Natural lands are cherished by the communities that live around them. Ottawa’s greenspaces (forests, wetlands, parks and fields) are fundamental to the health and happiness of its human residents and the wildlife species that also call this region home.
Many Ottawa residents assume that natural spaces are protected, however, poorly-planned development and inadequate protection measures continue to pose a threat to our local greenspaces.
Ottawa’s natural areas are critical for a wide range of animal and plant species. More than 80 species native to the Capital region have been classified as at risk by the provincial and/or federal government.
Although legislation exists to protect threatened species, new development projects often threaten vulnerable species and their specialized habitats. Blanding’s turtles are classified as a threatened species, yet development in the South March Highlands Conservation Forest in Kanata has destroyed prime habitat and many young and mature turtles have been killed by traffic collisions on newly constructed roadways that cross the forest.
A well-designed city that protects its vulnerable areas is a healthier city. One goal of sustainable development is the reduction of urban sprawl and associated consequences which include expensive and inaccessible transit, high greenhouse gas emissions due to car-dependency, budgets skewed in favour of road development and incomplete communities that contribute to social isolation, obesity and other health issues. Acting to protect natural greenspaces can help address many of the root causes of the environmental crisis and related problems that plague cities across the globe.
Some of these solutions include:
We look forward to working with you to protect Ottawa greenspaces for the health of our communities and local wildlife! Please spread the word about our greenspace protection campaign and sign the petition to Keep Nature in our Neighbourhoods!