MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
After almost a half a century in the horticultural business, I have been given the incredible opportunity, alongside our dedicated board of directors and the passionate staff of the Green Cities Foundation, to elevate the awareness of communities across Canada regarding the vital importance of plants in our urban environments. Our mission to connect people and plants, fostering a greener and healthier urban climate, is being realized one green space at a time Through our collective efforts, we are transforming urban areas into thriving green havens that contribute to the well-being of both people and the planet
We invite you to join us in this meaningful journey and help spread our message, advocating for the profound benefits that plants bring to our cities. Together we can #GreenMyCity, one green space at a time!
Harold Deenen CLHM CHAIR
MISSION, VISION, VALUES
MISSION:
Green Cities Foundation is a community connecting plants & people for a greener, healthier urban climate.
VISION:
Protect, nurture, and grow urban green spaces for the health and well-being of all.
PROTECT: We commit to protecting our green spaces and the plants within them NURTURE: We commit to caring for and supporting green spaces for the benefit of all.
GROW: We commit to expanding green spaces and people’s participation in them across Canada.
VALUES:
At our organization, we embrace a set of core values that guide everything we do These values are the foundation upon which we build our programs, our partnerships, and our community They are the principles that inspire us to create positive change in the world, and we hold them close to our hearts.
These values are more than just words on a page - they are the guiding principles that inspire us to make a difference in the world. We invite you to join us in our mission to create positive change, and to help us build a more sustainable and vibrant community for generations to come
ABOUT GREEN CITIES FOUNDATION
It was December 2011 in the historic district of St. James Park. That was the year an idea was born – to bring hope and healing to a community in the heart of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The beloved city park was in ruins following a multi-day demonstration by protestors Tree root systems were damaged and exposed, and mud had now replaced what used to be grass. This would be a big job that required 26 pallets of sod, truckloads of mulch, professional arborists, landscapers and hundreds of volunteers.
The City of Toronto quickly realized it didn’t have the resources for the extensive restoration required to return St James Park to its former glory
“Restoring the park so people could enjoy it as part of the regular, daily life again was an easy decision to make,” said Alan White, one of 200 members of Landscape Ontario who responded to a call for help from Toronto’s mayor.
Reaching out to its network of partners, the group secured generous donations of turf grass and mulch. White was thrilled with the results and, uplifted by the potential of helping more urban communities across Canada, focused on building a charitable organization to do just that.
Working with Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) members, the group focused on improving people’s lives by improving community and climate
“There are so many benefits of living, breathing landscapes, no matter the size,” said CNLA Past President Phil Paxton. “Plants clean the air, provide shade, cool the surrounding area, reduce noise and absorb excess rainwater from storms.”
The resounding message from this passionate group is that green spaces benefit our health and well-being both physically and mentally
The Green Cities Foundation was formed as a Canadian Private Charitable Foundation in 2018 and set out to build its first urban green space in 2019.
We invite you to join us on this journey, to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and to help make the world a better place for all Whether you are a student, a professional, a community member, or a concerned citizen, there is a place for you in the Green Cities Foundation family.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & FOUNDATION STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HaroldDeenen, CLHM CHAIR
PeterGuinane VICE-CHAIR
BillHardy,CLHM TREASURER
AlanWhite PASTCHAIR
Scott Fortnum DIRECTOR
SusanEllis DIRECTOR
FOUNDATION STAFF
DavidThompson DIRECTOR
DanielCarrothers DIRECTOR
RebeccaDoutre CAE,CLHM EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR
SarahMcIntosh DESIGN&CONTENT COORDINATOR
VictorSantacruz, CAE,CLHM FINANCEDIRECTOR
StuartService MEDIA COORDINATOR
PhilPaxton, CLHT,CLHM DIRECTOR
JohnZaplatynsky DIRECTOR
DaveMazur COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
CherylGall,CAE FINANCE MANAGER
VivianShum PROJECT COORDINATOR
LindaWiesner ACCOUNTING
PAST PROJECTS
Greenspace & Pollinator Park, Burnaby (BC)
Humboldt Urban Garden Sanctuary HUGS, Humboldt (SK)
St Matthew's House & Area Parks, Hamilton (ON)
Birge Street Meadow, Hamilton (ON)
Boys & Girls Club, Scarborough (ON)
The Forgotten Corner, Logy-Bay-Middle-Cove-Outer-Cove (NL)
Greenspace Renovation, Bay Bulls (NL)
2024 PROJECTS
Recycling & Environment Action Planning (REAPS) - UofNBC (BC)
New West Community Gardening Society - Queens Park Community Garden (New Westminster BC)
Bruderheim Agricultural Grounds - Bruderheim (AB)
Memorial Park - Town of Qu’Appelle (SK)
Flin Flon Community Garden - Rotary Park, Flin Flon (MB)
Stonewall Communities in Bloom Committee - Stonewall (MB)
Hamilton Naturalists’ Club - Hamilton (ON)
Brookmill Blvd. Jr. Public School TDSB - Community Garden, Toronto (ON)
Green Venture - Laidlaw United Church, Hamilton (ON)
Hope Blooms Youth Social Entrepreneurial Ventures Inc - Murray Warrington Park, Halifax (NS)
RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENT AC
PLANNING (REAPS) - UOFNBC, B
A garden with a multipurpose community space was created, featuring a food production garden bed alongside a display and activity area. This garden extends REAPS’ programs by offering a larger demonstration and food production area, thereby promoting healthy local environments and sustainable food production.
