breaking ground

greening the urban and1 regional landscape Conference Proceedings March 2002, Halifax breaking ground greening the urban and regional landscape

2 Breaking Ground Greening the Urban and Regional Landscape

Conference Proceedings March 20-22, 2002 Pier 21 Halifax,

Presented by Dalhousie School of Planning, Evergreen and Ecology Action Centre Copy Editing: Frank Palermo and Dorothy Leslie Design, Production, Editing: Kasia Tota and Jennifer Meurer Contributors: Ravi Singh, Maria Jacobs, Graham Fisher, Lucy Trull, Luc Ouellet, Charlene Cressman, Heather Ternoway, Steffen Kaeubler, Jaret Lang, Pierre Heelis, Dave Stewart, Kasia Tota Cover: Collage of art work produced by conference participants Printing: etc.Press

DALHOUSIE FACULTY OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE has a mandate to provide high quality education, community outreach and research focused on the built and natural environment in all its aspects and scales.

ECOLOGY ACTION CENTRE has a mandate to encourage a society in Nova Scotia that respects and protects nature and provides environmen- tally and economically sustainable jobs for its citizens.

EVERGREEN’S mission is to bring communities and nature together for the benefit of both. We engage people in creating and sustaining healthy, dynamic, outdoor spaces in our schools, our communities and our homes. Evergreen is a registered charitable organization. Poster design: Emerald City Communications

3 CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Conference Program

Opening Remarks Frank Palermo

Keynote Address Lucien Kroll

Conference Proceedings Greening at Regional and Urban Scale Greening at Community and Neighbourhood Scale Closing Remarks Breaking Ground Snapshots Contest Submissions

4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

STEERING COMMITTEE Frank Palermo, Susanna Fuller, Marcus Garnet, Mark Poirier, Graham Read, Susan Guppy, Beth Lewis, Peggy Cameron, Dorothy Leslie, Stephanie Sodero, Deborah Grant, David Mitchell, Joe Bidermann, Delaine Clyne, Chris Brackley, Holly Richardson

STAFF Kasia Tota and Jennifer Meurer

SPECIAL THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS Jamie Anfossi, Ravi Singh, Lucy Trull, Steffen Kaubler, David Mitchell, Kenneth Kam

MODERATORS AND RECORDERS Deborah Grant, Howard Epstein, Graham Read, Mark Poirier, Doug Conrad, David Stonehouse, Elizabeth Crocker, Susan Guppy, Jill Grant, Susanna Fuller, Ravi Singh, Maria Jacobs, Graham Fisher, Lucy Trull, Lindsey Mittelsteadt, Luc Ouellet, Charlene Cressman, Heather Ternoway, Steffen Kaubler, Jaret Lang, Pierre Heelis, Dave Stewart

PARTICIPANTS OF THE ART CONTEST Dominik Drozdowski, Zoe Fairbrother, Sophie Watts, Mat Dunlop, Jennifer Watts, Mary Porter, Joy Yourcenar, Michael Farrar

THE EVERGREEN CANADA INITIATIVE IS SPONSORED BY The Millennium Bureau, Toyota, Suncor Energy Foundation, The Globe and Mail, Home and Garden Television, Canadian Gardening

THANKS TO OUR BREAKING GROUND SUPPORTERS Nova Scotia Power, Atlantic Gardens Inc. Business Commission, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Joe Bidermann Landscaping Design, Halifax Seed Company, Loomis&Toles

THANKS TO OUR BREAKING GROUND PARTNERS

PP’lovers Home Grown Organic Foods Just Us

5 FOREWORD

Each year, the Dalhousie School of Planning together with many friends holds a public forum on some issue of importance and immediate relevance to the community. Previous forums considered topics such as: “Which way should Metro grow”, “Centers in the Region”, and “Halifax in Motion”.

In March 2002, thanks to a partnership with Evergreen and the Ecology Action Centre, the the focus was on the environment. The conference was one of five to take place across Canada on the theme of “Breaking Ground - Greening the Urban and Regional Landscape”. It formed a part in the Evergreen Canada Initiative (ECI) intended on “connecting communities with nature”.

The public forum started on the first day of spring. It marked a “break” in the seasons, and an extraordinary opportunity to share insights, develop new ideas, and break the pattern.

The underlying assumption guiding the organization of the event was that “greening” is more than a token physical gesture. Rather, it is an attitude and a culture that understands the environmental significance of our actions, be it at the scale of an individual backyard, or the entire region.

For the first time perhaps, this forum “broke through” to attract a regional audience from the Atlantic Region. Participants from other towns and cities brought their experience and knowledge to the Halifax Regional Municipality, which is in the process of developing its first regional plan. It was an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, but to also challenge what currently exists.

At first glance, the wide range of topics presented in these proceedings may appear to be eclectic but there is a basic structure that starts with topics related to the regional scale, moves to community scale and finally focuses on individual, local initiatives. This is because “greening the landscape” cannot be reduced to a simple formula. We recognize that the undertaking is enormous, and we want to challenge ourselves to embrace this complexity.

Frank Palermo

6 Workshop 1 CONFERENCE PROGRAM Green and Smart What are Our Choices? Presenter: Melanie Hare, Urban Strategies; Panelists: Ion Startup, Neighbourhood Develop- WEDNESDAY MARCH 20TH, 2002 ments; Patrick Moan, Dalhousie School of Planning. Moderator: Howard Epstein Welcome Councillor Dawn Sloan Workshop 2 Denise Phillipe Evergreen Trails and Trains: The CN Rail Cut Project Susanna Fuller Ecology Action Centre Presenter: Marcus Garnet Frank Palermo School of Planning Panelists: Therese Delorme, HRM; Mark Poirier, Association. Keynote Address Moderator: David Mitchell Lucien Kroll Panel Discussion Planning the Regional Ecology; Lessons from THURSDAY MARCH 21ST, 2002 the Atlantic Region and Beyond. Panelists: Neil Dawe, St. Johns Grand Concourse Theme: Greening at the Regional and Authority; Jim Baird, City of Saint John; Don Poole, Urban Scale City of Charlottetown, John Charles, HRM; Melanie Hare, Urban Strategies. Moderator: Mark Poirier

Welcome Workshop 3 Frank Palermo The Tyranny of Standards; an Obstacle to Green Development? Guest Speaker Presenters: Peter Klynstra and Cary Vollick. Ann McAfee Moderator: Jill Grant Co-Director of Planning, City of Vancouver Life After Concrete: Creating a Greener Workshop 4 Vancouver Coming to our Senses: Urban Walk with Natural- ist Chris Brackley Panel Discussion Integrated Protection and Restoration of Green Public Forum & Design Workshop space at the Three Scales; Challenges and Planting the Town Green. Opportunities Design workshop and public discussion led by Panelists: Carol Macomber, Capital District Task Dalhousie School of Planning Students and Susan Force; Anne Muecke, HRM. Moderator: Graham Guppy Read

7 FRIDAY MARCH, 2002 Workshop 9 More Green Space (Technically Speaking) Solar Theme: Greening at the Community and Aquatics in Your Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Scale Presenters: Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon, Dalhousie Biological Engineering, Delaine Clyne Dalhousie School of Planning. Welcome Moderator: Jaret Lang Susanna Fuller, EAC Workshop 10 Workshop 5 Pocket Wilderness; Experiencing Nature in the From Lean and Mean to Green and Clean; Neighbourhood Backyard Transforming Brownfield Parks Presenter: Patricia Manuel, Dalhousie School of Presenters: Colin Morrell, Phase Remediation and Planning; Moderator: Elizabeth Crocker Steve Armstrong, Dalhousie Dept of Biology; Ann McAfee, City of Vancouver Lunch time presentation Moderator: David Stonehouse Local Success Stories Minesville Community Association - Grant Workshop 6 Macdonald; Glace Bay Portable Parks (Highland sod Urban Agriculture Local Food Production and ltd.) - Christine LeVatte Distribution Coastal Water Trail - Dave Adler Presenters: Marjorie Willison, Urban Farm Mu- John Meagher Garden - Helen Maclean seum; Geordie Ochterloney, Home Grown Organ- ics; Moderator: Susan Guppy Workshop 11 Colour It Green Art Workshop Workshop 7 Facilitators: Lucy Trull, Jamie Anfossi Building Partnerships for Urban/Suburban Green Space Presentation Presenters: Neil Dawe, St. Johns Grand Defining the Way Ahead. Concourse Authority; Nancy McMinn, City of Key directives from workshop sessions. Charlottetown. Moderator: Deborah Grant Concluding Remarks Workshop 8 Your Schoolyard is Your Neighbourhood Green Presentation of Awards Space Presenters: Denise Philippe, Evergreen; Rhea Dawn Mahar, Tree Canada. Moderator: Doug Conrad

8 Opening Remarks we must start with the ground. Nature and There is also work in progress on the land must be seen as a basis for decisions Frank Palermo Waterfront Plan, related to where growth happens, the form Dalhousie School of Planning revitalization, and a Transportation of our communities, our commitment to Strategy. transit, our quality of life. Welcome. It is appropriate that we should get together in this public forum on the This moment here and in many places is To help us recognize local potential, first day of spring. filled with opportunity, an awareness that increase awareness and make a things have to change and a passionate difference, we are very fortunate to have This is the break. An extraordinary belief that it has to be done right. We here with us our keynote speaker Lucien opportunity to share insights, develop new demand and expect the best. Kroll, a distinguished planner and architect ideas, and to break the pattern. with a long list of accomplishments. I The environment is key to all these would like to recognize just four qualities Each year the Planning School, with many considerations. The city that we build, the of his work. friends and supporters from both public prospects for our region, the quality of our and private sectors, organizes a public lives, the legacy for our children is tied to For one, Lucien Kroll embraces forum on some issue of immediate our attitudes and values related to the complexity and diversity, and resists importance to the community. In recent environment. oversimplification. For someone like me, years we considered questions such as who believes that there ought to be some “Which Way Should Metro Grow”, room for chaos, this is a sign of quality. “Centres in the Region”, and “Halifax in Motion”. Secondly, for many decades now he has advocated and practiced a participatory This year, in partnership with Evergreen design process, or simply working with and the Ecology Action Centre, the focus those who will be affected by his designs. is on Greening the Urban and Regional Landscape. This conference is one of five Thirdly, his work has a broad scope and to be delivered across Canada, as part of depth of vision. It starts with the individual, a three year Evergreen Canada Initiative. and embraces a view of the planet.

Optimistically, I continue to believe that Finally, his is an ecological approach. this is a significant opportunity and an Ecolonia, a new community in the important moment in the history of cities. Netherlands and a new high school in Change is pervasive locally and globally. France involved not only participatory We know that we can’t do things the same design sensitive to community values, but way, follow a set pattern or try to also the most stringent ecological design Frank Palermo welcomes participants on recapture a nostalgic myth of the past. Wednesday night and construction criteria. This included The challenge is enormous, and energy, lighting, rainwater, toxicity of expectations are great. materials, potential for reuse and There are two points to be made as a recycling, waste management on site, and context for the next two days: Opportunities are everywhere. Let me green space. focus on the Halifax Regional Municipality. First, the environment cannot be This is a man of ideas and action and considered in isolation because it is Work is underway on the Regional Plan, vision. Please welcome Lucien Kroll. affected by everything else: land use, which must deal with growth, growth, and economic development. Our transportation, environment and quality of activities affect the air we breathe, the life. food we eat, the ground we touch. Ideas are being put together for a Capital Second, I want to argue that the District Plan which promises to celebrate environment should come first. In history and also define our future. planning and in thinking about the region

9 Keynote Address Unrestrained quest for profit produces approach that residents know best; that with time, balconies will fill up with Lucien Kroll places that are neither ecological nor humane (never mind inspiring!). greenery; and that in design “dialogue” is Architect and Planner, always better than “monologue”. The Brussels, Belgium For many years Kroll has advocated goal is to stimulate residents to take (sometimes at the displeasure of his control of their living environment; as Kroll The basic assumption underlying the clients), an attitude in architecture that once observed, to paint one’s door a Breaking Ground conference is that embraces local history, the diverse views different colour in a long row of identical “greening” is more than a physical gesture. of local people, and the complex web of doors takes an act of courage, but to add It is more than planting trees and ripping connections that link culture and nature your colour to an already varied row is up lawn; it goes beyond rooftop and together. Our understanding (or lack of natural and straightforward. community gardens and protecting coastal understanding) of these links will always areas; it is even more than neighbourhood be reflected in the landscapes we create. While there is an inherent gentleness in parks, sensible growth strategies and Kroll’s approach to design, he is not afraid enlightened development standards. Kroll is adamant about the need for to make bold statements. In one case, Above all, it is a culture and an attitude. architecture to relate to its natural and when asked to address a speeding human context. His great technical problem on a major throughfare in a poor capacity, and a method of participatory area of Amencon (Normandy), he went design, ensures that what he advocates is beyond the usual asphalt speed humps, not an abstract concept. For example, and proposed protruding earth mounds. one of his latest projects lived up to over The new hills transformed the straight, 60 ecological indicators. Only by loud and dangerous road into a sinuous embracing complexity and diversity in the street. Municipal gardeners and local design of human settlements, can we residents were encouraged to plant and hope to create vibrant communities and cultivate gardens on the hills. Car drivers preserve (or recreate) natural components may be a little frustrated, but accidents of the landscape. are unknown on this “green” street.

