Embracing Greener Spaces: Cultivating a Sustainable Vision through Community Planning
Living Cities with Green Community Canada
Green Venture is participating in the Living Cities project sponsored by Green Communities Canada to bring accessible green spaces to Hamilton! With additional funding from ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s Corporate Community Fund, Green Cities Foundation, Rain Haven, Reactine, and Tree Canada, Green Venture will be transforming over 2000 sq feet of lawn, pavement, and concrete at Laidlaw Memorial United Church at the intersection of Ottawa Street and Cannon Street in Ward 3. Over the past few months, Green Venture has hosted a series of community planning workshops and events at Laidlaw Memorial United Church. These workshops aimed to engage residents in envisioning sustainable and vibrant green spaces. Let’s delve into the highlights of each workshop:
Workshop 1: Vision and Dreams
In the first workshop, participants let their imaginations soar. They shared their grand visions for making Ottawa Street more vibrant—dreams of lush green spaces, thriving gardens, and winding permeable pathways. The energy was contagious as we collectively painted a picture of what the church grounds could become.
![Laidlaw Workshop 1 Workshop participants collaborating on site designs](https://gvdevsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/LaidlawWorkshop1GroupShot-1-scaled.jpg)
Workshop 2: Designing Our Green Oasis
Workshop two was all about turning dreams into reality. Building upon the feedback from the initial session, we dove into the nitty-gritty of design. We explored specific plant species suitable for our climate, discussed seating and permeable pavement options, and even placed them on the site map. The result? Several potential blueprints for our green oasis, where benches nestled under flowering trees invite neighbors to linger and connect.
![Workshop 2 Group Site Design Example of a design for the south lawn created by a workshop group](https://gvdevsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-28-122207-e1716913379496.png)
Workshop 3: Alley Beautification
The third event was hands-on and community-driven. Armed with shovels and native plant seedlings, volunteers gathered in the alley behind the church. Together, we transformed the once-blank space into a burst of color. Vibrant blooms will now line the walls, creating a welcoming path for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a small step toward a more beautiful and resilient neighborhood.
![Laidlaw alley before planting Laidlaw alley prior to planting](https://gvdevsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BeforePlantinglandscape-scaled.jpg)
![Laidlaw Alley after planting Laidlaw alley after planting](https://gvdevsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AlleyPlantingCompleted-scaled.jpg)
Lessons Learned
Throughout these workshops, we discovered that our collective vision is powerful. Residents expressed a desire for more greenery, accessible seating, and community-led initiatives. Small actions—like planting native species in forgotten corners—can have a big impact on community well-being.
Join Us for Planting Day!
On June 22, let’s take our dreams and designs to the next level. Join Green Venture and fellow volunteers as we transform four sites, including grassy lawns and portions of the church’s parking lot by planting 16 trees and more than 500 perennials and shrubs. Together, we’ll make our community bloom!
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
- Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm EST
- Location: Laidlaw United Church, 155 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z2, Canada
RSVP Today
Register today to volunteer at the Laidlaw Community Planting Day by signing up here. Let’s make Ottawa Street a greener place to be!