803B - How Planners Can Support Green COVID Recovery and Deliver Community Co-Benefits Through Collaborative Park Renewal: Ecospaces in Bramalea SNAP, Brampton

October 20, 2021

1:30PM - 2:00PM

The global pandemic has underscored the value of local green space and connections with nature, providing much-needed physical and mental relief and space for socially distanced neighbourhood connections. At the same time, there is a convergence of other complex issues also being felt on the ground: aging public infrastructure, local climate impacts, growing chronic health disease, and the recognition of the need for greater social equity and inclusiveness. This presentation outlines how planners can work with local agency partners and communities on integrated solutions through a collaborative, neighbourhood-scale approach to park renewal to achieve green COVID recovery, public health, and community co-benefits.
 
Bramalea, located within the City of Brampton, is a highly diverse community with a unique identity and history as Canada’s first “satellite city.” Through a case study of the recently approved Bramalea Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP), a collaboration of City of Brampton, TRCA, Region of Peel, and Healthy Communities Initiative, the session shows how community interests and multiple layers of climate, public health, and park renewal objectives can be brought together for measurable on-the-ground change.
 
This work demonstrates and underscores the importance of long-term inclusive and innovative engagement, using the full realm of tools from one-on-one conversations to creative forward-thinking activities to higher tech online options. Highlights include the critical importance of bringing community and partners together for all parts of the work — from action planning and objective setting to co-design, implementation, and management. Tracking co-benefits in community well-being, environmental health, and skills training will be explored as a critical part of maximizing impact and helping build the case for integrated climate initiatives.
 
 

Speakers