Bringing the Forest Back to the Forest City:  A Redesign of Reg Cooper Square

This presentation explores the redesign of a underutilized public square located in Downtown London. The project looks at the analysis, ideation, and visualization of the site and proposed changes for an updated design. With an emphasis on greening the city, I created a design which encompasses the identity of London as the Forest City. I chose to incorporate passive and active public spaces mixed with Carolinian Ecozone species, with each of the three major Carolinian ecosystem types (wetlands, prairies, and forests) having a distinct role in the design. To me, it is so important to plan and create spaces which allow urban residents to experience the natural world and I truly believe my proposed changes for Reg Cooper Square allow that to happen. I hope you enjoy!

SPEAKER: Connor Turnecliff, Fanshawe College

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Planning for Longstanding Sustainability:  Addressing the Downfalls of Green Infrastructure Planning (Timestamp 16:48)

One of the significant opportunities for cities across Canada lies in incorporating and protecting nature to strengthen community's resilience. Green infrastructure and natural assets can be an extremely cost-effective and efficient substitute or addition to traditional infrastructure practices and provide a wide variety of co-benefits. This presentation focuses on several benefits of green infrastructures, such as flood protection, air quality, biodiversity, and cooling. Through completing a case study analysis and semi-structured interviews with professionals across Canada, this presentation highlights the critical downfalls of green infrastructure implementation and poses potential solutions. This presentation will explore the importance of green infrastructure, key barriers, and nature-based solutions to the many challenges facing cities across the country.

SPEAKER: Courtenay Miller, Vancouver Island University

Presentation