Roads are a leading source of runoff and runoff pollution, but they also offer one of the greatest opportunities for transformation. By integrating green infrastructure (also known as low-impact development) into publicly owned rights-of-way, municipalities can significantly reduce runoff volumes from the road surface and surrounding lands.  

Green Communities Canada partnered with Credit Valley Conservation in 2015-16 to explore the potential for right-of-way green infrastructure. The project focused on identifying practical barriers and solutions, and engaging practitioners and decision-makers in this work. Key outcomes included:

1. Grey to Green Road Right-of-Way Retrofit Guide: A practical and accessible guide by Credit Valley Conservation offering information, guidance, case studies, and tools to help municipalities of any size implement and operate Low Impact Development practices in right-of-ways.
2. Final project report – A summary of a one-day workshop held in Port Credit, Mississauga, on March 1, 2016.
3. Toronto Green Street Presentation – Toronto Green Streets: Building a Resilient City through Green Infrastructure, presented by Sheila Boudreau (Toronto City Planning) and Patrick Cheung (Toronto Water).
4. Background discussion paper – prepared for participants prior to attending the Roads and Runoff workshop in March 2016.

Thanks to the Places to Grow Implementation Fund, the province of Ontario, for financial support for this project.

Want to Learn More About Our Green Infrastructure Initiatives?

These resources were developed as part of our award-winning RAIN Community Solutions program, a collaborative initiative led by Green Communities Canada and our member organizations from 2010 to 2021/2022. The program aimed to advance green stormwater infrastructure (also known as low impact development), restore the urban water cycle, and reduce runoff pollution. RAIN received national recognition, including the 2015 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence and the 2014 Council of the Federation Excellence in Water Stewardship Award. 

Now a legacy program, RAIN has been integrated into our broader green infrastructure work through Living Cities Canada, where our commitment to advancing sustainable, community-led stormwater solutions continues.

Visit our Green Infrastructure webpage to learn more.