However, the transformation is not a quick Kroll is an idealist, but he also knows how revolution, but rather it involves a gradual to turn ideas to action. His numerous Lucien Kroll delivers the keynote address reconciliation of our needs with the natural projects, sitting comfortably in the on Wednesday night environment. While Kroll’s work is based landscapes of Belgium, France, It was therefore appropriate that the on very clear and definite principles, he Netherlands or Rwanda testify to the fact opening address was delivered by Mr. works more like a homeopathic doctor that a design, no matter how brilliant, Lucien Kroll, a Belgian architect and than a brain surgeon. For instance, when cannot be implemented without the planner who dedicated his entire career to asked to “improve” a decaying apartment cooperation of others (including developing human ecological projects. complex in East Berlin, Kroll did not developers). Asked whether his projects Kroll practices a brand of architecture choose the easy path of demolishing are more expensive, he responded that diametrically opposed to what he calls the everything and starting from scratch. he is willing to work with developers to “modern project.” This modern project is Rather than demolishing the complex, find alternatives without compromising rooted in the linear, rational thinking as Kroll understood that it already contained design. expressed in the Roman military camp, in a “living community” capable of LeCorbusier’s “vertical city”, and today in participaitng in decisions affecting their Members of the audience also asked the monoculture of mass-produced lives. He worked with a sociologist to ask whether participatory design slowed the settlements. “The grid”, be it vertical or residents what changes they would like to projects down excessively. To this horizontal, tends to obliterate all signs of see: whether they preferred to have an question, Kroll asked in return “What is nature, and of previous human habitation. extra balcony, tiles in the bathroom or a the speed of an architect?”; an architect bigger window. works better when he can get others To Kroll, the grey homogeneity of modern, excited about his work, and this requires sprawling, “global” landscapes is rooted in Balconies were placed where the families dialogue. “Without complexity nothing is a militaristic attitude. This attitude praises wanted them, as were other modifications. simple”, including greening the city. simplicity and mechanistic efficiency. There is a hope and a faith in this Kasia Tota

10 GREENING AT THE REGIONAL & URBAN SCALE

11 Guest Speaker The GVRD Green Zone comprises 205,000 ha or 70 percent of the GVRD Dr. Ann McAfee, land area. Much of the Green Zone is Director of City Plans and Co- protected by government policies. The Director of Planning for the City of Green Zone includes: Vancouver Agricultural Lands 39% Parks 9% Life After Concrete: Creating a When it comes to greenspace, Vancouver is reaping the benefits of a general change of plans... Watershed 24% Greener Vancouver Conservation (marsh) 16% In Vancouver, the post war years were The regional growth strategy applicable to Waterfront & Streams 12% best described as “paving paradise”. Low the City of Vancouver is The Livable density development sprawled into rural Region Strategic Plan. The Greater Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) areas with a loss of agricultural and Vancouver Regional District Board (a The ALR is a policy adopted by the recreational lands. In response, the working partnership of twenty-one Provincial government to protect Province of BC established an Agricultural municipalities and one electoral area) productive agricultural lands. Prior to the Land Reserve. The Greater Vancouver approved the plan on January 26, 1996. 1970’s about 6,000 ha of agricultural land Regional District created a “Green Zone” The Plan describes a growth strategy for in BC was being lost annually. In 1973, around the region. The City of Vancouver the region for a population of about 2.75 4.7 million ha (5 percent of the province) built Greenways and Wellness Walkways. million, nearly a million more people than came under the protection of the It required developers to provide parks currently live in the Greater Vancouver Agricultural Land Commission. The and public spaces. It also and adopted a area. The Livable Region Strategic Plan is amount of land in the ALR continues to be Tree and Landscape By-law. Some intended to preserve and enhance the about 5 percent of the province. The ALR programs have worked and others have quality of life for the region’s citizens, and policy sets out the boundary area for been less successful. Ann McAfee’s protect the living environment. The development and is meant to protect presentation illustrated the package of regional plan incorporates policies, targets valuable agricultural land. Release of actions the Vancouver region has used to and maps, and is based upon four land from the AGR is guided by set criteria green the urban and regional landscape. fundamental strategies: and determined by the Provincial In her talk, she spoke about some of the Agricultural Land Commission. key initiatives undertaken by the City of (1) Protect the Green Zone Vancouver in the realm of “greening”, their (2) Build Complete Communities Regional and City Parks successes and challenges. (3) Achieve a Compact Metropolitan Regional parks in the Vancouver region Region amount to 11,400 hectares in 22 green After a few years of decline in the 1970s, (4) Increase Transportation Choice. spaces. They are places for recreation Vancouver’s population has been steadily and education and provide for a vast array growing, and is now over half a million. The implementation of the plan is multi- of native fish and wildlife. Regional parks The city’s land base has been fully faceted, but the protection of green zones protect sensitive habitats, landscapes and developed for many years. By the year is clearly at the top of the list and forms views, big trees, and important heritage 2021 Vancouver could reach a population the basis for other decisions. buildings and sites. of around 635,000, which will clearly place a lot of pressure on the city’s land The City of Vancouver has a park resources, including green space. standard of 2.75 acres/1,000 people (1.11 Population growth is being ha/1,000 people). The park standard is accommodated in new housing created maintained by requiring developers of largely through redevelopment and infill. large sites to provide park space on site. These are expected to be able to Developers of smaller sites pay accommodate anticipated growth up to Development Cost Levies, part of which 2021. Through a number of integrated go to maintain park standards in response strategies and community initiatives to growth. Vancouver is protecting and expanding its network of green areas.

12 Greenways Program City Greenways Green Streets Program Greenways in Vancouver are green paths The proposed City Greenways-Public The City of Vancouver’s Green Streets for pedestrians and cyclists. They have a Ways network of fourteen routes will be Program encourages citizens to beautify legacy dating back to the Bartholomew approximately 140 km long. Street rights- their neighbourhoods by planting and Plan of 1928, with his vision of a of-way will make up approximately 50% of maintaining street gardens. This program continuous waterfront parkway from the network. As a result of the legacy of also provides an opportunity for Stanley Park around False Creek. the Seawall portion of the Seaside Route, neighbours to meet. Street gardens are Vancouver Greenways can be waterfront 30% of the network is already in place. landscaped traffic circles and corner promenades, urban walks, environmental While Greenways and Public Ways are bulges in neighbourhoods added by the demonstration trails, heritage walks, and generally evenly distributed throughout City as part of an on-going program to nature trails. Their purpose is to expand the city, routes are concentrated in areas slow traffic and increase safety in the opportunities for urban recreation, to with greater population density and a residential areas. The great thing about provide alternate ways to move through higher number of destinations such as the the initiative that any one person or group the city, and to enhance the experience of downtown peninsula. When the network is can sponsor a “green street” project, and nature, community, and city life. complete, a City Greenway or Public Way the process is clearly laid-out on the city’s will be no more than a 25-minute walk or website. Volunteers are also recognized In 1991, Council appointed the Urban a 10-minute bicycle ride from every during the annual Green Streets Garden Landscape Task Force to report on the residence in Vancouver. Party usually held in the fall. current use and future management of Vancouver’s urban landscape. In their Neighbourhood Greenways The Wellness Walkways Project final report, Greenways-Public Ways, the Neighbourhood Greenways are smaller in The Wellness Walkways project is co- Task Force recommended the scale and more local in focus than City ordinated through the Greenways and development of a city-wide system of Greenways. They are not predetermined Local Improvements programs. It Greenways. In 1995, Council adopted the like City Greenways, but are designed combines aspects of Neighbourhood Vancouver Greenways Plan. New and developed in response to local Greenways, the Residential Street initiatives often require new funds. To initiatives. Neighbourhood Greenways Program (using local initiative funding), minimise the cost of the new Greenways completed in the last few years developer funding allocated for program, Council looked for ways to demonstrate a range of possibilities for streetscape improvements and other reallocate existing resources (in this case public involvement in community funding sources to improve access to and City owned roads and street improvement improvement projects, as well as the usability of the streetscape for a unique budgets) to the new Greenway use. commitment and resourcefulness of local mix of users in this section of the Mount resident and artists. There are over a Pleasant community. dozen Neighbourhood Greenway projects For example, in certain areas (around already built or in various stages of health care facilities etc.) patients and development across the city. residents may have a wide range of mobility restrictions. The Wellness Blooming Boulevards Walkways or circuits are meant to retrofit The City of Vancouver often looks beyond existing public spaces to respond to the the regular mandate of the Greenways special needs of those with challenges Program and attempts to integrate the posed by illness, disability or age. community and needs of citizens in unique ways. These situations often The Wellness Walkways are composed of evolve out of specific needs or desires several layers of improvements: basic that are expressed by a group of involved street improvements (funded through citizens. While such projects are not standard local improvement processes); formally greenways, they enhance the accessibility and safety improvements quality of a community and create a (funded through existing operating or Vancouver’s City Greenways (www.city.vancouver.ca) friendlier pedestrian environment. capital programs); and unique elements that allow for greater therapeutic use of the streetscape (to be funded primarily through external fundraising initiatives and limited Greenways capital funds).

13 Vancouver City Tree Bylaw (1992) Conclusions This bylaw provides for fines of up to Vancouver’s varied policies of “Greening” $2,000 to anyone found to “remove, the city are now recognised as benefiting destroy, cut, deface, trim or in any way the environment, health and recreation, injure, impair or interfere with any street community life, and the economy. With tree except as expressly authorized to do tourism as a key industry, parks, so by the Board of Parks and Recreation”. walkways and other green initiatives encourage people to visit, and businesses Vancouver has also adopted a Tree By- to locate in the Vancouver area. law to regulate the cutting and planting of trees on private property. If development Vancouver has found that to green the city requires tree cutting then tree requires a variety of tools: regulation (e.g. replacement planting is a condition of ALR, Tree By-laws); incentives (seeds redevelopment. Fines for unauthorized and plants for community gardens) ; cutting range from $500 to $20,000. reusing existing resources in new ways (roads become greenways); and requiring Vancouver Blueways new development to contribute to building The Vancouver Water Opportunities the city’s parks and public spaces. Advisory Group is made up of volunteers Together, many actions by many people from the public and private sectors are required to green a city. As Charles appointed by Council to look at water Little said: related issues and opportunities for the City of Vancouver. The group was formed “To make a Greenway is to make a in 1995. Over the summer of 1996, the community and that, above all else, is Water Opportunities Advisory group held a what the movement is about”. series of public meetings to hear what other people had to say about http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca Vancouver’s waterfront and waterways. http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/ The group’s vision includes a “A waterfront city where land and water Kasia Tota combine to meet recreational, with assistance from Ann McAfee environmental, and occupational needs of the City and its people”. This is to be accomplished based on the principles of maximum access to waterfronts and waterways (through transit links etc.); diversity of water based activities along the waterfront and in the water that encourage industry, commerce, recreation, and education; Integration of land and water visions; and environmental sensitivity.

14 Panel Discussion: development and will therefore be around they are an attraction for HRM, affecting Greenspace at Three for some time into the future. Enduring both the tourism value of the area and the values may also reflect the importance of quality of life for residents. An attractive Scales other elements, such as natural settings, place can also be “loved to death” if coastal areas or parks, which provide growth is not managed. Panelists: recreational opportunities and a place to Anne Muecke, HRM Regional Planning; reflect. In short, enduring values can be Finally, Anne Muecke spoke about Ian Startup, Neighbourhood seen as the identity, or character, that a development in very general terms. She Developments; Allan Eddy, Nova Scotia city or municipality creates for itself and related that the new approach to planning Power; Carol Macomber, HRM Capital wishes to maintain in the future. in HRM will be focused on cluster District Task Force; development and higher densities where Moderator: Graham Read Halifax’s first plan was completed 26 possible. She made it clear that green years ago in the 1970s and was geared spaces are also very important and that The objective of this panel discussion was toward encouraging: (a) economic development will be interspersed with to provide an integrated approach to development, (b) infrastructure, (c) green spaces. In addition she noted that planning for green space at three scales: housing, and (d) roads. The plan was fragile land or land with high natural values made with the assumption of cars being not suited to development will be identified (1) Regional Scale the main mode of transportation, and this in the planning process. (2) Urban Scale had an impact on the planning climate. (3) Community Scale For example, parks were planned as large Ian Startup blocks of land, located outside of the city, Ian Startup, who is a small developer, to which people could drive on weekends. spoke from the perspective of the building At this time, land not used for industry, and his message was simple: development or green space, was plan ahead. Mr. Startup related several considered to be without value. stories in which development had failed in its delivery of homes that provided a sense The current planning efforts will focus on of living space because of improper economic development and the planning. environment. This plan acknowledges that all land has value, to either the economy He gave an example of communities in or to people as a place that is important to Holland that were well-planned and in them. The new approach realizes that consequence were very “liveable.” Homes land is fragile, and the types of enduring were designed to work as a community, values can be easily undermined by yet provided people with an individual improper planning or a heavy-handed sense of home ownership. Participants discuss greenspace maps approach to development. In Canada we still have a pioneer culture, Anne Muecke Mrs. Muecke suggested that planning in which we like to carve out a place in the Anne Muecke is currently working as a must look far into the future because the woods. We still perceive space to be Manager for the HRM Regional Plan. This places we create and develop will be with limitless. This is very different from project is a long-term, high-level planning us for a long time and will also affect Holland, and while we enjoy our space, exercise, which will look twenty-five years future generations. modern developments do not encourage a into the future and beyond, in terms of a sense of close community. scope. There is also the economic value of HRM’s physical setting. Anne Muecke Ian Startup concluded that it is, in part, the The objective of this type of planning noted that many people come to Nova responsibility of the building industry to review is to identify the values important Scotia and HRM because of the “green, build healthy homes and recognize the to residents of HRM. the blue, and the view.” This suggests that value of the environment in community forests, lakes, coastal areas and views design. Mrs. Muecke noted that it is very should be protected. Not only do they important to recognize what she termed reflect our sense of the beauty of the as “enduring values”, or simply values that place where we live, but also because will be reflected in architecture and

15 Allan Eddy as larger parks located outside of the Allan Eddy, as a forestry Manager for central core. She added that the public at Nova Scotia Power, presented the large should view parks and green spaces company’s position on the management as an essential service. of green space. Mr. Eddy noted that the corridors beneath power lines are In addition to her discussion on urban considered green space, and in total, parks and green spaces, she added that Nova Scotia has over 30, 000 kilometres there needs to be a change in perception of powerline corridors. regarding green spaces that should extend also to our private homes: He discussed how Nova Scotia Power is groomed lawns are not green spaces. interested in managing these areas as She elaborated by stating that lawns offer green spaces, and how the company is little natural diversity and require lots of making an effort to reduce the use of maintenance and the use of chemicals chemicals such as pesticides and to that are harmful to the environment. The promote the corridors for use by people. position of the Task Force is that within the urban core residents should be In addition to this discussion, Allan Eddy encouraged to replace their lawns with outlined some of the challenges that face wildflowers or vegetable gardens (this the power company. These are: would have to be reflected in HRM Bylaws). (a) utilizing vegetation that is compatible with overhead power lines and planning Over and above this discussion, the new developments that incorporate this in urban/rural character of HRM was also their design mentioned, along with the importance of connecting rural areas to the urban core (b) at the streetscape level the company with trails. Carol notes that populations has to maintain both the power utility are urbanizing and that the municipality infrastructure and the trees that occupy must find creative ways to establish green the street. spaces within the urban core. She adds that green spaces can be used as a way Carol Macomber to draw people downtown and that they Carol Macomber represented the HRM are better than malls in their ability to Capital District Task Force, a new task attract people to urban areas. For force established to develop plans for example, the Public Gardens is generally HRM’s urban core. She spoke about more popular with people than Scotia green spaces in urban areas. Square.

Ms. Macomber began by stating that Carol finished with a discussion on the ideally urban areas should have a dense importance of street trees and argued that central core. This restricts sprawl and tree-lined streets are highly attractive and concentrates transportation, making cities increase the quality of life in the urban more efficient in the use of space. core.

She also noted that many people think In this respect she disagreed with Allan that undeveloped or vacant lots should Eddy from Nova Scotia Power, who made automatically be used as green space. a case for reducing the number of large She stated that this is not necessarily the trees in new subdivision developments best use of these sites and not all unused because they interfere with power lines. lots should become urban parks. She We have a choice of maintaining our does, however, recognize the critical beautiful streetscapes, or we can become importance of urban green space as well a city of small trees and shrubs. Graham Fisher

16 Workshop: Green and Focussing on Quality of Life agendas in the United States. David Smart: What Are Our The principles of smart growth have been Crombie, Chris Winter and other Canadian observers of urban affairs have Choices? supported by numerous organizations interested in linking a region’s collective noted that Canadian cities are losing their Presenter: Melanie Hare, Urban quality of life and economic well being. edge to increasingly competitive Strategies Inc. Panelists: Ian Startup, This is not the same thing as claiming Americans cities. Strong mayoral Neighbourhood Developments and smart growth agendas have radically leadership and smart growth coalitions Patrick Moan, Dalhousie School of transformed development patterns. What have played a large role in this turn- Planning; we see are the early stages of a around. Moderator: Howard Epstein, MLA movement whose impact has not been accurately measured. Years will pass Smart growth has not done away with the before the impact of so-called smart construction of new communities in which This workshop discussed the various growth will be fully understood. Certainly there is strict separation of uses and aspects of healthy growth management all those pursuing smart growth agendas complete reliance on the automobile for for the protection of greenspace. Melanie believe that a mixture of uses can be all daily activities. Smart growth agendas Hare began by outlining some of the delivered in such a way that satisfies are in the earliest stages of altering major policies being implemented in market needs, improves mobility, uses development patterns in places like Canada. She discussed some of the land more intelligently, and creates higher Maryland and Utah. Increasing numbers approaches and tools being used and quality communities than have been built of projects on the ground however do also offered some suggestions on how to over the past 50 years. indicate change is tangible. Examining implement effective growth management. how various levels of government and the private sector support smart growth in a Patrick Moan then presented some of the Quality of life is a central aspect of the smart growth agenda. It is an agenda variety of geographical locations is a main ideas of Smart Growth, which useful exercise. It allows for contrast and include development that is more which seeks to attract and retain top talent by creating communities that offer high comparison with one’s own environment. compact, less reliant on car use and has For example, if federal or state/provincial more community amenities than standard amenity value. Significant amounts of energy, capital and cooperation have funds are making it possible for local development. He began by explaining the government to create design centers that origins of Smart Growth, and discussed gone into developing smart growth who supported this movement. Patrick concluded by mentioning some of the future research that is ongoing in this area.

Ian Startup presented his neighbourhood project in Mahone Harbour, NS that follows some of the principles that Patrick and Melanie discussed. This project reflects Ian's experience living in Holland and included developing a sustainable community on a 45 acre lot.

Following these presentations Howard Epstein asked for questions from the audience. The consensus from the audience was of a general acceptance of these ideas of growth management, however questions were raised about implementation, particularly with respect to how these policies influenced transportation strategies.

Participants of the smart growth workshop

17 enable residents to visualize what a high less demanding projects. Government quality, compact, mixed-use project budgets in some cases will not allow for actually looks like, then perhaps other the kinds of financial incentives changing jurisdictions might want to know how to development practices in places like access similar resources. Gaithersburg, Maryland and Austin, Texas. Exploring these impediments in Community building as guided by greater detail and rigorously ascertaining elements of New Community Design is an how they are overcome in a variety of inherently more complex process. It is locations may prove useful to policy more difficult to design and build a high makers seeking to increase regional quality, mixed-use environment, than competitiveness by enhancing quality of produce a conventional subdivision or life through community design. strip mall. In time, these difficulties should place greater demands on planning Ravi Singh professionals, making their jobs more challenging. In the near future, smart growth agendas may be further advanced by the increased use of visualization tools that assist with both community design and long range planning.

Future Research Conventional development has more than fifty years of momentum behind it and change will be experienced incrementally. The Bank of America, the largest arranger and provider of commercial and residential real estate finance in the United States, has already committed over $350 billion over a 10-year period to community development projects related to smart growth. Although this is a promising start, far more needs to happen before development patterns are to be appreciably altered. The majority of the banking and investment industry still favours single-use projects. Wall Street remains entrenched in investment practices that favour what is known and safe. Typically, this translates into strip malls and conventional subdivisions where a strict separation of uses is enforced.

New Community Design projects face additional obstacles. Fire departments frown upon narrow streets that slow traffic to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. Developers who are inexperienced with multi-phased, mixed- use development will continue to favour

18 Workshop 2: Trails and The growing interest in trails is based on Trains: The CN Rail Cut people wanting healthier lifestyles and a healthier environment. The most visible Project aspect of this growing interest is the Trans-Canada Trail program, which is an Presenters: Marcus Garnet, HRM attempt to connect all Canadian provinces Therese Delorme, HRM through a network of multi-use trails. The Mark Poirier, Halifax Urban Greenway public health and environmental issues Association created by sedentary lifestyles, traffic Moderator: David Mitchell congestion, parking problems, auto emissions and land consumption by automobile transportation, are all issues that can, in part, be addressed through the provision of trails.

The land owned by CN Rail includes the rail cut, in addition to the land at grade on both sides of the cut. The cut averages source: http://www.region.halifax.ns.ca/greenway/ about 100 feet in width. There were originally two rail lines within the cut. establishes a buffer for However 2/3 of one of the tracks has residential districts. In addition, area residents use it for personal fitness, as Presenters share their viewpoints. been taken out, resulting in vacant rail bed. well as a relief from their built The CN Rail cut project is a type of surroundings. undertaking best discussed at the local The Rail cut represents scale. At the moment, there are numerous not only a physical connection, but also a No shortage of ideas has been associated people working together at the grassroots symbolic one. It is a link to our heritage, to to the rail cut over the years. It has been level, trying to create opportunities for to nature, to each other and a link to the proposed that the excess land be used for public access to the rail cut. future. The link to history can be found in residential, or other types of development. the role that it played in bringing disaster A highway link between a proposed A brief historical perspective on HRM’s relief from across North America to Halifax Northwest Arm Bridge and a Third attempts to secure public access to the after the Halifax Explosion, as well as Harbour Bridge has been discussed. rail cut was presented. According to Mr. being the starting point in the long voyage Some people and organizations have Garnet, the Halifax Parkland Strategy across Canada for the many immigrants talked about the possibility of using the air (1985) proposed a series of linkages passing through Pier 21. The rail cut is a rights over the tracks for a highway link. between greenspaces and campuses, link to the nation and the world because it Other ideas included: using the rail cut for which would result in a system of connects both the CN Transcontinental a truck way and/or bus way, as a light-rail greenways that would extend existing Railway terminus and the Halifax Ocean route, or as a commuter rail route for peak parks. After privatization of CN Rail, the Terminals, with the rest of Canada and hour commuter service. former Crown Corporations surplus land North America. The rail cut is an important holdings began to be sold off. This was link to nature on the Halifax Peninsula as The proposed commuter rail route is still the case in Halifax, where part of the cut it contains vegetation, as well as many under discussion with CN. A study began to be gradually sold to private types of birds. It also acts as a corridor for undertaken by HRM concluded that 1/3 of interests. According to Mr. Garnet, there small mammals, and provides a glimpse the regional municipality’s population lives is a movement currently afoot in North into the rock cut strata of the Halifax along the catchment area of the proposed America where trails are being laid region. rail service. The catchment area is besides actively used rail lines. However, identified as the area located within 1 km CN Rail does not support Rails with Trails, The rail cut also acts as an ad-hoc buffer of walking distance or 5 km of driving as it might generate legal liability in the and trail system. An informal pedestrian distance (park and ride) from the event of an accident. Nonetheless, local route already exists along most of its proposed service. residents are currently using the CN Rail length. It promotes shortcuts between cut as an informal path system. streets and neighbourhoods. It

