Canada’s cities are taking steps to combat the climate crisis by incorporating sustainable practices into their municipal infrastructure. Walkability, cycling lanes, and the addition of greenspaces are being integrated into urban planning to encourage residents to use lower carbon modes of transportation, leading to improved air quality.
A recent study by the Re/Max group, conducted through the website GreaterTorontoHomePros.com, has ranked Canadian cities based on their sustainability efforts. The study used a 10-point system to evaluate 29 cities across the country, considering factors such as walkability, parks, greenspaces, hiking trails, and air quality, relative to their population.
At the forefront of the green revolution in Canada is Kelowna, B.C., which secured the top spot with a score of 70.63 out of 100. The city’s abundant natural beauty, proximity to trails and forests, and focus on pedestrian and cycling routes contributed to its high ranking.
Lethbridge, Alta., claimed the second position with a score of 66.39. The city boasts numerous parks, with 23.3% of its land designated as parkland. While its walkability received a lower score, Lethbridge excelled in cycling infrastructure and hiking trails.
In third place was Fredericton, N.B., with a score of 65.40. Despite its hilly terrain, the city was deemed excellent for cyclists due to the presence of hiking trails and 21 hectares of parkland per 1,000 people, which positively impacted its air quality.
North Vancouver secured a score of 63.02, placing it fourth on the list. The city’s 168 hiking trails and 17 nature and wildlife tours, along with six community gardens or urban farms, contributed to its strong ranking.
Despite being the second-largest city in the top 10, Halifax came in fifth place. The city’s emphasis on public transportation and its availability of urban farms, gardens, hiking trails, and parks boosted its overall score.
As the climate crisis continues to escalate, cities across Canada are recognizing the importance of sustainable urban planning to combat its effects. The ranking by the Re/Max group serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts being made by Canadian municipalities to create greener and more sustainable communities for the benefit of both residents and the environment.
Below are the other cities studied and the ranking as the “greenest” city Score (/100)
1 Kelowna, B.C 71
2 Lethbridge, Alta. 66
3 Fredericton, N.B. 65
4 North Vancouver, B.C. 63
5 Halifax 59
6 Waterloo, Ont. 57
7 Guelph, Ont. 56
8 Vancouver 54
9 Saanich, B.C. 50
10 Thunder Bay, Ont. 49
11 Quebec City 48
12 Richmond, B.C. 47
13 Langley, B.C. 46
14 Calgary 46
15 Surrey, B.C. 43
16 Kitchener, Ont. 42
17 Winnipeg 42
18 Mississauga, Ont. 41
19 Edmonton 40
20 Longueuil, Que. 40
21 Toronto 39
22 Brampton, Ont. 39
23 Ottawa 37
24 Montreal 37
25 Richmond Hill, Ont. 36
26 Gatineau, Que. 34
27 Hamilton, Ont. 33
28 Regina 27
29 Saskatoon, Sask. 24