Reclaiming Pavement and Restoring Nature

In cities across Canada, asphalt and concrete cover everything from unused parking lots to outdated schoolyards, leaving little room for green space to thrive. While these paved surfaces may seem innocuous, they significantly contribute to the urban heat island effect, interrupt the natural water cycle, and reduce biodiversity.  

Asphalt absorbs and retains heat, significantly raising temperatures in cities which can increase energy demand for cooling and pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Furthermore, paved surfaces cannot absorb rainwater, instead, it rushes into storm drains, often carrying pollutants with it. This runoff can overwhelm local waterways, increase flood risks, and degrade aquatic ecosystems. Paved areas also eliminate areas for native plants and animals. Replacing even small patches of pavement with greenery creates essential habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 

The Depave Paradise program is part of the Living Cities Canada Fund led by Green Communities Canada. It is a powerful example of how communities can reclaim neglected pavement and restore urban ecosystems. Since 2012, the program has helped transform impermeable, heat-trapping surfaces into vibrant, living spaces filled with native plants, pollinator habitats, and community gathering spots. 

Armed with pry bars and shovels, volunteers physically remove sections of asphalt or concrete, and these areas are then revitalized with native vegetation. The result is a more productive space both aesthetically and functionally through absorbing stormwater, reducing runoff pollution, improving climate resilience, and supporting urban biodiversity. 

Depave Paradise is a community-driven initiative. Each project is a collaboration between local residents, municipalities, schools, nonprofits, and businesses. These events are not only about physical transformation, they’re also about education, empowerment, and connection. They provide hands-on opportunities for people to learn about the benefits of green infrastructure and take direct action in their neighborhoods.  

To date, Depave Paradise has completed projects in over 30 cities from coast to coast including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and St. John’s. In an era when cities are grappling with climate adaptation and sustainability challenges, programs like Depave Paradise offer a tangible, replicable model for grassroots environmental action that can drive meaningful progress. 

Interested in bringing Depave Paradise to your community? Whether you’re a school, nonprofit, municipality, or engaged citizen, there are resources and support available to help get started.

To take the Depave Paradise coordinator training, visit https://green-communities-canada.thinkific.com/

To learn more about current Depave Paradise and other green infrastructure projects, visit https://greencommunitiescanada.org/programs/living-cities-canada/