2017-2019 Fam- STRATEGY ily, Old Adult, and Uni- versal Accessibility Park Ecosystem Con- servation Plan 2010

Sustainable Develop- ment Strategy

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

City Trees

Pour une plantation qui aug- mente la résilience des ar- bres municipaux de Gatineau (For planting activities that increase the resilience of Gatineau’s municipal trees)

City Profiles 112 NOVA SCOTIA Halifax

431,701 5,315 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

12.3 3,182 / 60% 6 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

N/A 7 Parkland Provision Goal 592,700 / 1%* Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$42,281,600 N/A 10% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $28,280,400 Total Capital Budget N/A N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park $45-96 development? Average cost of a permit

*The size of Halifax is vast (includes everything from downtown to rural areas) and is larger than Prince Edward Island in size. It contains substantial area of provincial crown lands and lakes. This should be noted when viewing the ‘Percentage of City that is Parkland’ stat, which clocks in at 1%.

City Profiles 113 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN MANAGEMENT PLAN

Green Network Plan 2018 Urban Forest Master Plan 2013

BIODIVERSITY PLAN/ COMMUNITY GRANT STRATEGY PROGRAMS

Park Naturaliza- Grants to community groups tion Strategy 2019 that work on multi-use trails

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Green Network Plan 2018

City Profiles 114 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Charlottetown

36,000 225 N/A Total Population Hectares of parkland Volunteers

6.3 N/A 63 Hectares Parkland Hectares of natural Community / 1000 People area/ percent of park- Engagement Staff land that is natural area

5 minute walk 7 Parkland Provision Goal 4,429 / 5% Park focused Hectares of total city land Community Groups / percent of city is parkland

$1,753,669* $1,008,400 10% of development site or cash-in-lieu Total Operating Budget Donations, Sponsor- Park levy or legislative ships, Philanthropy tool to fund new parks $760,000* Total Capital Budget YES N/A Policy to waive permit fee Formula to adjust park for groups with financial need? budgets based on new park $30-$100 development? Average cost of a permit

*Budgets adjusted from 15 month budgets (January 2018 to March 2019)

City Profiles 115 Key Plans & Strategies

PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN

Parks Master Plan 2007

RESILIENCY & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN/STRATEGY

Integrated Community Sus- tainability Plan 2017

Taking Action: A Climate Change Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 2018 - 2023

URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Dutch Elm Disease Management

COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMS

Community Sustainability Micro-Grant Programs

City Profiles 116 Methodology

City Profiles 117 Needs Assessment

In 2018, Park People embarked reports and park measurement the country, and speaking with on a needs assessment and methodologies in Canada and the several provincial and federal feasibility study to determine United States (Yardstick, ParkS- parks and recreation associations. the gaps, desires, and utility of core, Municipal Benchmarking These interviews were used to a Canadian City Parks Report. Network Canada), conducting draft a thematic framework, in-depth interviews with approx- The needs assessment includ- including potential indicators, imately 40 different park staff in ed reviewing current and past and define the report’s scope. 15 cities of varying sizes across

KEY LEARNINGS:

Tracking varies widely between cities–both what is tracked and how.

Few opportunities exist, beyond some provincial/regional associations, to share information and best practices in Canada.

Storytelling, highlighting best practices, and providing analysis was most desired, with numbers taking a more supportive role.

City staff wanted evidence and information to support decision-making about resource allocation and programming.

Introducing a rating system was undesired as it wouldn’t account for city differences across the country and may hinder the participation by many cities. methodology 118 Methodology and Considerations

For the first Canadian City Parks identified through answers to the In areas where answers were not Report, a list of 60 cities of varying questionnaire and our research. directly comparable due to dif- sizes was developed from ev- Park People staff did secondary ferences in the way cities tracked ery province and territory. Cities research and, in some cases, or organized information, we received the questionnaire with interviews to verify information worked to create a standard (e.g., a list of defined terms. A French and provide additional context. park permit costs for community version was distributed to Quebec events) or noted it directly in the Although no statistic is perfect cities. A total of 23 municipalities City Profile for transparency. in displaying information across completed the questionnaire. multiple cities with their own We also include any contextual in- We independently verified specif- influencing factors, we attempted formation a city thought important ic answers in the questionnaire to ensure consistency and context. to share that may have influenced and followed-up with cities where We did this by using methods that answers in the questionnaire (e.g., questions remained. Stories and standardized for city size (e.g., ha a one-time infusion of funds). best practice highlights were of parkland per 1000 people). methodology 119 Challenges and Learnings

