Toronto Transforms 27,000 Acres Into Urban Forest Visible From Space
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📰 The quick summary: Toronto has transformed former industrial areas into thriving urban forests covering 17% of the city, creating a green infrastructure network so extensive it’s visible from space.
📈 One key stat: Toronto’s urban forest network spans 27,000 acres and includes 11.5 million trees, providing natural flood protection while supporting rich biodiversity in North America’s fastest-growing urban center.
💬 One key quote: “Toronto, the bustling metropolis with a population of around 3 million, stands as Canada’s largest city and North America’s fastest-growing urban center.“
1️⃣ The big picture: Toronto has successfully transformed former industrial sites like the Don Valley Brick Works into lush urban forests and wetlands that now form a vibrant ecosystem throughout Canada’s largest city. This green revolution spans over 27,000 acres—17% of the city’s area—and includes more than 186 miles of maintained trails and canoe-able rivers. The United Nations Environment Programme has recognized Toronto’s achievements as a model for urban ecosystem restoration worldwide. These natural spaces provide crucial environmental benefits while creating recreation opportunities for the city’s 3 million residents.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The extensive urban forest network moderates temperatures and purifies air across the metropolis, creating a healthier living environment for millions of residents. With 11.5 million trees including species like sugar maple and white pine, the city has established habitats that support remarkable biodiversity right within urban boundaries. The natural landscape acts as a resilient flood mitigation system, absorbing rainfall and protecting neighborhoods from flooding events. Community involvement in maintaining these spaces has fostered stronger connections between residents and their environment. The project demonstrates that rapid urban growth doesn’t require sacrificing natural ecosystems.
3️⃣ What’s next: Toronto continues to collaborate with other cities through the UNEP’s Generation Restoration project to share best practices for urban ecosystem restoration globally. The city plans to strengthen its legal framework to further prioritize resilience and biodiversity in future development. Toronto is also expanding partnerships with Indigenous communities to incorporate traditional land stewardship practices into urban forest management.
Read the full story here: Sustainability Times – Toronto’s Stunning Green Revolution Turns Canada’s Largest Metropolis Into a Vast Urban Forest Visible From Space
