Creating vibrant and healthy communities by transforming pavement into green space. Rose Bergeron Manager, Water Program, Depave Paradise

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1 Creating vibrant and healthy communities by transforming pavement into green space. Rose Bergeron Manager, Water Program, Depave Paradise

2 Positive action for a green and healthy future Members across Canada: in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, and Ontario Joint programs Municipal partnerships

3 Our joint programs

4 RAIN Community Solutions promotes ecological approaches to stormwater management, including pollution prevention and conservation Delivered in communities across Canada Insert RAIN messaging here: soak it up, slow it down,

5 Inspired by Depave, Portland, Oregon (2007) Partnership formed via social media Depave events shared on Facebook inspired GCC to think about expanding this program to Canada

6 What is Depave Paradise? SINCE sites (15 schools) 15 cities 5 provinces Removing asphalt and concrete by hand at neighbourhood workbees renews neglected urban spaces. Hands-on depaving process captures the hearts and energies of community members who work together to make their surroundings more liveable. Depave Paradise demonstration projects make permanent positive changes to neighbourhoods and encourage others to act together.

7 Depave Brooklands over 100 community volunteers - from paved schoolyard to community garden

8 Does your schoolyard look like this? Hard surfaces: impervious, car parking No trees, no shade: radiation heat, increased risks of skin cancer Poor drainage: puddles, flooded grassy areas

9 Water soaks into the ground; soil and plants filter water before it goes to aquifer Pavement, driveways and buildings: runoff picks up pollutants then discharges into waterbodies

10 Problems in our cities Aging grey infrastructures Climate change: more frequent and severe storm events Urbanization: increased paved areas

11 Schoolyards as part of the solution

12 Creating change with depaving Transforming sites that people want changed Educating about the problems with paved surfaces Inspiring future action: a skill that is never forgotten

13 Community support Volunteers from the host site or the wider community Local businesses donating labour and materials Funders lending volunteer support

14 Benefits of a Depave project Unique, original Grabs imagination VIPs involved Empowers people: gives them a sense of belonging and ownership

15 Approvals, permits, collaboration School board School staff: teachers, custodian Parents Students City Businesses

16 Vision & Participatory Redesign by Users Landscape architect : Vision City/school board s concerns Classroom & curriculum connections

17 Design considerations - Water supply - Slope - Drainage - Storm Drains

18 Getting help or going alone? Environmental nonprofits: great depaving partners (GCC members or others) Depave projects in Canada are valued at ~$17,000- $24,000 (including in-kind) Active and engaged schools can go on their own

19 Budget Costs: hired labour, tools, materials, coordination, insurance, administration Revenues: Partnerships Donations: cash and in-kind Local businesses

20 Landscape supplies Plants, Trees Mulch, Compost Rocks, Gravel Permeable pavers Outdoor furniture Play structures Permeable pavement

21 Depaving equipment/health & Safety

22 Where to Recruit Volunteers School Community Volunteer organizations Funders Community Hours Others?

23 Involving children Planting Crafts: banner, etc.

24 Curriculum & Classroom connections

25 Food for volunteers Donations Sponsorship Service Club Local health unit Etc.

26 Stewardship Plan Who? When? Summer? Public Space?

27 YOUR TURN! Step by Step Vision and participatory redesign by users Approvals: school board, school, staff, parents, City Budgeting: funding, partnerships, donations Supplies, equipment and donated labour Volunteers Stewardship plan

28 1. Draw your school yard Buildings, Parking, Green Space What is the path of runoff? Is there ponding? Which area will be depaved? Water sources? 2. How would you get a depave project going in your place?

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30 Rose Bergeron Manager, Water Programs - Depave Paradise Green Communities Canada www. depaveparadise.ca