The first year of the Canadian City Some cities track and report on We hope that this re- Parks Report is a pilot. As with any many metrics already, while it port can help instill a major new project, we learned a was a new exercise for others. lot—and hope to learn more—about culture of data collec- For some cities, it wasn’t possible what worked and what didn’t, and tion and sharing in cit- to get certain information; such as how to improve for future years. the number of park groups or the ies across Canada, with Ensuring common definitions breakdown of total park permits is- new points of informa- was a key challenge. We will be sued. We’ve included only the data tion each year. refining the report based on city we were comfortable with this first feedback for future iterations. year and flagged other categories Another challenge was ensuring for potential future inclusion. the quality of some of the data If you have a suggestion we received in certain areas. or a comment, we urge you to get in touch. methodology 120 Definitions

Definitions were devised through a review of established definitions in Canada. Many were adapted from those provided by Yardstick, a park benchmarking service offered worldwide and within Canada. Park People offers its deepest thanks for their assistance.

Budget (operating)

Direct parks operating expenditures (not including • Inspection and maintenance of splash pads, revenues) for the Current Budget Year. This includes: playgrounds, and outdoor fitness equipment

• Planting and maintenance of trees • Maintenance and replacement of parks furniture in parks and natural areas • Public toilets where maintained and/ • Graffiti and vandalism repair or cleaned from parks budget

• Management and administration staff salaries/wages • Sports field maintenance including grass cutting, aeration, overseeding, fertilization, etc. • Operational staff salaries/wages • Snow clearing and ice control for • Consultant/contractor costs parks and natural areas

• Parks horticultural plantings • Any other parks/green space maintenance costs • Maintenance of closed cemeteries if car- except cemetery costs where the cemetery is ried out from the Parks Operating Budget “active”, golf courses, swimming pools, indoor recreation facilities/halls, forestry, and zoos. • Parks litter pick-up and waste disposal

Budget (capital) Community engagement staff available, the actual amount spent for the previous year. Capital expenditure for all capital Staff whose job description is items related to land improvement focused on working with local Green infrastructure works, planned for completion community members in parks during the current financial year. and green spaces to improve Also known as “low-impact It includes both new and renewal and/or program those spaces. development.” The engineering work, capital items carried for- of natural systems that capture, ward from previous years, and Current budget year hold, and treat rainwater where salaries and wages for all staff it falls. It may include features involved in the design, planning The approved budget for the such as bioretention ponds, and delivery of Capital projects. current year. If this is not rain gardens, and bioswales. methodology 121 Park acquisition (or disposal) needs Natural area based on future population An actively maintained green changes and other demands. A green space which receives space which is publicly acces- a relatively low level of mainte- sible, and which is owned or Park programming nance and supports natural or leased by the municipality, or naturalizing vegetation. Natural under a management agree- Activities, events, registered or areas may include trails or walk- ment. Parks may be maintained drop in programs; examples could ways as well as parking areas and by the municipality or on be- be yoga classes, nature walks, washrooms. Maintenance may half of the municipality. These park cleanup events, tree plant- include trail maintenance, oc- lands typically contain cut grass, ings, farmer’s markets, festivals casional mowing (of meadows planted trees and horticultural and celebrations. These may be for example), woodlot manage- beds, park furniture, sports fields delivered by the municipality ment and tree and shrub planting and other built improvements. or by community groups. Pro- (generally of native species). gramming must be open and Park-focused community group publicly accessible, and does not Stewardship include any large commercial A resident-led, often volunteer activities, such as a private party. The engagement in activities group focused on improving, ad- that improve, protect, or en- vocating for, and/or programming Park system hance the natural environment a local park (e.g., Friends of X park). of a park. Examples include tree All municipal green spaces with planting and watering, invasive Parks system master plan public access in a municipality, species removal, native plant- including Parks and Natural Areas. ing, and garbage removal. An overall plan or strategy dealing with the municipality’s Volunteer current and future park/green space provision and development Unpaid members of the commu- needs. It will usually include an nity providing a service or task analysis of current provision associated with the improvement, against population and a re- maintenance, operation, or pro- view of future park/green space gramming of the park system.

methodology 122 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Project Manager: Jake Tobin Garrett

Project Coordinator: Adriana Stark

Researchers: Molly Connor, Ali Darouiche, Caroline Magar, Alexandra Sheinbaum

Framework and questionnaire assistance: Andy Wickens

French translation: Sophie Côté

Design & Development: Hypenotic

methodology 123 Made possible through the generous support of

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THANK YOU

Thank you to the cities and parks and recreation team at ParkScore at the Trust for Public Land for associations that provided feedback during the their guidance. Thank you to Municipal World as needs assessment, and the 23 cities that partici- our media partner. Finally, we would like to thank pated in this first year. Thanks to Chris Rutherford The W. Garfield Weston Foundation for its sup- from Yardstick for his advice and openness, and the port for the creation and launch of this report. methodology 124