Boulevard Naturalization Pilot Program

In the fall of 2022, Council directed administration to develop a boulevard naturalization pilot program. This initiative involves returning land to its natural state by ceasing mechanical control and allowing existing vegetation to grow in place. Many municipalities within Alberta are moving towards more naturalized landscapes to capitalize on the many ecosystem services provided by natural areas.

At the February 21, 2023 Council meeting, Administration presented the pilot program and Council approved to proceed. The following locations are being evaluated as part of the pilot program from spring 2023 to fall 2025:

• 116 Ave near Copperwood
• 84th Ave near Canfor
• Resources Road

Information Sessions

City administration hosted three information sessions in 2023 at the designated locations to engage with residents who back onto the pilot areas. The following feedback was collected and compiled into a What We Heard report. This feedback was presented to Council in the fall of 2023.

Fall 2023 Changes

Throughout the pilot program, City administration has been evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of naturalizing boulevards within our city. Based on these evaluations to date, City Council has directed adjustments to the program boundaries in:

• 116 Ave near Copperwood
• 84th Ave near Canfor
• Resources Road

The general areas affected by these changes are marked in red on the map located here. The City will mow a maintenance strip (red) along the back of residential fences in both the 116 Ave and Resources Road pilot locations. The south portion of the 84^th Ave pilot location was also removed.

We encourage all residents who have questions about the pilot program to stay informed by visiting the City's website at cityofgp.com/naturalization or by reaching out to us via email at info@cityofgp.com or by calling 311.

What are the benefits of naturalizing?

• Slows water runoff, reducing erosion and increasing absorption, particularly on slopes.
• Stabilizes the banks around storm ponds, berms, and ditches to prevent erosion.
• Filters stormwater, protecting riparian areas that form part of the City’s drainage system.
• Reduces mowing & fertilization, which lowers the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Facilitates improved carbon sequestration on the landscape.
• Supports habitat for bird species and pollinators.
• Improves worker safety by removing heavy equipment from operating on slopes.
• Reduces infrastructure & equipment damage by removing equipment from wet areas.
• Improves operational efficiency and capacity to absorb new parkland through development.
• Increases biodiversity on the landscape, which improves resilience to insect/disease issues.