Wawanesa Climate Champions: Local Grants

This project will provide weather protection through the planting of natural shelterbelts in seven community green spaces across the province. Fruit-bearing trees and shrubs will make up the shelterbelts, helping to reduce soil erosion, increase water filtration, and protect the greenhouse structures while providing healthy produce to address the food insecurity in communities. The greenspaces will give MMF an opportunity to hold community workshops to further traditional practices, knowledge, and education to youth by creating an intergenerational learning experience through land-based learning opportunities.

RAINscapeTO will create five rain gardens across the Greater Toronto Area to help capture rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding through the reduction of urban runoff and preventing pollutants from reaching waterways. The project will also promote groundwater recharge, enhance urban green spaces, and provide habitats for pollinators and wildlife. The creation of each rain garden will be led by a BIPOC crew member, helping to create leadership development opportunities in underrepresented communities.

To reduce urban runoff and pollutants entering Sherbrooke’s drainage system, 100m² of asphalt in the downtown area of the city will be replaced with green infrastructure that will divert about 50m³ of rainwater from the sewers each year. REVE Nourricier plans to involve local communities in all the stages of the project, helping to strengthen their sense of belonging to the garden and raise awareness of the environmental challenges created by the adverse effects of climate change on rainfall.