Thank you to the project volunteers, UNBC, DDBGS, and our National Platinum Sponsor, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: June 1, 8 & 15 & 18, 2024
NEW WEST COMMUNITY GARDENING SOCIETY - QUEENS PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN, NEW WESTMINSTER, BC
The Queens Park Community Garden in New Westminster has been transformed into a vibrant hub for youth and the community. This project successfully created a youth-focused community garden featuring raised beds and native plants, promoting biodiversity and local food production. Over the course of the initiative, young people gained invaluable leadership skills and hands-on experience in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The garden has become a welcoming and accessible space, fostering connections while serving as an educational resource on climate resilience and local ecosystems. By combining ecological awareness with practical gardening skills, this project has empowered the next generation to take meaningful action for a greener, more sustainable future.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors including the City of New Westminster, and our National Platinum Partner, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: November 30, 2024
BRUDERHEIM AGRICULTURAL GROUNDS - BRUDERHEIM, AB
The Bruderheim Agricultural Grounds now feature enhanced greenspaces, raised-bed community gardens, pathways, a cosmic skate park, and an astronomy playground. The project successfully increased the tree canopy and incorporated native plants within the landscaped areas, benefiting both the community and the natural environment.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors Bruderheim Lions Club 1999, Town of Bruderheim staff and family members, Lamont Fish and Game Association, Bruderheim Agricultural Society, Fortis Alberta, Bruderheim Youth Council, and our National Platinum Partner, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: July 3, 2024
MEMORIAL PARK - TOWN OF QU’APPELLE, SK
Unofficially called Kiddie Park, the project has successfully expanded and renovated existing areas within the park. The enhancements include the addition of a memorial rose garden and the increase and expansion of greenery both within the park and around its exterior.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors: Qu’Appelle Communities in Bloom, Town of Q’Appelle, New West Concrete, T&S Nursery and Greenhouse, and our National Platinum Sponsor, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: May 26, 2024
Grand Opening: July 20, 2024
FLIN FLON COMMUNITY GARDEN
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ROTARY PARK, FLIN FLON MB
The Flin Flon Community Garden has successfully enhanced the space by adding ten new garden boxes, complete with essential materials like soil and manure. Additionally, a dedicated area for pollinators has been established, featuring a small seating section for visitors.
This project has achieved several key objectives. It provides the community with fresh, nutrient-rich food, helping to mitigate the high cost of food due to transportation challenges. The initiative has seen participation from a diverse range of community members, including youth, seniors, families, and neighbors.
Flin Flon faces unique challenges, such as a scarcity of fertile soil typical of southern regions and elevated food costs due to transportation expenses. This project directly addresses these issues by promoting local food production and accessibility.
Thank you to the project volunteers, The City of Flin Flon, Girl Guides of Canada, and our National Platinum Sponsor, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: June 16, 2024, 1-4 pm
STONEWALL COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM COMMITTEE - TOWN OF STONEWALL, STONEWALL, MB
An Indigenous and senior healing garden space was created, featuring plants and vegetation that embody the healing powers of nature. The project was completed in collaboration with a local healing expert, ensuring a space that fosters well-being and connection to natural remedies.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors: Stonewall Communities in Bloom Committee volunteers, Jaspersons Greenhouse and Nursery, and our National Platinum Sponsor, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: October 8, 2024
HAMILTON NATURALISTS’ CLUB -
HAMILTON, ON
The park's 7-acre urban woodland habitat was enhanced with over 200 native plant species, and invasive shrubs were effectively managed. Additionally, the existing pollinator garden was rejuvenated to serve as an educational resource for the community.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors: Verbinnen's Nursery Ltd., The City of Hamilton, Oriole Landscaping, Planted to Perfection Landscaping, and our National Platinum Sponsor, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: October 26, 2024
BROOKMILL BLVD. JR. PUBLIC SCHOOL
TDSB - COMMUNITY GARDEN, TORONTO, ON
This group successfully co-constructed a studentdesigned sustainable community garden with the students and parents, integrating indigenous ways of knowing. The project created awareness of global challenges such as poverty, sustainability, and equity, with a particular focus on agriculture.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors Oriole Landscaping and our National Platinum Partner, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: June 8, 2024
GREEN VENTURE - LAIDLAW UNITED CHURCH, HAMILTON, ON
Together with the community, Green Ventures has successfully transformed the church grounds. A section of the parking lot has been removed and replaced with a vibrant community garden filled with native plants, additional seating has been installed, and access to this community space has been significantly improved.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors: Miller Compost, Connon Nurseries, Planted Perfection Landscaping, New Nature Landscaping, Acelor Mittal Dofastco, Adesso Design Inc., Green Communities Canada, Tree Canada, Turf Systems, Laidlaw United Church, and our National Platinum Sponsor, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: June 22, 2024
HOPE BLOOMS YOUTH SOCIAL
ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES INC -
MURRAY WARRINGTON PARK,
HALIFAX, NS
The Green Cities Foundation teamed up with Landscape Nova Scotia and Hope Blooms for a special Community Planting Day at Uniacke Square at Murray Warrington Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A large group of about 100 volunteers planted 20 trees, including one dedicated to Peggy Godfrey, an active volunteer and longtime member of Landscape Nova Scotia and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. We also remember and thank our Project Lead, Stan Kochanoff, 1938-2024.
