OTTAWA | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORY OF THE ALGONQUIN ANISHINAABEG PEOPLE — Today, a group of conservationists published an open letter to Canadian municipalities urging municipal bylaw reforms to support development of habitat gardens: places where pollinator-supporting native plants replace traditional, non-native turfgrass. The group consists of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Canadian Wildlife Federation, David Suzuki Foundation, Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University and author and environmental advocate Lorraine Johnson.

The open letter calls on municipalities across Canada to revise outdated bylaws — which may restrict ecological and sustainable practices — along with outdated bylaw-enforcement policies. The letter highlights the importance of habitat gardens that support native biodiversity and contribute ecological services such as pollination, improved air and water quality and stormwater management.

“Amid a biodiversity crisis with an alarming decline of pollinators, municipalities should be making it easier, not harder, for residents to foster gardens where native plants thrive,” said environmental writer Lorraine Johnson.

“Canadians have the wonderful opportunity to support local and migratory wildlife by creating habitat gardens,” said Sarah Coulber, education specialist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. “While one’s actions can be as simple as incorporating native plants, these choices nevertheless play a pivotal role in bringing back the birds, butterflies and other critical wildlife that we need for our own wellbeing. It is heartening to witness the growing awareness, enthusiasm and efforts of Canadians — including municipalities — knowing they can indeed make a positive difference. Together, we can conserve our natural heritage for future generations and enjoy thriving communities today!”

“From endangered plants to endangered insects, my habitat garden is an oasis for all, bringing exquisite beauty into my daily life and connecting me to my community. And such magic and wonder — fireflies, grasshoppers, crickets, monarchs and painted ladies, even a merlin and snowy owl!” said Douglas, a habitat and stormwater gardener in Toronto.

Read the full letter at DSF’s website and help advocate for these essential changes in your community by sending a letter of support to your municipality.

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About:

The CSLA is the non-profit professional association representing landscape architects in Canada, the CWF works to conserve Canada’s wildlife and habitats and the DSF is committed to protecting the natural environment through science, education and policy advocacy.

The David Suzuki Foundation (DavidSuzuki.org | @DavidSuzukiFdn) is a leading Canadian environmental non-profit organization, founded in 1990. We operate in English and French, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. We collaborate with all people in Canada, including First Nations leadership and communities, governments, businesses and individuals to find solutions to create a sustainable Canada through scientific research, traditional ecological knowledge, communications and public engagement, and innovative policy and legal solutions. Our mission is to protect nature’s diversity and the wellbeing of all life, now and for the future.

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to conserving Canada’s wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment of all. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on wildlife and the environment, carrying out actions to conserve and restore species and habitats, developing and delivering conservation education programs, advocating for changes to government policy and programs and cooperating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

Located at Toronto Metropolitan University, the Ecological Design Lab connects people to nature in cities. We “think, make, and do” collaborative design-research and practice, developing nature-based solutions for biodiversity recovery and climate resilience.

Lorraine Johnson is a prolific author and advocate for sustainable gardening and urban biodiversity.

Background:

  • Municipal bylaws can place barriers and discourage and/or disallow various naturalization practices, even when a municipality has good intentions and sustainable environmental policies.
  • More specifically, municipal bylaws often:
    • Prohibit “weeds” without defining the species being referred to as “weeds,” leading to uncertainty for residents and subjective enforcement by bylaw officers.
    • Arbitrarily prohibit the growth of vegetation beyond specified heights even in the absence of any sightline issues.
    • Present manicured mowed lawns as the approved standard, with deviation from a manicured lawn requiring special permission.
    • Restrict the use of native plant species under the guise of weed control.
    • Disallow habitat features, such as nurse logs, and habitat maintenance practices such as leaving fallen leaves and plant stems in place.