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The rich ecosystems in our large urban parks not only make our cities more biodiverse and climate-resilient, but they also provide places for people to build connections to nature which are strongly linked to pro-environmental attitudes and well-being. 

Nature-based programming–from environmental stewardship to species monitoring– engages communities in the valuable work of caring for large green spaces to help them thrive. It’s a virtuous cycle that can simultaneously support the well-being of people and the planet.

How can we measure and amplify the impact stewardship and restoration have on the health of ecosystems and people in our large urban parks?

This first Cornerstone Parks talk gather three experts who are evaluating the benefits of large urban parks and applying this research to secure more funding, attract partners and move the needle on large urban parks. 

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.

Indigenous Storytelling & Ravine Ecology

In this webinar, storyteller Hillary Clermont, historian and artist Philip Cote, and Indigenous grower Isaac Crosby connect Toronto’s Indigenous history to current Indigenous-led ecology work, to help understand how we can deepen our connection to the plants and animals of our land and ravines.

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.

Change, Hope, and Tension: Perspectives and Practices on Making Green Spaces BIPOC Inclusive

A Candid Conversation in Celebration of Park People’s 10 Year Anniversary

This webinar explores the barriers and opportunities for creating parks as natural places for engagement across differences.

*The webinar title comes from Jay Pitter, an award-winning placemaker whose practice mitigates growing divides in cities across North America.

The session is held in English; French subtitles are available.

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Leading Trends in City Park Partnerships

This webinar features a wide range of partnership models used in city parks across Canada. From community groups to conservancies, we explore the context underpinning each model and highlight its strengths and limitations. We also take a look at the differences between Canadian and American park partnership models.

Rooted in Park People’s Canadian City Parks Report and a decade of work on park governance, we share the latest opportunities and challenges emerging in Canada’s park partnerships. 

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.

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Ravines and Resilience – Toronto’s Ravines and Climate Change

Our city and our ravines were shaped by past extreme weather events. Looking ahead, our ravines can help us be more climate-resilient. But first, we need to protect them.

In this webinar, David MacLeod, Senior Environmental Specialist with the City of Toronto, and Carbon Conversations TO explore how these natural spaces can mitigate climate impacts and the steps we must take to protect them.

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.

Bridging the Gap: How the park sector can meet today’s complex challenges through collaborations and partnerships

Park People is excited to launch the 2024 Canadian City Parks Report, our sixth annual edition highlighting the most significant trends, issues, and practices shaping Canada’s city parks. 

Watch our special launch webinar to explore our findings:

  • 6 key insights from interviews with park staff and specialists,
  • 9 case studies showcasing inspiring people, projects, and policies from across Canada,
  • Data from surveys of 35 municipalities and over 2,500 residents.

The webinar features an engaging discussion on the future of city parks, with guest speakers from the City of Victoria and Greenspace Alliance. They share opportunities and challenges in their work around collaborations and partnerships, across city departments, communities, non-profits, and more.

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While large natural areas are critical, research shows that small-scale urban biodiversity projects—like pollinator gardens—are critical to healthy city ecosystems. In urban environments, every nook and cranny counts.

In this webinar, hear from experts and advocates on the ecological benefits of these small urban habitats, explore the policies and practices that support (or don’t) this shift and learn how you can start your own tiny habitat – right in your backyard or local park!

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.


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Vibrant parks depend on engaged volunteers -the people-power behind park events as well as park fundraising and marketing efforts. In this webinar, we want to help you develop the creative skills you need to attract and retain park volunteers.

Watch the session to learn best practices for attracting and retaining volunteers, employing good governance practices, and managing burnout and attrition.

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.


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Urban green spaces help mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing temperatures and lowering flood risk. However, unequal access to these spaces leaves many lower-income, racialized communities more vulnerable to these impacts. Addressing these inequities involves more equitable distribution of green space and changes in how we engage and involve communities in the design and planning of city parks.

Experts from across the country explore what environmental justice means for city parks and how the concept is being applied in Canada.

The webinar is held in English; French subtitles are available.


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