19 Both the region and the neighbourhoods that abut the rail cut would benefit from having it open to public access. The region could benefit by having a continuous extension of existing parks. The rail cut could act as an off-road fitness trail, linking parks and campuses. It could also be a strategic trail link between the harbour and the Northwest Arm. People from across the region could use it for nature appreciation, heritage interpretation, as well as for its many views. The neighbourhoods could benefit by having the vegetation saved and maintained. Existing graffiti and accumulated garbage could be removed. Abutting properties could be protected through the use of fencing. The different uses could be managed through design and enforcement. Campus related traffic and parking could be reduced. More importantly, the uncertainty factor would be resolved. Even CN would benefit by source: http://www.region.halifax.ns.ca/greenway/ reduced trespassing, increased to the birth of HUGA. Around 1996-1997, concerns of abutting property owners, surveillance of the rail cut, relief from land from the cut began to be sold off by unaesthetic fencing, more links to Point vegetation control responsibility, and a CN Rail. In 1998, new owners blocked off Pleasant Park, and linking water access reduced risk of debris on the tracks. It the existing right-of-way to Point Pleasant points with the existing park system. would be an opportunity for public Park. In 1999, there was a development There are also concerns of vandalism and education and an enhanced public profile. on the waterfront that extended 100 feet liability associated with the rail cut project. into the Northwest Arm, thereby cutting off Some property owners abutting the cut on Opportunities for synergy exist. Related a part of the view of the Arm. These the north section (the south section has projects and issues are currently being issues, as well as opposition to rezoning fewer abutting neighbours) fear that their discussed or planned by a variety of area of some of the land parcels, led local privacy would be jeopardized, and that organizations. The Bikeways Task Force residents to form HUGA in November their property might be trespassed. is looking at the possibility of 2000. implementing bike trails. St. Mary’s A preliminary concept plan for the rail cut University is discussing linking its Family There are numerous objectives has been presented to HRM. The concept Centre with Connors Field by a pedestrian associated with HUGA. The organization plan favours nature preservation, multi- bridge over the rail cut. Halifax Shopping is opposed to the creation of an industrial purposes trail systems, and indicates Centre is proposing a rail crossing to link wasteland as a result of rezoning lands for potential access points for public use. itself with area residential districts. industrial purposes. HUGA is in favour of HRM is currently reviewing the plan. The Related issues being discussed include protecting the heritage aspects and next step in the process will be deciding CN bridge maintenance, the commuter natural habitat that are part of the cut. The within the next couple of weeks on the rail proposal, as well as the Northwest group wants to encourage public access type of phasing that HRM will be Arm small ferry concept. to the cut, and is therefore in the process recommending. HUGA will be looking for of advising HRM on the creation of a corporate sponsorships to make the Following Mr. Garnet’s presentation, Mr. network of multi-functional trails project a reality. HRM will proceed with Poirier explained what led to the birth of (pedestrian and bicycles). land acquisition through the negotiation of the Halifax Urban Greenway Association development agreements. HRM is (HUGA), as well their objectives, plans, At a public meeting held to discuss the committed to the project. and concepts for the rail cut. rail cut project, many issues were discussed. These included: managing Luc Ouellet A number of issues in the general area led

20 Panel Discussion: Planning the Regional Ecology; Lessons from the Atlantic Region and Beyond

Neil Dawe, St. John’s Grand Concourse Autority; Jim Baird City of Saint John Planning; Don Poole, City of Charlottetown Planning; John Charles, HRM Parks and Open Spaces Melanie Hare, Urban Strategies Inc. Moderator: Mark Poirier

Grand Concourse, NF

Jim Baird Jim’s approach to greening Saint John is One successful project is the greening of “working with what you’ve got.” Saint John downtown King Street. In the early 1980s is an industrial city with a large oil refinery the street was void of green areas. The and pulp mill. As a result, the port is inte- city expanded pedestrian areas, planted gral to the city’s economic viability. Saint trees and flowers, beautifying the area and John is an old city with a lot of industrial making it more pleasant for area residents. Grand Concourse, NF land for conversion into greenspaces. The city is also involved with “ Communi- Neil Dawe Rockwood Park, a large park in the centre ties in Bloom” which promotes individual of the city, is an important area for residents greening. Another project is “ greening the The idea of a Grand Concourse began in (much like Point Pleasant in Halifax). An- thruway” a project which saw a cement 1989 and since 1992 the City has been de- other important green space in the city is a median torn out of a divided highway and veloping it as a green space system in St. downtown graveyard where people actually flowers planted in its place. The final project John’s. Mr. Dawe offered seven important walk through it, instead of around it, because Jim described was greener parking lots. points for the success of this project: of its greenery. Jim listed a number of Parking lot owners are encouraged to re- projects the city has initiated over the years place cement barriers with planters and 1.The plan is based on systems based planning, in order to bring green spaces back into the focusing on both the built and natural environ- other green objects such as trees and shrub- ments; city. bery. 2.The plan is to be a part of the regional frame- work and should be based on habitat require- ments; 3.Mapping of important habitats and corridors us- ing both GIS and GPS technologies; 4.Link and identify ecology to social and economic benefits in order to receive funding; 5.Develop “ Best Practices”; 6.Promote awareness of the project 7.Develop a system to monitor and generate feedback on what you are doing.

Mr. Dawe stressed the importance of using both science and research to quantify the project.

Rockwood Park, NB

21 opments. Another project the firm has worked on is the development of the Uni- versity of Waterloo’s technology park lo- cated on the school’s north campus. The city of Waterloo has an “environment first” policy and also has a strong smart growth planning strategy based on its subwatershed.

Victoria Park, PEI

Don Poole Don Poole is a planning and development officer at the city of Charlottetown, PEI. Don’s presentation opened with an expla- nation of how the city of Charlottetown is laid out. The downtown core has four squares with a central square in the mid- dle. The city is currently undertaking many “greening” projects throughout the city. These initiatives include planting trees, shrubs, and a variety of flowers. One project the city is quite proud of is the brownfield reclamation study undertaken on the East Royalty landfill site. The city is also active WatPark, University of Waterloo in a “rails to trails” program that aims to con- vert abandoned rail lines into usable paths for pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, Don talked about the city’s “ Communities in John Charles Bloom project. Recently the city won the John Charles is currently working with the using principles found in landscape ecology. top award in this yearly competition. Parks and Open Spaces Division of HRM The guiding vision is to have a sustainable, Parks and Recreation. Since 1999, John integrated resource management plan that has been working toward the development takes into consideration both current and fu- Melanie Hare of an Open Space Plan for the recently ture needs. Melanie Hare is an Associate with Urban amalgamated Halifax Regional Municipal- Strategies, a planning and urban design firm ity. With the amalgamation of 19 former mu- Charlene Cressman based in Toronto, ON. Melanie has been nicipalities, HRM is now responsible for 634 involved in numerous projects in cities park properties. The Parks and Open across Canada and the United States. In Spaces Division is also responsible for read- Sarasota County Florida, the firm was hired ing and analyzing 19 former municipal open to develop a regional plan. The regional space strategies in order to develop one plan involved using a set of natural based concept for the entire region. The region is systems to develop the plan. Urban Strate- developing its new open space plan gies has also been involved in the Toronto Waterfront Plan. Toronto’s waterfront spans 26 km and 70% is publicly owned. Many of the properties are contaminated and need to be cleaned. Other areas along the wa- terfront include beaches, and private devel-

22 Workshop 3: The Tyranny of Standards - An Obstacle to Green Development? Standards can be impediments to greening the urban and regional landscape. Part of this problem lies in Presenters: the perception of ‘greening’; is it Peter Klynstra, Landscape Architect; biodiversity preservation, maintaining Mr. Klynstra showed slides to illustrate Cary Vollick, Landscape Architect; vegetation, groundwater protection, or a examples of standards and their relation- Doug Conrad, Landscape Nova Scotia certain attitude towards development? ship with greening: Moderator: Jill Grant Some of the problems with standards are as follows: - Naming streets after trees (ie: Oak, Standards have insidiously invaded our Beech) represents a ‘greener’ attitude. • The minimum becomes the maximum. lives. They have become institutionalised. • The maximum becomes the minimum. They have become a substitute for - A policy standard of power being an • Standards can be the the only thing thinking. How do standards affect the above-ground utility has not been applied to the problem. greening of the urban and regional challenged; instead, trees are trimmed • The ISO problem - standards serve to landscape? to conform to power lines and safety institute and perpetuate a bad decision. standards. Peter Klynstra Peter Klynstra started this invigorating talk - Standards for asphalt can create an by pointing out how pervasive standards environment which is difficult to engage in dialogue to solve problems. It is are in our daily lives, yet how more often naturalize. this approach that we must take in order than not, the so-called standard applies to to model our designs to real life criteria, a small part of the population. The - The mentality that certain elements, not necessarily only to pre-packaged session continued with Klynstra asking required by standard, should be standards. Another problem is implement- the audience if anyone found the implemented, whether they make ing standards without questioning them. ‘standard’ plastic seats in the auditorium sense or not. comfortable - no one did, demonstrating one downfall of such standards. - Streets: Municipal standards often have Cary Vollick no relevance to the actual context. Cary Vollick turned our attention to Part of the problem with standards lies in While wider streets may provide Bayer’s Lake, the “standard whipping boy who develops them. In philosophical and greening opportunities (e.g. medians), of what is wrong with suburban develop- psychological terms, these people are narrower streets serve to slow traffic. Why ment”, to show local examples of some of ‘pragmatic reductionists’, those who have not have twelve foot wide unpaved the principles presented by Mr. Klynstra. the misguided belief that everything can streets? This standard is acceptable for What began as a low-speed, light be explained in simple terms. snowplows, fire trucks, and ambulances, industrial park, rapidly became today’s Big which have long been reinforcing agents Box retail park; vehicular traffic skyrock- Standards have not always existed. It was for the standard street width. Many streets eted from about 5000 cars a day, to that only in the last five years that the Province in HRM do not meet the standard. Many many vehicles in an hour! of Nova Scotia developed the standard streets are much narrower, and these Coupling Act, ensuring that fire hydrants places have the highest home sale prices! Only one of these sites is landscaped to and hoses meet the same size standard the road, the Price Club. Street trees are so that they may fit together. It seems Places like the Battery in St. John’s, found along the entrance driveway, and intuitive that this compatibility would Newfoundland could not have been built the store’s loading zones are buffered. occur, although the development of by any municipal development standards, The remaining Big Box retail establish- standards was necessary to ensure and prove to be popular places to live. ments in the business park have con- conformity from place to place. This formed to the same standards. example illustrates that standards are not The Sophoclean notion that you can always a “ bad thing.” package information you could know, present, and understand, helped to create standards; Socrates, on the other hand, believed he knew nothing, and would thus

23 Doug Conrad Doug Conrad enlightened the audience as to why standards do not always work, and how bad work can take place, even though standards are implemented. The process in determining standards is derived from past practicalities, and may not seem relevant today. For example, the size of fuel tanks on the space shuttle is related to the width of two horses’ rear ends. The width of chariot wheels gave us road standards; railroads determined tunnel widths, which then dictated the maximum size of fuel tanks. This was not something that NASA experts calculated. Figure 1. An overview of Bayer’s Lake Business Park (http://www.businessparks.com/parks/bayerslk.html). Bad work can be attributed in some circumstances to the project bidding process involved in development. A landscape architect will draft specifica- Standards for required parking spaces, for Vollick presented encouraging alternatives tions, which are passed on to the builder. example, are determined by the square to these standard examples. The Blue These go out to tender, and the contractor footage of the building, rather than the Cross building in Dartmouth does not selects the lowest bidder - often the least expected number of customers frequent- meet industrial park standards, but it is a qualified company - who looks to cut ing a particular location. With a standard much greener example of development. corners to make money. A general of four parking spaces per thousand While they did not spend the required 2% contractor and the general public often do square feet, Sears and Walmart have of the cost of construction on landscaping, not see value in the landscape. There is a comparably sized parking areas. Walmart the developer decided to work with the great need to educate the public, receives a constant flow of customers, terrain and maintain 95% of the existing especially homeowners. Education can while Sears is a furniture outlet with vegetation. A fire lane was threaded help to ensure that landscaping and significantly less traffic. Without consider- through a stand of old pine trees that were preserving existing vegetation is auto- ing alternatives, or having inherent to be preserved. Innovative examples matic, rather than an afterthought. flexibility in the standards themselves, a may not meet ‘standards’ but often create lot of land is paved over. more liveable and green environments. Standards can only be as effective as they Applying a uniform approach to Big Box is In order to prevent the replication of sterile are implemented and enforced. Standards necessary for equitable treatment, yet it places like Bayer’s Lake, standards must are enduring, responding to cultural values, created unintended results. Businesses be engaged in a thoughtful and critical and are difficult to change. As planners, we attempting to conform to standard way. The impetus must be put on the must challenge and adjust the standards to requirements often end up fighting the developer to meet or exceed standards, be more reasonable, and not simply apply terrain, rather than working with it. and to work with the terrain in achieving them blindly. Standards are often based on Achieving the maximum number of these objectives. elements that are no longer relevant in the parking spaces, irrespective of the terrain, present context. In assuming that we do not only incurs an immense cost, but not know all the answers, we should strive appropriates capital from the landscaping to design to criteria (terrain, neighbours, budget. And according to Halifax bylaws, etc.) rather than just trying to satisfy ‘landscaping’ is defined as a change of minimum or maximum standards. materials from hard surfaces. This means that beach stone, which is prevalent in Bayer’s Lake, qualifies as landscaping. Heather Ternoway

