Public Space Revitalizations: Transforming Our Neighborhood
We see every patch of grass in Aylmer as an opportunity for connection, biodiversity and community. Canopée and Pollinate Aylmer work to revitalize underused public and community spaces, and we can turn “mowed lawns” into vibrant, living classrooms and pollinator havens.
All of our projects are built on collaboration. We work with the people who use these spaces every day, to ensure the transformation meets the needs of both the humans and the habitat.
Featured Project: The Montessori Campus Transformation
Led, designed, and spearheaded by our board member Suzanne, the revitalization of École Montessori de l’Outaouais is our most ambitious project to date, and entering its second phase this year.
The site was a challenging mix of old, compacted soil and the roots of dead trees. Instead of hauling that material away, we used the dead organic matter as the foundation for a new, thriving ecosystem.
What we built together:
- 8 Distinct Ecological Zones: A diverse map of habitats including a Prairie Meadow, a Woodland Shade garden, a Tiny Forest, a Sensory Garden, and a Rain Garden.
- Exploratory Adventure Playground: An “unstructured” play space designed for discovery.
- Natural & Living Structures: We built natural play structures and living willow features that grow along with the students.
- Outdoor Theatre: A community gathering spot for classes and performances.
- Balance: We integrated these wild spaces with functional areas, including a revitalized soccer field.
The result is a thriving, ecologically diverse campus in the heart of old Aylmer that proves that even the most “unusable” land can become a sanctuary for kids and pollinators alike.
Featured Project: The Aylmer Food Centre (CAA)
Our partnership with the Aylmer Food Centre is a beautiful example of how ecology and community support go hand-in-hand.
Phase 1: The Working Garden — Last year, we built a large pollinator garden as part of the Aylmer Butterflyway. The goal was practical: attract pollinators to the CAA vegetable beds to increase harvests, while naturally drawing pests (like the Japanese Beetle) away from the food crops.
The “Yarn Bomb” Fence — While working on the garden, we couldn’t ignore the flimsy, tired fence surrounding the garden space. We reached out to the Aylmer community with a whimsical idea: Yarn Bombing. We’ve been collecting crochet squares all winter and hope to eventually cover the entire fence in local crochet art. If you stop by to drop off donations, look for the stunning art piece created by Pollinate Aylmer‘s own Chantel, right at the front door.
Phase 2: The Edible Revitalization — This season, we are moving into the next phase of the yard:
- Invasive Species Removal: Clearing out non-native plants to make room for what belongs.
- Native Edibles: Planting perennial fruit shrubs that provide food for both humans and birds.
- The Natural Classroom: Creating a dedicated outdoor learning and harvest space where neighbors, volunteers and workshop participants can gather and learn.
- A Rain Garden: Digging, shaping and planting a spot for rain water to gather, and slowly absorb back into the soil, improving moisture and soil quality in surrounding planted areas.
Future Vision: We are actively seeking funding to replace the existing fence and vegetable beds, build new shade structures, and — the slightly out-there idea we are excited about — explore a small rooftop garden to maximize every inch of CAA’s growing space.
Why Revitalize Public Spaces?
- Building Ecological Corridors: These sites act as “stepping stones,” connecting the habitat islands in our community, and returning safe shelter, nesting and food sources to our local pollinators.
- Hands-on Education: By bringing both native plants and biodiversity to schools and community hubs, we make ecological literacy a daily experience.
- Community Stewardship: When neighbors help dig, plant, and yarn-bomb, they take ownership. These spaces are cared for by the community, for the community.
- Climate Resilience: These revitalizations manage rainwater, reduce local heat, and require far less maintenance than traditional landscaping once established.
Let’s Revitalize Your Space
Do you know of a public space in Aylmer that is “all grass and no life”? We are always looking for our next project.
- Schoolyards: Let’s turn your playground into a learning lab.
- Community Hubs: We can help design and plant spaces that bring people together.
- Local Businesses: Show your commitment to Aylmer’s biodiversity with a pollinator-friendly storefront.