Community-driven project improved natural environment around Lake Wilcox

RICHMOND HILL – The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has recognized the City of Richmond Hill, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and eight other partner municipalities with a 2020 Sustainable Communities Visionary Award Honourable Mention for the Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program (SNAP). 

Richmond Hill was a founding partner of the SNAP project – a community-driven model for sustainable urban renewal and climate action which is helping make neighbourhoods more resilient. 

In the Lake Wilcox neighbourhood, the City, project partners and community members worked together to improve the overall health of the lake through private property land management techniques, such as eco-landscaping, lot level stormwater management and water conservation efforts. More than 150 trees were planted and eco-friendly landscaping elements were added to residential properties. Two front yard makeovers were also completed, which included four different stormwater management designs and a variety of native and water efficient plants. These were used as educational examples for more than 150 neighbours looking to learn how to transform their own lawns. 

Participating in the SNAP project also helped to grow other successful and award-winning environmental initiatives in Richmond Hill, such as the Community Stewardship and Healthy Yards programs. Collectively, these three programs have resulted in thousands of native trees being planted on public and private property, helping to increase the City’s overall tree canopy.

To learn more and find out how to participate in Richmond Hill’s environmental initiatives, visit RichmondHill.ca/Environment.

Quotes

“We are honoured by this recognition and proud to have been one of the first municipalities to participate in the SNAP project creating a model for others to follow. Our Council, community and partners such as the TRCA, are committed to protecting our local environment and we look forward to doing more great work together. ” – Mayor Dave Barrow.

About FCM’s Sustainable Communities Awards

FCM’s Sustainable Communities Awards celebrate the most innovative environmental initiatives in Canadian cities and communities of all sizes. Through these awards, FCM recognizes and celebrates sustainability leaders and trailblazers in municipalities across Canada. The awards, delivered by FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF), showcase outstanding municipal projects in asset management, brownfields, climate change, energy, transportation, waste, water, and sustainable neighbourhood revitalization and design.

The Visionary Award is a special award, in recognition of FCM’s Green Municipal Fund’s 20^th anniversary, granted to an initiative that demonstrates how sustainability and innovation can generate long-term community change.

Media Contact
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor
ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca