Analyzing Sustainable Development Practices in Greater Toronto Area Urban Parks

Urban park landscapes function best under the three pillars of sustainability: economical, environmental, and social. Not only do urban parks relieve stress from urban life, but they also mitigate environmental stresses resulting from the current changing climate conditions. Building on research from 2010, the goal of this study is to investigate whether municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have or have not enhanced sustainable development practices in park planning, design, construction, and management over the last decade. A qualitative study utilizing questionnaires was created based on recent sustainable development guidelines and academic literature. Brampton, Markham, Mississauga, and Vaughan were selected as case studies, as baseline data on this topic was gathered in a 2010 thesis. Park planning professionals in those municipalities responded to questionnaires, and results are analyzed and discussed.