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We are living in a global biodiversity crisis. According to one study, current extinction levels are 1,000 times normal levels, and another shows that wildlife populations have decreased by 69% on average between 1970 and 2018.
Cities can play a critical role in mitigating this crisis. One way is in protecting nature and fostering biodiversity. This approach is at the heart of Ecology Ottawa’s pollinator garden initiative.
Pollinator gardens have several goals:
- Provide food and habitat for pollinator species including insects, birds, beyond
- Demonstrate best practices to Ottawans to apply to their own future pollinator gardens
- Bring communities together for environmental action
- Offer residents an opportunity to experience the wonders of nature
Since 2023, we have been working with community partners to establish new pollinator gardens across the city. These sites are all accessible by sustainable transportation, high foot traffic areas, and located within or near equity-deserving neighbourhoods, as defined by Ottawa’s Neighbourhood Equity Index.
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In 2023, we planted pollinator gardens in three locations across Ottawa:
- Hampton Park, in partnership with Friends of Hampton Park (gallery here)
- Orléans Wood Elementary School, in partnership with Convent Glen-Orléans Wood Community Association (gallery here)
- Holy Family School, in partnership with the Hunt Club Community Association
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In 2024, we planted two more pollinator gardens in partnership with schools and youth-oriented groups, and in conjunction with our EcoYouth Ottawa program:
- Rideau Sports Centre in partnership with Overbrook Community Association, with contributions from Carleton University and Ottawa Technical Secondary School students
- Terre-des-Jeunes Catholic Elementary School
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In 2025, we planted four more pollinator gardens once again in partnership with schools, and in conjunction with our EcoYouth Ottawa program:
- Brookfield High School
- W.E. Gowling Public School
- Queen Elizabeth Public School
- Carleton University
Want to start your own pollinator garden? Learn more here!
Visit the pollinator garden resources to help you plant your own pollinator garden, and watch a webinar on the program. Three of our gardens have webpages to inspire your plans: Hampton Park, Orléans Wood Elementary, and Holy Family School. Finally, please check out our map of native plantings in Ottawa.
We sincerely thank our wonderful volunteers who have helped with many aspects of our pollinator garden program, as well as our funders: Ottawa Community Foundation.
