CONNECT WITH US
What is the Depave Paradise program?
Depave Paradise is a project of Green Communities Canada and partners across the country, including Oakvillegreen. Depave projects empower community organizations to create new urban greenspace by tearing up unused pavement and planting gardens. These projects are fun and transformative!
Why Depave?
Hard surfaces like driveways, roads and parking lots interrupt the natural water cycle. This prevents rain from soaking into the ground, compounds flood risk, and increases the heat island effect in our urban areas. In Oakville, 40% of our surface area is impervious (paved)!
With the impacts of climate change, we are experiencing increased rainfall volumes as well as increased frequency and severity of storm events. A 12% increase in precipitation has already been documented over the last 50 years in Oakville (Town of Oakville, 2014).
Depaving:
- Improves stormwater infiltration and improves water quality
- Decreases the heat island effect and helps to cool urban areas
- Provides habitat for pollinators and wildlife
- Makes permanent positive changes to neighbourhoods and builds community connections
Depave at Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre
A true community affair, Oakvillegreen and volunteers removed almost 100m2 of unutilized asphalt in October 2019, turning it into a naturalized garden for the families and friends of Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre. Many volunteers got their hands dirty to complete the project, including Oakvillegreen Youth Stewards, members of the OPNC after-school program, and local families. OPNC Director Michelle Knoll was involved in the project every step of the way.
Do you have an idea for a public space in Oakville that needs depaving? We depave everything from old parking lots, city properties, business locations, and more!
Contact: programs@oakvillegreen.org for more information
Thank you to our partner, Green Communities Canada and to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for support of this initiative.