24 PLANTING THE TOWN better access for pedestrians and cyclists Next everyone broke into the four groups GREEN (without having to battle automobile to talk about the potential for linkages. traffic). Peter was on hand to help out the groups Design Workshop and as were John Charles (Open Space Public Forum Participants were divided into four Planner with HRM), Wayne Groszko Led by Dalhousie School of Planning sections, each looking at two parks and (Pedestrian and Bike Coordinator with Students and Susan Guppy the potential green corridors to link them. HRM), and Jan Skora (Park Planner with The four areas that were chosen for HRM), and Jim Donovan (Planner with consideration were: HRM). On the Thursday evening of the Breaking Ground Conference, the planning After the groups brainstormed their ideas, students organized a public forum in the 1. Halifax Commons and Point they presented them to everyone. There Exhibition Room at the university. The Pleasant Park seemed to be a lot of potential for evening was well attended by students, linkages and a lot of enthusiasm about the faculty, planners and members of the 2. Willow Spur Line and Seaview Park idea of making these kinds of public. connections. Some of the ideas were: 3. Connections between Halifax The objective of the evening was to look Peninsula and Halifax Mainland IDEAS: at various green spaces within the Halifax peninsula and find ways to link them 4. and Halifax - tearing down the Cogswell together by trails, parks or pedestrian Waterfront Interchange (a much talked about and pathways. It is vital that people can publicized project already); access green spaces easily within walking The evening started with a talk from Peter distance of their homes. Linkages Bigelow who is a Parklands Planner with - turning Lady Hammond Road into a promote connections between areas and HRM. Peter spoke about the potential for boulevard to meet up with Agricola residents of the city so that green spaces more green spaces in HRM and the Street (which is already a boulevard), do not exist in isolation. Connecting these current projects that planners are working and spaces with trails or greenways means on. - and creating a waterfront walkway to stretch the length of the peninsula and along the Bedford basin.

At the end of the evening the ideas and sketches were taken back to HRM for potential use in future projects. It was a great way to bring these ideas together and have something on paper that could then be shown to others working on these or similar projects in the region. Whether any of these ideas will come to be is not known, but the evening allowed for interesting discussion and provided a forum for exploring the possibilities.

Thank you to all who attended and a special thank you to Maria Jacobs for producing all of the base maps that were used in the workshop.

Lucy Trull

Participants at the Thursday night charette

25 HalifaxHalifax PeninsulaPeninsula LinkingLinking OpenOpen SpaceSpace ? ? ??

Mapping by Jason Alan Rokosh, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design

26 GREENING AT THE COMMUNITY & NEIGHBOURHOOD SCALE

27 Workshop 5: From Lean methods of remediation, contaminated Following the demonstration, the audi- and Mean to Green and soil does not have to be transported to ence raised a number of questions far-away facilities, but rather can be regarding the use of the technology. Clean; Transforming “removed, recovered and reused” on-site. Points of interest included the limitations Brownfield Sites of KMS as well as the existence of any Mr. Armstrong explained how the KMS government regulations regarding Presenters: technology can be amended to address contaminated soil. Dr. Stephen M. Armstrong organic contamination by combining the Colin Morrell (Armstrong Morrell current system with bioremediation. In conclusion, Mr. Morrell expressed his Incorporated); Dr. Ann McAfee, City of Inorganics and organics can be treated at regrets about the fact that this innovative Vancouver; Moderator: David Stonehouse the same time. The combined technolo- technology has rarely been used in gies have the potential to replace Canada, although it has found popularity Polluted “brownfield sites”, found in traditional chemical remediation proc- in overseas sites. A recent example has virtually every Canadian city, present a esses within the oil industry. With this been the use of KMS in Copenhagen, major challenge in terms of clean-up cost, combination approach, contaminated sites Denmark. Reasons for the lack of usage environmental pollution, and public could be cleaned first of heavy metals and in Canada include the fact that Canada's awareness. In Part I of the workshop Dr. then of a possible oil contamination. regulations do not encourage the clean-up Stephen M. Armstrong and Colin Morrell Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Morrell proceeded of metal contaminated sites. He sug- outlined the remediation capabilities of to demonstrate the removal of mercury gested that this void may, in part, be due Armstrong Morrell Incorporated. In a with a KMS Concentrator through a to the fact that unlike in some European laboratory presentation, the speakers mobile laboratory presentation. The countries there is no shortage of space in described KMS, one of the technologies process has been described by Phase Canada and therefore there is neither the used to address these current environ- Technologies as follows (see simplified land use pressure nor the public aware- mental problems. diagram below): ness to restore contaminated lands to their former state in this country. The Kuryluk Mineral Separator (KMS) “The heavy metal /compound bearing Concentrators Heavy Metal Recovery material is fed to a hopper (H) through a System is a new and innovative technol- material feed pipe (FP) tangentially ogy, invented and developed in Atlantic entering the hopper. A fluid is fed to the Canada. It was originally developed for hopper through two types of fluid feed m ean the purpose of separating gold from port: an upper feed port (FF) and a precious metal ores. The KMS Concentra- velocity feed port (VF) positioned below. << tor has since been adapted to recover The fluid, fed through fluid feed ports (FF), heavy metals (i.e., mercury, lead, copper acts as a suspension medium allowing the and zinc), heavy alloys (i.e., brass), and material to separate according to the precious metals (i.e., gold and silver), weight and specific gravity of the particles. from various material matrices - primarily The fluid, fed through feed ports (VF), is soils and mineral ores. The technology directed vertically upwards through the KMS works in conjunction with standard base of the unit and acts as barrier to screening equipment. KMS has the lighter materials while simultaneously capability to process up to 15 tons of soil allowing heavier particles to migrate to the per hour, and can work for 24 hours a day. base of the unit for accumulation in the The technology, which uses only water, is collection chamber (CC). As material is effective in recovering metals in the fed to the hopper, the lighter materials are metallic form or heavy compound. The displaced upward and exit the hopper via metals can later be recycled thus adding the tailings pipe (TP).” value to the remediation project.

Mr. Morrell emphasized the many cost advantages of the technology due to the lean << the fact that it is a simple method, and can be used on-site. Unlike traditional c

28 Dr. Ann McAfee, Director of City sets out, for planning purposes, such False Creek. The subsequent Broad- Plans Vancouver issues and policies relating to shoreline, sheets noted above, mandated a public In her part of the workshop session, Dr. waterfront walkway, land use, density, waterfront walkway, to separate pedes- Ann McAfee shared Vancouver’s parks and public open space, urban trian and bicyclist. experience in redeveloping old industrial design, soil conditions. This led to an sites. In particular, she focused on the official development plan followed by area One of the primary objectives of the city’s efforts to turn the downtown False zoning and building approvals. Guiding Council was to create more residential Creek Basin area brownfield into an principles for development in this area space downtown. There was an explicit attractive residential neighbourhood. included consideration of water use, objective of providing for mixed-income housing, open space, community housing to integrate various age and For more than a century, the land services, and traffic circulation. Traffic socio-economic backgrounds as well as surrounding False Creek had been used circulation was designed to minimize car different styles of housing. Considera- for commercial and industrial purposes. use, separate modes of transportation, tions were made for market-rent housing, At the turn of the last century, False Creek and only allow for minimal parking. seniors residence, and social housing. was lined with sawmills and lumberyards. Subsequent to the creation of these Half of this housing is low-income. A later Later on, steel mills, warehouses, an guidelines, developers came up with discovery of the city was that people incinerator and many other industrial proposals to implement these principles. would also be willing to live in this area in facilities were established in the area. higher densities and therefore high-rise Construction industries were increasingly buildings are also found. taking up large portions of the waterfront. green In order to implement these broad-based In the 1960s industry began to leave > ideas, strong measures were necessary in False Creek. The industrial sites became order to bring plans to fruition. Public abandoned eyesores in the heart of ownership of key land tracts, such as the Vancouver. In 1970, the city council made waterfront, was necessary. Instead of a landmark decision to rezone much of selling off certain pieces of land, the city False Creek for housing and parks. Dr. retains ownership but leases it out, thus McAfee outlined the various steps taken maintaining its ability to exercise control (as well as hurdles encountered) by the over its use. city in its ambitious effort to regain this prime downtown location for Vancouver www.ffwd.cx/images/vancouver.jpg Today the development of False Creek is citizens. Two slides presented at the a success story. Approximately 100,000 beginning of her discussion compare the Some of the old on-site buildings were people live within walking distance of their state of decay in False Creek in the mid designated as heritage buildings. To places of employment, in an attractive and 1960s to its current residential vitality, preserve the integrity of such buildings, dynamic neighbourhood. The downtown underscoring the success of far-sighted the city retained approval rights prior to car use has dropped significantly. The city politics. allowing development of and around the neighbourhood unites residential and heritage sites. This placed further recreational use, providing wide amenity In preparation for this project, the limitations on permit approval. As a spaces downtown. Dr. Ann McAfee government gathered landowners result, old industrial buildings are now put made it clear that the most important together for a land swap, whereby to creative use, housing art galleries, retail element in the success of this project was ownership was shifted in order to create stores, restaurants, a community center, a council that included open-minded and parcels of land large enough for develop- offices and residential developments. progressive far-sighted individuals who, ment. At the beginning of the development despite many reservations, managed to project, there was a great deal of As a logical result of the site’s prime bring these concepts to implementation. reservation and resistance. However, waterfront location, access to waterfront Dr. Ann McAfee closed her presentation once investors were convinced about the was a major priority. The City had a long with the humorous yet apt observation projected success of the project, a race held Council policy expressing an that while current planners take credit for began between private and public intention to acquire City ownership of the innovative developments in False Creek investors for initial development projects. shoreline for public access. A trail system area, it must be noted that they are simply False Creek Policy Broadsheets were for pedestrians and bicycles was en- riding on the tails of work that was approved by City Council. This document dorsed by the city in 1972-74 around initiated 30 years ago. Steffen Käubler

29 Workshop 6: Urban and where it comes from. Community Agriculture - Local Food gardens also aid in the camaraderie and cooperation amongst neighbours, the Production and contact with nature and the outdoors, and Distribution and the general aesthetics of a community. Vacant lots become green spaces filled Presenters: with what Marjorie terms “ edible Marjorie Willison, Urban Farm landscaping.” Museum; Geordie Ochterloney, Home Grown Organics; David What are some of the obstacles to starting a community garden? Marjorie outlined a McCall, NorthEnd Community number of them: Garden Association Moderator: Susan Guppy Lack of municipal government support Availability of gardening consultants and For this workshop, each member of the resource contacts panel gave a brief presentation on urban Marjorie tells the group about the importance of urban agriculture. Availability of good quality soil and land agriculture and their role in the community Neighbourhood acceptance in trying to promote it. The floor was then Marjorie Willison started off the panel Vandalism opened to questions and culminated in a discussion with a summary of the current Access for all brainstorming session of all participants state of international food production. Her Access to water addressing the following question: What message was that given current Zoning can we do to make urban agriculture a production levels and the adherence to reality? conventional agricultural techniques, we Geordie Ochterloney told us the story of simply will not have enough food to feed how he came to be the owner of Home the world’s growing population. The Grown Organics. Home Grown Organics current farming practices that dictate is a local company committed to providing North American food production are affordable, organic produce for inefficient and costly. For every 16 Haligonians. Geordie’s journey started calories used in traditional farming, only with simply planting seeds in his one is produced, resulting in a deficit of - apartment. He later traveled and began 15 calories. learning about agriculture. He had been thinking about looking for a job overseas Current farming practices also have but later realized that he wanted to bring detrimental effects on the environment: home what he had learned and do 58% of worldwide petroleum consumption something here in Halifax. is used for the growth, process and transport of food. Much of this is unnecessary. Food can be grown easily, efficiently and most important, locally.

