The mayor of Saint-Laurent De Sousa praises LAND Biodiversity Corridor
On Paysages, the annual review of the association of landscape architects of Québec, the project of LAND Canada is highlighted as a virtuous example of how a barren landscape can be transformed into a nature network which enables the movement of living organisms by connecting existing green spaces.
Municipal leaders are increasingly confronted with extreme weather events that jeopardize community safety. As the global goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 gains urgency, building resilience has become a cornerstone of urban planning.
As the mayor of Saint-Laurent Alan De Sousa states, landscape architects play a pivotal role in this ecological transition by protecting and enhancing natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Their contributions go beyond aesthetics, integrating green infrastructure to complement traditional gray infrastructure. These efforts improve stormwater management, expand green spaces and parks, and promote sustainable construction practices.
In Saint-Laurent, the municipal administration has been championing green urban development for over a decade. Efforts include:
- Enhanced Permeability: Increasing the landscape’s ability to absorb water.
- Urban Greening: Expanding tree cover, bioretention basins, green roofs, and solar panels.
- Private Sector Collaboration: Encouraging gardens and greenhouses on commercial and industrial rooftops.
- Broad Urban Forestry Strategies: Greening neighborhoods and commercial districts.
The municipality is dedicated to restoring nature within urban environments by supporting habitats for pollinators and integrating these ecosystems into its natural infrastructure. A notable example is the planting of over 5,000 shrubs at the Bibliothèque du Boisé, near Marcel-Laurin Park and the Biodiversity Corridor carried out by LAND and its partners.
Such transformative projects, developed in collaboration with landscape architects across Quebec, are vital for addressing climate challenges. By replicating these initiatives at various scales, communities can benefit from accessible and sustainable solutions.
The Canadian government’s National Climate Adaptation Strategy, launched in 2022 with $1.6 billion in funding, has made strides in enhancing resilience and driving sustainable transformation. Yet, much remains to be done to safeguard the well-being of communities nationwide.
The entire publication is available at this link: https://publuu.com/flip-book/10465/329141
