Green Working Group

The PARA Green Working Group focuses on greening the PARA neighbourhood as well as advocating for broader environmental responsibility, notably through our Green Plan.

Our main activities in the last year have been:

• Zero Waste Pilot Project: In coordination with the Harbord Village Resident’s Association, PARA has started a Zero Waste pilot project to assist households in reducing their waste. Click Read More for more information. If you want to join in, send an email to zerowaste@palmerstonara.org.

• Pollinator Garden at Harbord Collegiate: The pollinator garden at Harbord Collegiate is in its 3rd year!  We received a grant from PollinateTO in partnership with Harbord Collegiate to establish a pollinator garden in the school’s front yard.  Working with the students and community members, the garden beds were prepared and planted in May 2022. Students are using their volunteer hours to help with weeding and maintenance. The public are invited to help every Tuesday 6:30 - 8:00pm.

• Pollinator Garden on Manning south of Bloor: In 2023 the City of Toronto kindly agreed to create a 60 foot long garden from what was once a neglected area beside a parking lot. They planted dozens of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. Maintenance of the garden is under the care of local neighbours. For more information, send an email to info@palmerstonara.org.

• Pollinator Gardens on Euclid by Harbord Collegiate Tennis Courts: Two pollinator gardens were established in 2023 and are flourishing under the care of local neighbours.

• Tree Canopy Project: As part of the annual Jane’s Walk program, the PARA Green Working Group held a Tree Walk on May 5th 2024. The event was attended by an enthusiastic group of 50 people, and led by University of Toronto Forestry alumni Eric Davies. We started at Healey Willan Park, and strolled through our beautiful neighbourhood, discovering heritage trees - including a 200 year old Burr Oak that was here before there was a PARA neighbourhood!

  We are proud to support the Heritage Oak Initiative, a local program which is planting indigenous oak trees in order to improve the urban forest canopy. To request your FREE oak tree, send an email to newheritageoaks@gmail.com.

• Community clean-ups: Our last spring clean up day was held on Apr 21. Many of our neighbours gathered at Healey Willan Park and then fanned out to clean up our local streets and lane-ways.

• Healey Willan Community Garden: Ongoing care and maintenance of the 3 community gardens in this lovely parkette. A neighbourhood group has begun the creation of a children’s edible garden in a raised bed.

• Environmental Advocacy: We are participating in community consultations with the City such as the bike lanes on Palmerston Boulevard and the College Street cycling and pedestrian upgrades.  As well, we have advocated for maintaining green space in our community through presentations to the City.

• Net Zero Emissions (GHG): We are working closely with the Harbord Village Residents' Association (HVRA) to promote and support their Net Zero initiatives such as heat pumps, induction stoves, home insulation and e-bikes. Click here for more info.

• PARA Green Plan: in partnership with our city Councillor’s office, we have created a strategic planning document which guides PARA’s environmental actions and goals, which can form part of the city planning process.