Marjorie then spoke of the possibilities of urban agriculture, of community gardens and rooftop vegetable patches. There are countless areas to plant and grow food such as vacant lots, parking lots or backyards. Fruit and nut trees can be grown instead of ornamental trees. Local food production reduces the need for transportation costs and fuel; it reduces Moderator Susan Guppy gets the discusson started dependence on other areas for food and also puts people in touch with their food David shows the group maps of the locations of the community gardens.

30 The successes have not been without The presentations triggered a lot of obstacles however. The main challenges enthusiasm from the listeners. After the have been funding and land acquisition. question period Marjorie began writing At the location there has also down ideas for further action. This list been a problem with water access. was later presented to the rest of the Because of safety laws about open water, participants of the conference. Some of the group found it difficult to provide the ideas on the list were: enough water to the garden. They later rectified this by using water hoses connected to taps across the street from Establish a food council to move food the garden. agenda forward

David and Geordie answer questions from the audience. David reiterated the importance of Join the ACORN Food Conference growing organic food. He warned against Home Grown Organics has grown to buying organic products from major Identify and protect/develop growing serve over 550 members and continues to companies such as the Superstore. These sites; i.e. parking lots, old farms, fruit grow. The business consists of a general products may be organic but they are trees and shrubs on city land store in the north end of Halifax and grown on massive corporate farms in weekly home deliveries of organic food places far from here and profit large Protect and collect natural water boxes. They also provide ecologically- companies such as General Mills. It is resources friendly cleaning supplies, organic bread, simply not necessary to depend upon eggs and starting this spring they will be these companies for our food. Locally Make food growing a part of new selling seedlings. Their mandate is not produced organic produce is possible and developments and require new based on maximizing profits but in logical! subdivisions to have room for providing support, resources and community gardens information for people to be able to grow Anyone can join NECGA for a $10 food for themselves. membership fee though no one is turned Marjorie reiterated that it takes a group of away if they are unable to pay. NECGA committed and enthusiastic individuals to plans to plant two more gardens this make something happen, but that we can spring. still do things for ourselves in our own gardens. At the end of the workshop a number of people signed up to be a part of a food council. The group has their first meeting on May 25, 2002 at the Captain William Spry Centre. Perhaps this group will be new advocates of urban agriculture The participants gather around Marjorie. The group in HRM and the energy of this day will not consisted of academics, students, and interested members of the public. be lost.

David McCall has been a member and Lucy Trull project coordinator for the North End All photos by author. Community Garden Association (NECGA) since 1999. David was studying crop ecology and researching the effects of pesticides when he realized he was more interested in preventative measures. This led to his interest in promoting sustainable One of the members of the audience signs up to be on community gardens. The first garden was the Food Council. on Brunswick Street (where it remains) and later the NECGA planted a second garden near the water tower on the North End of Robie Street.

31 Workshop 7: Building opposed it. Later, the rail lines abutting as follows: the property were abandoned ,and in the Partnerships for Urban/ 1990s designated as part of Trans -The need to communicate effectively. Suburban Greenspace Canada Trail. Because there are a number of groups and possibly differing agendas, the Presenters: In 1999 the municipality decided to communication of the goals and proc- Nancy McMinn, City of Charlottetown commission the area as a legacy park. esses have to be clearly communicated to Neil Dawe, St. John’s Grand Concourse The biggest response came with the all involved. Authority group called the IODE Lake of Shining -Commitment. With the number of Moderator: Deborah Grant Waters. They were asked if they wanted partners involved, there can be problems to take ownership of this unused park. with keeping commitments to the agreed To initiate the session, Deborah Grant of This group started by initiating discus- upon tasks. Because of this, a clear the Downtown Halifax Business Commis- sions with the provincial governments for understanding of the tasks and expecta- sion acknowledged the difficulty in additional funding. With the volunteer tions need to be confirmed on paper. building a partnership between various efforts of the group, and funding from the levels of government, and between the provincial, municipal and federal govern- To overcome some of these challenges, government and the public. It is an area ments, the park flourished. There have, Ms McMinn recommended the following: that all organizations struggle with, yet it is however, been growing pains. Residents increasingly important as local govern- abutting the park felt overwhelmed by the -Have a design ready. It acts as a ments are struggling to do more with less. efforts of volunteer groups. From this guideline and focuses the groups involved The City of Charlottetown and the Grand experience, the following lessons were on a common and agreed goal. The Concourse Authority have been able to drawn: design and goal allows the groups to develop effective partnerships in creating pursue the project together. open space projects. - There is a need to balance the efforts of the various groups involved. -Maintain and foster a positive relationship Charlottetown, PEI -The impact of an election must be con- between these groups. This can be done Nancy McMinn spoke of her parks sidered to ensure that commitments to the through meetings, activities, and open planning experience in Charlottetown. project is maintained. communication. One of her responsibilities is establishing - Plan for maintenance. Legacy Parks created through various Currently the Legacy Parks Project has partnerships. The main reason for these Maintenance has become a large other ideas for partnerships, such as: a legacy parks is to make public parks expenditure. Because of the success of sports field for minor baseball, a skate- places where people gather, rather than the efforts and the attraction of high-end board park, an experimental farm and a places that people avoid. Residents and facilities the park requires a fair amount of Charlottetown streetscape plan. All of volunteer groups are involved in all stages money to maintain. The volunteer groups these projects require partnerships and of park planning, including pre-develop- are now working on a number of activities the Parks and Recreation and Culture ment, design, implementation and that will raise money for the maintenance departments will learn from the lessons of management. Partners contribute in of the Joseph A Ghiz Park. these two initial projects. The overall goal whatever form, including time, money or is to allow partnerships to create legacies. sweat equity. Rochford Square The other legacy project is the Rochford Two examples of legacy parks in Square in historic downtown Charlottetown are described as follows: Charlottetown. The park was noted as being “tired”, needing revitalization. The Grafton St. East idea was to re-create a park based on a The area was originally an abandoned Victorian design concept. The neighbour- coal yard. It is located at the end of the hood took ownership of the park by East Bridge, one of the main routes that initially adopting a flowerbed. The primary enter into Charlottetown. For many years funding came from the Kiwanis group as the people wanted to do something with they were looking for a millenium project, the unsightly area. In the 1970s there was and this park has also flourished. The lessons learned from this legacy park are The Grand Concourse, St. Johns NFLD a proposal for development, but residents Ms. McMinn during her presentation

32 The second speaker was Mr. Neil Dawe. a guideline and keeps everyone knowl- He is a Director of the Grand Concourse -Write a clear document that confirms a edgeable and informed as to the focus in St. John’s Newfoundland. The Grand maintenance plan. The plan needs to and potential of the project. Also make Concourse is a 100 km trail system prescribe a specific standard of mainte- sure the plan is implementable. around the city. It links important destina- nance. These standards are in turn tions and runs along bio-diverse directed by policy. -Build the project incrementally with many streambed corridors. It uses the material small steps. The steps become mile- from the area, and works with the natural Define clearly the objectives and out- stones and give a sense of achievement topography. In order to legitimize this comes. Social objectives may include private-public partnership, a provincial act community health, an appreciation by -Do not chase partners, let the success of was passed in 1995. Next, a master plan local residents. Another objective can be the small accomplishments attract them. was developed to guide future actions. An the economic impact on the GDP and on important legislation on access rights of tourism. -Have pilot projects and build on their the trail system enabled riparian zone success. Have a product of success that protection. Since 1940, property owners Have an ecological project that is based you can use in order to attract other can no longer own property within 15 on bio-diversity and habitat. Encourage funders. meters of any watercourse or body. There the careful use of the environment, for are 3 major streams near St John’s that example, have a sinuous trail as opposed -Have membership, which attracts provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and to a rigid and defined trail. ownership and commitment. an excellent trail system enjoyed by all. Further lessons that Mr. Dawe shared with -Set goals realistically and build from the Mr Dawe shared recommendations with us and that he felt contributed to the small successes. the workshop participants for pursuing this success of the development of the trail/ type of project, including: open space system are listed as follows: -Formalize commitment from the partners on paper. - A vision has to be clearly articulated. it Think big! Have trails that are 30 km long, should identify what is unique about the 10 km and 1km. -The project needs a full time, dedicated area. This can help in attracting funding. staff. The vision should also include guiding Organize activities and programs that principles such as design with nature, include the youth. The park becomes an Conclusion taking clues from the local environment by educational tool. Successful implementation of open space using local material, community based systems is exemplified in these two areas involvement, incremental growth, and Have inspirational aspects in the park that of Atlantic Canada. Ms. McMinn and Mr. allowing culture and history to tell a story. attracts people to use it. Dawe have been able to accomplish what many trail system projects struggle with. -A need to confirm community support. Embrace training and technology. Try new Similarities between the two speakers Ensure that representatives from each software and technology. It attracts people were evident with their willingness to try group attend the meetings. In this case, and also assists is presenting the project new ideas, and to learn from their past Trans Canada Trail was a significant in a progressive way. Mr Dawe showed a experiences. Both speakers also stressed contributor. 3-D map that emphasized the streams the importance of a clear yet flexible plan corridors and gorges around St. Johns. that would guide volunteers. In listening to -Seek a champion and allow some the two speakers, there was a feeling flexibility by adjusting an application to Work with the municipal planning amongst the workshop participants that meet their needs. Do not make the strategies and land uses by-laws and these two cities definitely warranted a visit limitations on an application for partner- ensure the trail system policies and sometime in the near future. ships too stringent. Find a way that the operation are included when updates or group can contribute and allow them to reviews are made. take some ownership. In the case of the Maria Jacobs Grand Concourse, the initial champion Define the planning boundaries on the was Paul Johnson. He contributed the map. initial sum of money and was an enthusi- astic promoter. Develop a master plan. The Plan acts as

33 Workshop 8: Your Programming is delivered through: and chemical use Schoolyard is Your restoration, resource development, - an excellent model for environmental grants, training, facilitation and building rehabilitation, community stewardship and Neighbourhood networks and advocacy. student citizenship Greenspace - an opportunity to meet school accredita- Presenters: Denise Philippe, Evergreen Tree Canada Foundation is a national tion goals and Rhea Mahar, Tree Canada non-profit organization whose mission is - ways to involve ESL parents Moderator: Doug Conrad to facilitate tree planting in both urban and - increased pride in the school rural communities. This is done through a This workshop explored the role that number of programs including Green From an environmental or regional natural or naturalized school grounds play Streets Canada and Greening Canada’s greening perspective, these projects help in contributing to healthier urban land- School Grounds. to address some of the following issues: scapes and ecological functioning within - the lack of accessible green space in the the city. city; What kind of schoolground - the need for more sustainably designed In addition, this workshop had an movement are we talking about? and maintained urban landscapes, an interactive component. Two site plans School ground greening is often a ecologically literate citizenry, and active were given to the participants, one for response to school grounds designed community stewardship; each group. One plan was for a city high according to a “functionalist ethic” - a stronger sense of place; school; the other for a rural elementary expressed in most of the schools that we - water quality improvements by providing school. Each group was asked to draw see today. This means that ecological permeable landscapes that slow run-off and present a landscape plan for a concerns are not addressed, social or water and offer additional filtration; Greening School Grounds program. educational needs of students are not - improved water quality through a met, and the school relates poorly to the reduction in chemical use in landscape larger surrounding community. management; - improved air quality through tree Responsive school ground greening plantings; projects can range from beautification - climate change (by reducing the urban projects (wanting school grounds to look heat island effect- pavement is replaced better), to projects that include environ- with plantings, which means less mental enhancement and outdoor reflective surfaces in our cities); and a learning as goals. School ground reduction in energy consumption when naturalization is a particular form of trees are planted around buildings. greening, and is an alternative approach - urban biodiversity to landscaping that blends environmental - habitat loss and fragmentation. Some concerns. The latter can address habitat school ground projects re-create habitat Workshop participants engage in spaces (riparian, meadow, forest, developing schoolground greening plan loss and biodiversity decline by planting native plants. wetlands). Other projects provide Denise and Rhea first introduced the increased connectivity between green organizations with which they work. The benefits of these projects in the eyes corridors, consequently decreasing Evergreen is a national not-for-profit of the education community (i.e. teachers, species isolation and fragmentation. organization. It has three program parents, administrators) are that they streams - Learning Grounds, Common offer: So why are schools committed to Grounds program, and Home Grounds. - a living example of a growing ecosystem change? Learning Grounds is the school-based - an opportunity to learn from direct There are many reasons for which program. It has worked with over 1000 experience schools pick up the challenge of creating schools across Canada. Common - shelter from UV rays an outdoor classroom and habitat area on Grounds works with communities at large, - a less hostile and more creative area for their school grounds. For many, it is NOT and in public spaces beyond the school play to meet regional greening goals. And here ground. - a reduction in violence and vandalism is where an opportunity may lie. Regard- through an increased sense of ownership less of the motive, transformation involves - a reduction in maintenance requirements certain processes.

