Urban green spaces enhance our lives in cities. Parks serve as spaces for physical activity, mental health, social contact, and connection with nature across Canada. As sanctuaries, they strengthen our bonds with nature and promote biodiversity. According to the 2023 Canadian City Parks Report, parks had high use and reflected great value during the period studied. Indeed, 94% of cities reported increased use of parks in the last year. Parks were also used more in the winter for 50% of Canadians and 73% expected this use to continue. Of all park types, Canadians say they preferred to visit local neighbourhood parks (71%), natural areas (61%), and trails (60%) for nearby green spaces. Community Park groups continued to use their local parks across the country.
There were interviews with 44 senior parks staff from 30 municipalities, who shared challenges they are facing, the projects and people that inspire them, and the vision for the future of city parks. About 64% of city residents said they visit parks two to three times per week or more, including 29% who visit every day or almost every day; while 51% of city residents said they’d like to spend more time in parks than they currently do. Addressing impacts from climate change/extreme weather is one of the challenges for 94% of cities; 60% said they feel equipped with the knowledge and tools to address climate change through their work in parks. Only 57% of cities agreed that most parks are well-designed and planned to withstand the impacts of climate change, but 3% strongly agreed. When many informal parallel bike trails lead to the same place, “during certain periods of the year, maybe we close the park and allow wildlife to migrate through it.” See: https://ccpr.parkpeople.ca/2023/ for more on this report.
