As we navigate the complexities of a changing climate, investing in social infrastructure becomes more and more important.
These spaces not only serve as gathering points during times of crisis but also play a big role in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Places like community gardens promote sustainable food production, while lively public squares foster community interaction and green infrastructure.
That means these spaces aren't just your favourite hangout spot, they're also our front lines for sustainable actions.
In this month's edition of Evergreen News, we're exploring how social infrastructure is critical to our journey towards a greener, more resilient future.
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Can trusting your neighbours build stronger cities? |
With more frequent extreme weather events, increased numbers of people moving into urban areas and connection amongst neighbours at an all time low; our cities face significant challenges. We ask what it might look like for our cities to plan and build with social infrastructure as a core feature, strengthening the bonds of community that the best cities are made of. Read on for our plea to start planning for connection. |
Infographic: Can these public space hacks help tackle climate change? |
From urban parks to community squares, these public space enhancements showcase the power of simple yet effective solutions in bolstering our cities against climate challenges. Let's dive into three inspiring examples of how these improvements are making a real difference in climate resilience:
Native plant gardens require less water and maintenance, support local biodiversity and provide habitats for pollinators.
Permeable surfaces, such as those found in Sponge Schools, allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
Cycling infrastructure, such as bike-sharing docks or even repair stations, promotes sustainable transportation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Want to see more public space hacks? Check out our infographic! |
5 urban trails across Canada you'll want to explore this summer |
Discover the hidden gems of Canada's urban landscape. From coast to coast, these trails offer more than just scenic views — they're vital social infrastructure, providing recreational opportunities, promoting active transportation and enhancing connectivity within communities. Which five made our list? |
Want to see more climate resilient school grounds across the country? So do we. We talked with Birgit Teichmann, a certified landscape architect and engineer based in Berlin, Germany, and lead designer of the Irma Coulson Public School Climate Ready School. Birgit shares some of the challenges and rewards of transforming school grounds. |
Stories we're reading from around the web |
🔗 Why communal living can make us happier: BBC
🔗 NYC’s New Office of Livable Streets Aims To Make Streets Safer, Greener and More Habitable: nextcity.org
🔗 More than 200 million seniors face extreme heat risks in coming decades, study finds: NPR
🔗 10 innovative community solutions to tackle climate change: Evergreen
🔗 SHADOWLAND: Photography down in the ravines: Spacing |
Early Bird registration coming soon!
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Save the date: October 9 & 10, 2024 at Evergreen Brick Works. The Evergreen Conference will be a two-day respite to experience placemaking in action. It’s an opportunity to learn and connect with people across sectors committed to building better public spaces for people and the planet. Stay tuned for more details on Early Bird registration opening in the next few weeks. |
Studies show 80% of children are not getting the recommended daily activity levels. How do we reconnect kids with nature?
In October 2022, Evergreen, in partnership with Halton District School Board, launched Canada’s first Climate Ready School ground.
The pilot, at Irma Coulson Public School in Milton, Ontario, put kids at the centre of our solution, co-creating with them to ensure these spaces enhance learning opportunities, foster children's health and wellbeing and bolster climate resilience. School grounds are a key public asset, located in every neighbourhood, often representing one of the biggest land uses in our cities. Wouldn't it be incredible to see a climate ready school in every community?
We’ve launched an entire hub of resources to help! Read interviews with key leaders from the pilot, watch videos about the incredible transformation and browse toolkits on designing for improved learning, health and climate resilience. |
Tackling the climate crisis at the local level
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Municipal infrastructure is a critical piece to tackling the climate crisis. Interested in real-world examples, alongside toolkits covering new approaches to design or digital tools? We've got you covered. Read the Building Local Climate Resilience resource hub, and learn how to incorporate new climate resilience measures into your community's plans. |
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Help us transform public spaces for people and planet |
Be a part of ensuring that our cities are vibrant, green, and bursting with life for generations to come. |
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Our Staff Spotlight series shines the light on the voices and perspectives of the incredible Evergreen team. Up next, meet Fiona Ellis, Visitor Experience Coordinator at Evergreen Brick Works. From helping visitors find their way around the site to leading Evergreen’s Craft Club, Fiona brings creativity and passion to everything she does. |
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We are looking for skilled, passionate individuals to join our growing team. As Evergreen works to build thriving cities that are livable and green, we are dedicated to developing a workforce that reflects the spaces in which we live and work. Visit our careers page |
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Evergreen's Word of the Month |
This is the spot where we break down an overly ‘jargony’ word or term to help bring you into our work of building better public places. We think everyone should be able to join the conversation! Our April Word of the Month is Social Infrastructure. Don't get thrown off by the name — social infrastructure is simply where we connect, have fun and thrive!
Check out our City Builder Glossary for more definitions. |
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