34 Parents, teachers, and students mobilize - Lack of knowledge/training amongst Columbia’s East Clayton development, to involve large components of their teachers on how best to use school where two schools have been designed community. Through organizations such grounds as educational resources. as the heart of the community, right down as Evergreen, Tree Canada, etc., school to the way that water flows as part of the communities are encouraged to: inventory What can we do? development’s green infrastructure. Also, their sites; develop a design; collaborate The following are ideas for next steps. Strathroy, Ontario developed a school site on implementing and stewarding the that is partly used for a storm-water project, and ensure long term - Develop policy with school boards. For management pond. sustainability. The latter may be achieved example, environmental regulations in the through ongoing outdoor/experiential state of Maryland require new school - Secure school grounds through land learning using the school ground as an sites to develop environmental options. In purchases, and use the school community educational resource. response, Maryland’s State Board of as the stewarding agency. Education has developed an environmen- Through this mobilization, school tal education by-law that requires students - Co-deliver training for management staff communities are not only creating green to benefit from a multi-disciplinary on maintaining naturalized/restored spaces that improve the ecological value environmental education, which is partly landscapes. of school grounds in urban areas, they are delivered through innovative school also educating children and youth alike on landscape programming. - Co-design new schools with facility the potential of nature in the city. planners so that open spaces serve both - Co-management strategies. The City of ecological and cultural heritage functions. Regional land managers can use this Winnipeg is responsible for maintenance Much of this information is contained in energy, these green spaces and corre- and upkeep of school grounds beyond the policy guidelines developed by Evergreen. sponding projects to weave together a space immediately surrounding the truly liveable, sustainable urban fabric in buildings. Naturalists employed by the Next, Rhea Dawn Mahar presented some any municipality or region. municipality to work on parkland naturali- exciting Nova Scotia initiatives. zation also lend support to (and facilitate The challenges the development of) school ground Schoolground Projects in Nova The picture is not all rosy, however. There naturalization projects. Scotia is lots of opportunity, but where are the Nova Scotia has its share of barren challenges? - Options for sharing resources. Funds, school grounds. In 1994 a survey was expertise, maintenance resources done photographing and reporting on the These projects are grassroots, and do not including staff and machinery, can all be state of twenty-seven Halifax City school have the benefit of systemic support: shared. Funding options expand when boards. - No district or provincial-level policy in working with a larger network of people, most of the country and possibly expanding money sources to The survey revealed a trend of city school - No funding, and decreasing budgets for those outside the tax base. grounds into one of three general ground maintenance and improvement. categories or rings. It was clear that the - Overworked teachers- only the very - Ensure schools, their staff and commu- outer ring includes schools that have keen and committed take on these nity, as well as school boards are invited natural areas on them. Closer to the city projects. Often projects are inspired and to regional visioning meetings. When centre, schools generally have expanses propelled along by parents. organizing such events, ensure meaning- of mowed grass areas. The inner ring - Short term life cycles (of naturalized ful participation by schools is possible. schools are dominated by asphalt. areas) due to teacher/parent turnover and competing interests within any one - Lay out your regional greening visions, The benefits of natural areas are obvious, school. goals, strategies in such a way that school and natural history lessons are abundant - Lack of knowledge/training in mainte- grounds are quite clearly part of the map. in these habitats. For example, Fleming nance departments on environmental and Tower elementary school in Halifax has educational benefits of such landscapes, - Work with developers to include schools both granite and slate rocks on the slope how to cost-effectively manage them, or as part of the overall community design, behind the building. The granite supports how to involve the overall community in and possibly use the green space to more the growth of moss, while the acidic slate stewardship. effectively address water management does not. The presence of this environ- issues. A great example is in British ment offers exciting opportunities for

35 lessons in both ecology and geology. 1995 by pulling out an abandoned resource. For more information please wrecked car from their property’s wet contact Rhea Dawn Mahar, PO Box 481, Another exciting example comes from area. The school has naturally taken Halifax, NS B3J 2R7 at (902) 876-1309. Ecole Beaufort (currently under the threat ownership of the site, and did not take of closure). This urban school began its well to a proposal that would see a 1000- QUESTIONS greening program in the spring of 1995 by home subdivision upstream from the 1. What to do with schools that close or adopting a stewardship project for the pond. are about to close? Response: Generally large Elm trees growing on the perimeter if a school is proposed for closing they do of the school. Planters were also placed The school and the community got not receive funding to green their on top of the asphalt surface. Each class involved, and delayed construction while grounds, even if they survive a first in the school since 1995 has been negotiations continue between the review. History has shown that schools responsible for one-half of a planter. developer, the municipality, the school usually do end up closing within five years Each year they could plant whatever they and the school board. The school wanted once they are stringently reviewed. wished. to see the downstream bog preserved as a park, as it has an important watershed 2. Vandalism: How do you deal with that? A berm was also created by digging up function, and impacts the school pond. Response: Preventative planning and asphalt, and bringing additional soil to Unfortunately, the HRM Park and Open design, work with police for lines of vision plant native species. Students painted Space Department was not willing to for their patrols. Involve as many people new benches that were installed beneath change their “park circles model” to adopt as possible in the planning, surveying, the large Elm trees, creating a wonderful the downstream bog as a park. and planting stages to create a sense of “outdoor classroom” environment. ownership of the project in the neighbour- The school never let up their enrollment of hood. At LeMarchant St. Thomas school, the community. In May 2000 at a function planning to replace the large lawn that called Nature Night, a panel of students 3. Funding sources? Response: There dominated the school yard got underway quizzed a panel of adult experts with are many; with Evergreen and Tree in autumn 1995. It was part of the Nova grilling environmental questions . These Canada being two that are out there. In Scotia Model Schools project. In 1997/98 adults included politicians, the developer, NS, the NS Teachers Union is now an outdoor classroom was installed along a local environmental group, and Rhea funding curriculum-based projects. with a serpentine pathway and several Mahar. From that night, the development gardens. officer of the area was ordered to resolve 4. Technical and Logistical Support? the dispute of the land next to the school. Response: See Tree Canada website Robert Jamieson is a rural Eastern Shore In June, 2000 all the players were invited and Evergreen website, and call Rhea school that has numerous gardens, to the school site for a meeting, and an Dawn Mahar in Atlantic Canada. outdoor classrooms, and schoolyard Environmental Impact Assessment was composting. Since they are located on ordered, which was completed in January Prepared from the notes of Denise Philippe the coast they utilize eelgrass as a mulch, 2001. Finally, a Conservation Area was and Rhea Mahar and a carbon source for gardening created in February 2002 based on the activities and composting. value of the pond as an educational

In the Antigonish Education Centre an entire lawnscape was turned into a network of paths lined with apple trees and habitat sites. Planning began in June of 2000, and the entire school and surrounding rural community of Heatherton was incorporated into the vision. It paid off. A planting was organized for the Antigonish Food Bank in the “Plant a Row, Grow a Row” program.

Harry R. Hamilton began restoring a pond Photo source: www.evergreen.ca habitat near their school on Earth Day,

36 Workshop 9: More plants, and aquatic animals to imitate the debris. The sewage then passes through Greenspace (technically natural purification process of freshwater an aerated grit chamber where inorganic to break down solid and liquid wastes. sand and gravel settle out. speaking) - Solar Aquatics Although all sewage treatment systems in your neighbourhood use bacteria to break down waste, Solar The next stage is known as “ Blending.” Aquatics use a higher level of biodiversity This process involves the breaking down Presenters and Moderators: to treat a wider range of contaminants. of floatable organic solids and is the stage Delaine Clyne, School of Planning, and This helps to avoid the usage of where biological treatment first begins. Claudianne Ouellette-Plamondon, unnecessary chemicals that traditional Department of Biological Engineering, treatment plants require. Enclosed in greenhouses, Solar Aquatic systems house a number of tanks, each serving a different purpose or stage along the cycle of wastewater treatment.

Solar Aquatic tank

The presentation began with a brief introduction to solar aquatic technology and a description of the research project that both Delaine and Claudianne participated in with other architecture students. The project involved researching both positive and negative effects of solar aquatic wastewater management systems and the plausibility of applying that technology to the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). The presentation concluded with an inspirational talk from Delaine about a small South American community (Gaviotas) that was developed and designed with unique and eco-sensitive technologies to help demonstrate that environmentally, economically, and Solar Aquatic process socially sustainable developments are possible. The treatment process occurs in six Sewage from the Headworks enters the Solar Aquatics stages with retention time varying, Blending tanks where it is mixed using Solar Aquatic systems are an effective depending upon the concentration of fine bubble aeration. Airborne bacteria in way to address wastewater management wastewater and the degree of purification the bubbles break down organic by bringing together science, nature, and required. In the first stage (known as the “ chemicals into carbon dioxide, nitrate, and technology. This ecological wastewater Headworks”), raw sewage passes through water. The system also breaks down fats, treatment system uses bacteria, algae, a screen leaving behind coarse inorganic proteins, and starches that are

37 metabolized by downstream organisms. A local example of such benefits is in Bear Nitrification is the third stage of the River, Nova Scotia. This small community process. In this stage, nitrogen and of about seventy-five homes has received phosphorous are removed by plants ecological praise from around the world growing at the surface of the solar tanks, for adopting Solar Aquatic technology as Root systems from the plants further help well as exemplifying ecological to catch suspended solids while micro- wastewater treatment in action. The organisms and small animals (like snails) greenhouse facilities are in stark contrast feed on the solids. Remaining sludge is to large, odour producing conventional recycled back into the blending tanks for treatment facilities, which few residents microbial reseeding and reprocessing, would consider an asset in their with the balance sent to reed beds for community. dewatering and composting (this is the fourth stage).

Bear River, home of solar aquatics facility. Another view of the Bear River Solar Aquatic facility

Solar Aquatic facility being used to grown various plant Denitrification occurs as the fifth stage of species the process in the form of a marsh. The clarified water is run over a stone substrata converting nitrite to nitrogen gas. Marsh plants remove pathogenic The student research group explored bacteria and absorb phosphorus. opportunities for using and applying this technology in 18 different locations Source of images and information: Macy, C. Ed. 2001. The final stage is Disinfection. This stage located throughout HRM (mostly occurring Greening the City. Ecological Wastewater Treatment in Halifax. Halifax, NS: Faculty of Architecture Dalhousie uses ultraviolet lamps to disinfect the along the waterfront of Peninsular University. water and make it potable. After this Halifax). Cost-benefit analyses, along stage, the water can be reintroduced to with geography, and socio-economic the community or safely discharged. benefits to the local community, were used in determining location and Jaret Lang The fact that Solar Aquatics use feasibility of the Solar Aquatic facilities. greenhouses versus conventional large- scale, industrial looking structures is a significant benefit gained through the Existing government policy and unwilling usage of Solar Aquatic systems. Treating municipal engineering staff were cited as sewage and wastewater in an attractive two large barriers to further pursuit of facility has spawned numerous benefits to solar aquatics technology in HRM - the local community such as aquaculture, despite the fact that Nova Scotia is plant nurseries, and tourism. already home to two successful existing facilities in Bear Lake and Beaver Bank.