Thank you to the project volunteers and donors, Atlantic Gardens, Lakeland Plant World , Maritime Landscape Services, Nature's Reflections Landscaping Ltd., The Greene Hallway, Tidal Tractor - Port Williams, Tytan Glove & Safety, members of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association Board of Directors, and our National Platinum Partner, RBC Insurance!
Community Planting Day: August 8, 2024
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Greenways Land Trust - Mountain View Community Garden, Campbell River BC
Kitimat Airshed Group Society - Nechako Outdoor Culture Education Centre, Kitimat BC
Disabled Independent Gardeners Association, Vancouver BC
Collingwood Neighbourhood House - Indigenous Space Connection, Vancouver BC
Oak Hills Community League - Oak Hills Community Hub, Edmonton AB
Dalhousie Community Association - Dalhousie Food Forest and Community Garden, Calgary AB
Heartland Beautification Committee - Community Gardens, Stettler AB
Coteau Hills Elementary & Our Lady of Hope Playground, Moose Jaw SK
Lanigan Elementary School, Lanigan SK
Scadding Court Community Centre, Toronto ON
The Cooperage - The Cooperage Rain Garden, Hamilton ON
Dorothy Ley Hospice - Restorative Garden, Toronto ON
Kensington Village Association - West Lion's Park Gleaning Food Forest, London ON
Municipalité de Saint-Guillaume - L'espace vert Guillaume, Saint-Guillaume QC
Centennial Park, Dollard-des-Ormeaux QC
Ruelle Esperanze Verde - Villeray, Montréal QC
Peace Garden Development Committee - Greater Moncton Community Peace Garden, Moncton NB
250 (Saint John) Wing, ACAFA Inc - Pennfield Ridge Air Force Memorial Phase 2, Saint John NB
CLEAN AIR CALCULATOR
WHAT’S YOUR IMPACT? (BETA)
In an era dominated by discussions of reducing our carbon footprint, a vital aspect of the climate change conversation has often been overlooked - plants' incredible role in mitigating climate change and enhancing our air quality. While emissions reduction is undoubtedly crucial, we believe it's time to shed light on the other side of the equation: plants' extraordinary capacity to capture carbon and provide us with cleaner, cooler air.
Our tool, the Clean Air Calculator, is a web application using ArcGIS Software provided by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and is backed by extensive research based on key published studies and reliable sources to help audiences - people, businesses, schools and municipalities - visualize the positive impact of plants on their environment.
Access the Clean Air Calculator: https://www.cleanaircalculator.ca
Plants
Love You
“Plants Love You” is an educational initiative identifying how plants improve our lives. Discover the documented environmental, social and economic benefits of plants.
How do plants help my city?
When we plant trees, grasses, shrubs, and flowers where none was growing before, they improve air and water quality and help in the fight against climate change. The effect is very noticeable in cities where there are more hard surfaces, such as concrete and pavement.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
OUR SUPPORTERS
GREEN SUPPORTERS
Are you ready to positively impact your community and join a movement towards a greener future?
As a Green Supporter, you can connect your backyard, garden, or urban green space to our mission through the clean air calculator. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in creating healthier and more sustainable environments.
Together, let's create a greener and healthier urban climate for all. Join us in our mission today and participate in something meaningful and impactful!
CALCULATE YOUR CLEAN AIR: https://www.gcfoundation.ca/my-impact DONATE: https://www.gcfoundation.ca/donate
SPONSORS
We're excited to have RBC Insurance as our National Platinum Sponsor! Their unwavering commitment to building greener and more resilient cities aligns perfectly with our vision of connecting plants & people for a greener, healthier urban climate. With their generous support, we're stepping up our efforts to #GreenMyCity one green space at a time! Stay tuned for exciting updates as we embark on this journey together. Let's make our cities cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.
The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) is a national not-for-profit federation of nine provincial landscape and horticulture trades associations representing over 4,600 professionals across Canada. It comprises thousands of locally owned companies that grow, sell, design, install, and maintain plants and other landscape features, representing over $14 billion in economic impact.
