Guides
Step-by-step, practical guidance on green space, tree canopy, trails, native plants, and community resilience projects. Written for Ontario residents, municipal planners, and community groups who want to move from interest to action.
Starting a Community Green Space Project
From identifying a site to securing community support and funding, a practical roadmap for getting a green space project off the ground in Ontario.
Understanding Urban Tree Canopy
What tree canopy measurements mean, how Ontario cities track them, and why the numbers matter for your neighbourhood.
Green Infrastructure Basics
An introduction to rain gardens, bioswales, permeable paving, and other green infrastructure approaches used in Ontario communities.
Trail Planning for Small Municipalities
How smaller Ontario municipalities can plan, fund, and maintain trail networks that serve residents year-round.
Biodiversity in Your Backyard
Practical actions homeowners and renters can take to support pollinators, birds, and native species on Ontario properties of any size.
Climate-Ready Community Landscapes
Designing and maintaining landscapes that handle Ontario's increasing heat, drought, and intense rainfall events.
Native Plants for Ontario Landscapes
Choosing, sourcing, and establishing native plants that support local ecosystems and reduce maintenance in Ontario gardens.
Park Design for All Ages
Principles and examples for designing Ontario parks that serve children, teens, adults, and seniors without compromising for any group.
Residential Stormwater Management
What Ontario homeowners can do on their own property to reduce runoff, protect basements, and contribute to watershed health.
Community Engagement for Public Spaces
How to run meaningful community engagement for park and green space projects in Ontario, beyond the standard public meeting.
Using These Guides
Each guide is written for a specific audience and task. Some are aimed at homeowners and residents; others at municipal staff, planners, or community organizations. All are grounded in Ontario-specific conditions, regulations, and resources.
For real-world examples of these principles in action, see our case studies. For the research and data behind our recommendations, explore our research notes.