Living Cities

The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is working with Green Communities Canada to implement a green infrastructure project at Howard Coad Community School in Saskatoon. To meet community needs, we will be engaging citizens in the planning, design, and implementation.

Cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Overland flooding and extreme heat are two of the most acute climate impacts in cities, and both are projected to become more intense. This is driven by both climate-related extreme weather and the conventional approach to urban development, where cities are created by displacing natural systems like forests, grasslands, and wetlands with buildings, roads, and other hardened surfaces.

Not everyone in cities is affected in the same way. Often, urban areas with higher proportions of underserved populations, such as low-income, Black, Indigenous, and other residents of colour are less likely to have trees and green spaces than other neighbourhoods. This means populations that are already the most likely to experience systemic discrimination are also more likely to suffer the worst impacts of climate change and miss out on numerous other benefits of green infrastructure.

Green infrastructure is one of many intersecting tangible actions that can mitigate the impacts of climate change, build local resiliency, and make our communities more vibrant and healthy places to live. Green infrastructure weaves natural features (e.g., gardens, trees, permeable pavement, etc.) into the built environment, providing stormwater management, lessening temperatures, and creating a physical barrier to noise pollution. It has also been shown to improve neighbourhood safety, provide opportunities for recreation and physical activity, and promote a sense of wellbeing.

Stay tuned for more updates about this project as it evolves.