From Concrete to Canopy: Hamilton’s Mini Forest Initiative

We can transform our cities so they are alive with nature and more resilient to climate change. Revitalizing urban lands can bring about more equitable and inclusive communities. It all starts with one green space, one community, and one decade. 

The United Nations has declared 2020-2030 the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a challenge to breathe life back into degraded landscapes and reconnect communities to their thriving, natural roots. 

Through our Living Cities Canada Fund, Green Communities Canada empowers local organizations to restore ecosystems through equitable, abundant, and thriving green infrastructure, creating resilience in the face of climate change. In 2024, we provided $630,000 in funding to local community organizations across 8 provinces. Together, we transformed over 8,000 square metres at more than 40 sites in 26 cities.  

This is the story of one of those projects. 

Pritchard Trail, Albion Falls, Hamilton (Ontario) 

The Red Hill Valley Parkway in Hamilton is a four-lane freeway that was built in the 2000s. The freeway follows the path of Red Hill Creek and the ecologically sensitive Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) down to Lake Ontario.  

On October 5, 2024, the City of Hamilton hosted a community-driven mini forest planting at Pritchard Trail, near where Red Hill Creek cascades over Albion Falls.

Albion Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the region. Source: Joe deSousa, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Part of an ongoing series of efforts to expand Hamilton’s urban forest canopy, these events encourage residents to shape their neighborhoods, create wildlife habitats, reduce flood risk, and improve air quality through sustainable green infrastructure. 

The event was funded in part by Green Communities Canada’s Living Cities Canada Fund and conducted in partnership with the Greenbelt Foundation. The City of Hamilton led the project by rallying volunteers and resources—trees, mulch, shovels, gloves, and expert guidance from their forestry staff—to plant nearly 870 trees! 

The City of Hamilton is committed to its goal of a 40% canopy cover across the city. Brandy Lin Tiffany, one of its staff, shares her thoughts on the connection between people and trees.  

“My life has always been about the environment. My focus has always been on trees and tree health, and by exploring that, it also demonstrates how people have connections with trees.”

Kristen Bill, Project Manager of Forest Health at the City’s Forestry and Horticulture Department, led this mini forest planting. Kristen envisions equitable and abundant access to natural habitats for future generations. 

“My hope is that it looks untouched by humans—a true forest where the community can walk, wildlife can thrive, and Hamilton has another vital natural linkage.”

Our non-profit members and these projects depend upon volunteers for their success. Josh was one of the volunteers at this event. Inspired to make a positive impact, Josh planted 40 trees himself!  

“This is a zero-cost event where you can do something that really matters and do something that makes a difference and you’re being around people that also want to make a difference.”

Everyone needs to be engaged to advance equitable, abundant, and thriving green infrastructure. Since 2022, Green Communities Canada’s Living Cities Canada Fund has been supporting community-based organizations as they engage citizens in the planning, design, and implementation of local green infrastructure action projects.  

 The Living Cities Canada Fund provides local organizations with training, access to GCC’s project management tools, funding, and logistical support to engage their community, advance local policy changes, and implement on–the–ground solutions.  

Green Communities Canada is grateful to our 2024 Living Cities Canada funders, including Definity Insurance Foundation, TD Ready Commitment, Echo Foundation, Greenbelt Foundation, All One Fund, and the Beacon Design Collective. Their support makes these on-the-ground projects possible.