38 Workshop 10: Fostering a Sense of Wonder and Small pocket wilderness, whether wetland or woodland, exists in many of our The Value of Pocket neighbourhoods. Our children play and Wilderness frolic in these unofficial wilderness parks. Children need a connection with nature in These small pockets are often children’s their communities if we expect them, as first (and sometimes only) exposure to Presenter: Patricia Manuel future environmental stewards, to protect wild nature. It is in these neighbourhood Moderator: Elizabeth Crocker the wilderness they inherit. As such, there pockets that children first observe the is an incalculable value in leaving some change of seasons and its effect on the The grand scope of environmentalism has wilderness alone. There is sometimes natural environment. The cycle of trees focused almost exclusively at a global or value in doing nothing. national level. Efforts to protect our and leaves. The metamorphosis of natural environment often occur at a large caterpillar to butterfly. The transformation scale. A scale that is often incomprehen- of spring peepers from jellied egg to sible to most. Often, we can’t see the tadpole to tiny frogs. It is in these trees in spite of the forest. wilderness pockets that a sense of wonder in the natural environment is fostered in the next generation. Professor Patricia Manuel, in her session entitled “Pocket Wilderness: Experiencing Nature in the Neighbourhood Backyard”, asked us to refocus our communal attention on wilderness from the grand scale of ecosystems and sensitive areas, to neighbourhood pockets of undeveloped nature. We overlook the small sections of wilderness in our neighbourhoods and devalue its collective importance. We Little spaces exist too!! They are must not only focus on protecting large embedded in our neighbourhoods. Ponds wilderness, we must also remember are skated on. Woods are trekked small wilderness. In this case, we must through. Birds and wildlife are observed focus on the trees that make up the forest. and enjoyed by all. These pockets are taken for granted by all the inhabitants of a neighbourhood as part of the communal fabric- taken for granted until they are gone.

The only way to have children appreciate nature is to have it in their backyards. Most grown children have a fond recollec- tion of their neighbourhood wilderness. It was a place that was mysterious yet familiar. Communal yet secretive. Wild yet safe. It was a place we called home. It was a subconcious connection with the Pocket wilderness in spring. Pocket wilderness in summer. earth and the physical place of our spiritual development. It was the place where we learned that snakes eat frogs and green apples can hurt your tummy.

39 The provision of pocket wilderness is a Pocket wilderness responds to severe fundamental matter of social equity. environmental change. The seasons Wilderness should not be a luxury affect pocket wilderness in varied ways. enjoyed by the privileged. It should be a From budding leaves, to luscious right enjoyed by all. The urban environ- greenery, to brilliant fall foliage, to elegant ment needs not only to provide green sentries of winter storms. The most space in the form of cultivated parks and severe environmental change is develop- gardens, but also wilderness areas left ment. untouched for songbirds, insects, and vegetation.

Pocket wilderness does not stand a Our regulatory framework does not often chance against as of right development recognize the value of leaving small under the current legislative regime. This wilderness undeveloped. It has been regime does register social equity designed on a larger scale for larger concerns. Although a percentage of the systems. The Nova Scotia Department of development may be left as open space, it the Environment protects all wetlands is usually the undesirable areas, or those over two hectares. But what of those difficult to develop. neighbourhood wetlands that are smaller? Do they not deserve to be protected?

Pocket wilderness in winter Pocket wilderness after development.

Pierre Heelis All photos by Patricia Manuel, Dalhousie University

40 Community Succes Stories

Glace Bay Portable Parks System spectacular coastlines from Halifax to Mineville Community Lunenburg. The coastline will bring Association together ecological protection with Christine LeVatte, a Landscape Designer economic development opportunities with the Highland Sod Farms in Sydney, centred on ecotourism and low impact Grant MacDonald is President of the Nova Scotia spoke about a concept of use. Mineville Community Association ("MCA"). Portable Parks. In Glace Bay a concerned For the past 2 years the MCA has group of citizens recognized that the Coming to Our Senses: Urban performed a number of projects of benefit clean-up of downtown vacant lots was key to the community. These projects are to initiating the revitalization of a dying Walk focussed on the environmental, health downtown core. Downtown businesses and recreational needs of the community. and the tourism sector recognized a On Thursday March 21st about a dozen of The MCA was awarded the Recreation desperate need to bring people back and conference participants took the Nova Scotia Mayflower Award for its provide an atmosphere to keep them opportunity to take a walk in the Halifax community volunteer involvement, and the there. Thus, the Portable Park concept, a urban area with naturalist Chris Brackley. Halifax Regional Development Award for GreenSpace solution, was born. Christine The objective was to become more aware its excellence in cooperation in 2001. presented information about this simple of the sensory and emotional difference Grant presented the accomplishments of concept, that addresses many needs and between the green and grey the MCA in the last 2 years, which is particulalry useful in the context of small environments. Although the walk took included trail building and numerous other communities. place shortly after a “spring” snow storm, community activities. participants could still appreciate the Coastal Water Trail intristic appeal and value of open and natural spaces on the working industrial John Meagher Garden waterfront of Halifax Harbour. In Nova Scotia “greening” must be connected to the province’s spectacular In the early 1990s, a small piece of coastline. Dave Adler, Director of the property on the Northwest side of the Coastal Water Trail spoke about a new Halifax Arm was donated to the City of initiative which will result in the creation of Halifax. It was then known as Edmonds a trail covering one of Nova Scotia's most Grounds, a mature forest of pine trees on the lonely slope above the Arm. Unfortunately, valuable property is expensive to landscape and maintain, leaving the future of the land ambiguous. Enter John Meagher - retiree, gardener, rhododendron breeder, eccentric and goodwill ambassador. Mr. Meagher has not only provided a generous donation for the planting of a prized collection of rhododendrons, but he also maintained the space as well. Helen MacLean from HRM Horticultural Department, Parks and Open Spaces expanded on the events of this unique and continuous cooperative event.

David Adler speaks about the Coastal Water Trail

41 Closing Remarks Frank Palermo

We have arrived at the end of nearly three things that can be done. They can be Change required persistance and days of deliberation on how to break inspired by the qualities of the local imagination. Bold steps and broad ground in the greening of our landscape. environment. strategies as well as small gestures and We have heard a truly amazing array of patient nurturing are required and must be ideas from citizens, public servants, 5. We need to re-think and re-imagine interconnected. Greening is an attitude at academics and even one politician. We change. This includes how we operate all scales. It’s an approach, it’s not a were very fortunate to host speakers from standards, how we treat our schools, our choice. various parts of HRM, other Atlantic cities, front yards, our backyards and street Toronto, Vancouver and Brussels, and I intersections. would like to make some final observa- tions. This is what I heard: 6. Finally a participatory process is crucial 1. First, if we take a long-term view, the for change to happen. We cannot leave environment is a capital asset. Here in the job of determining change to a few Halifax Point Pleasant Park is very politicians, bureaucrats or planners. We important, in Toronto it may be the Don need to be engaged, and own the process River Valley, in New York it is Central of change Park. What these places have in common is that because of someone’s So what are the next steps? foresight, these green spaces are key to the quality of life, and they are good for There is no question that a lot of energy business. and passion was generated here in the last couple of days. A new food council is 2. Secondly, there are places that take in the works, as are other networks. This seriously the “environment first” idea. energy must be nourished and allowed to Places such as Waterloo, Ontario have flourish. recognized that the environment matters to what we do, and what we do matters to We must be connected to plans. There the environment. This recognition goes are many different reports being prepared, well beyond open space, and determines and we should be involved. I think that what form our communities take. we should also start an on-going discus- sion-reflection-action group consisting of 3. Thirdly, there is magic in working with those truly interested in the life of this city. diversity and complexity. We should be suspicious when someone tries to sell us Pilot projects are one way to try out new an overly simple solution. Let’s work ideas. There are many ideas; let’s put towards a quilt of green. them into practice! Solar aquatics, street improvement projects, protecting urban 4. Fourthly, the message that we heard wetlands are just a few of the possibilities. over and over again was “work with what you have”. This includes school grounds Finally, we must find a way to get the as new community forums; trees and media and the politicians interested in planters in parking lots; marigolds on the these issues. There is a great need to main street; walkways and coastal trails. develop a strategy to increase awareness There is a great potential in local action, and real discussion. and there are many small but important

42 BREAKING GROUND SNAPSHOTS

Artists at work... Keynote address by Lucien Kroll... Reception...

Welcome address by Art contest... Design Charette... Councillor Dawn Sloane...

43 Contest Submissions

Art and Literary Contest Participants The Myth of Weeds

Children You want to believe in this pebbled pod inevitability Dominik Drozdowski - Drawing seedling cracks, milkweed corona Zoe Fairbrother - Drawing and poem born to spin in the spring wind. Sophie Watts - Drawing There is this need to split, to float, to seek a predestined renaissance Youth beneath the inculpated ground. Mat Dunlop - Video and photograph You dream of cotyledons unfurling, Adults forcing roots through receptive soil tracing the secret ways of worms, Jennifer Watts - Short story forget about the random cruelty Mary Porter - Photo collage of capricious breezes, ignoring Joy Yourcenar - Photographs and the equal possibility of ending poem a barren white bit of floss Michael Farrar - Photographs hard-contrasting black asphalt. Jamie Anfossi - Maquette and photographs Joy Yourcenar Colour and Song Thanks to Mountain Equipment Co-op, Home Grown Organics, and Lupine seeds scattered P’lovers for generously donating gift in an empty lot, certificates for all participants. Blue Jay babies born in my backyard, colour and song in my North end neighbourhood.

Zoe Fairbrother

44 The Church Garden There has sometimes been some damage Significant structures and gathering points done to the garden but most often it has within the community. It is interesting to There is a garden along the side of St. been from cats and wind. The think of what the landscape of the John’s United Church on Willow St. in congregation has responded with great community could look like if we, as multi- Halifax. It was created by the children delight to a place that has been faith neighbours, decided to who attend the church as part of their transformed from a patch of grass next to environmentally create places of experience of learning about their faith. a brick wall to an eclectic garden full of hospitality, sanctuary, and renewal on our The garden is a story of people in the many surprises and much pride on the properties based on our understanding of church wanting to connect their faith to part of the gardeners. We would often what these concepts (or others) mean the natural environment around our find transplants and slips of plants lying from our own faith traditions. The church, of offering children opportunities for us on the ground as people dropped possibility that such a physical to experience the miracle of life, and of them off on their way into church. intersection of wisdom, culture and faith offering a place of beauty to our could offer to the community as a whole is neighbours in our community who live What does this have to do with planning tantalizing. near to or pass by the church. and greening our communities? As a person of faith, I find it challenging to think Although our property at St. John’s is When we first proposed the idea of of how I look at the urban landscape from limited in size we have discussed the creating a garden (just one or two small a faith perspective. I have seen what the possibility of creating an outdoor labyrinth plots) to the church committee garden has meant to the people in my - an ancient tool used for spiritual responsible for the property, we were congregation and I have a sense of how meditation. As I walk to church I try not to given permission but advised that the this act of caring has been appreciated by covet my Anglican neighbours huge yard garden wouldn’t last long - it would be our neighbours. The values that I carry in and dream of what a community garden damaged and destroyed by people who my heart, based on my faith, influence might look like on that spot. Putting to pass by the church. The adults interested how I experience a sense of place. These use the gifts that we have from our faith in developing the garden spoke about this include the importance of places of heritage can be significant offerings to the possibility and decided we would go sanctuary, places of hospitality, places of community as a whole and to our ahead anyway - this would be an act of engagement with the community (our understanding of how to recognize and faith and persistence. The experience of neighbours), and places of invitation to live with our natural environment in a mending broken things (gardens and pause, reflect and be renewed. The holistic and community focused way. hearts) would provide valuable learning garden has been a small step in how our experiences for those involved in the church has begun to live out these values. Jennifer Watts project. Although it would take an enormous We are coming into our fourth planting amount of work it is a small start in season for the garden. It has included changing its image from a towering perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, structure based on a triumphalist attitude tripod wooden structures covered with of religious glorification to a more humble, towering bean plants, and lots of weeds. welcoming place of community. For several Sundays in the spring and fall, children from the church school can be Within a ten minute walk from my house I seen preparing the garden, planting seeds can pass by a Muslim mosque, a Buddhist and bulbs, watering, weeding, harvesting temple, an Anglican church, a Roman and putting the garden to rest. We have Catholic church, a Jehovah Witness harvested our seeds for planting in the meeting hall, a United Church, an spring season. And we have prayed in Antiochian Christian Orthodox church, a the garden recognizing and thanking God Seventh Day Adventist church, a Lutheran for the beauty of all creation and our role church and a Faith Tabernacle. and responsibility in caring for our earth and neighbours.

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