How the Canadian political climate is affecting landscape design
By Haig Seferian
The current political landscape in Canada has a profound effect on landscape design, influencing everything from urban development and climate change policies to social equity and Indigenous rights. Political decisions and policies at the federal, provincial and municipal levels shape the ways landscapes are conceptualized, designed and executed.
Climate change and environmental policy
One of the most significant political forces affecting landscape design in Canada today is the growing emphasis on climate change. Canada’s political leadership has made climate action a priority, particularly under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, which is committed to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a green economy. As the country faces increasingly severe weather events such as wildfires and floods, landscape designers are tasked with developing solutions that enhance climate resilience.
Federal and provincial policies promoting sustainability are pushing landscape architects to incorporate green infrastructure into their designs, such as stormwater management, green roofs and permeable surfaces. Urban areas are being reimagined to address the effects of climate change. This includes designing parks, streetscapes and public spaces that prioritize environmental stewardship, reduce heat islands and enhance biodiversity.
For instance, the Canadian government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has led to a greater demand for environmentally responsible design solutions. Landscape architects now focus on creating spaces that not only beautify urban areas but also contribute to carbon sequestration, energy conservation and ecosystem restoration. Policies that promote the protection of natural resources, such as forests, wetlands and waterways encourage designers to create spaces that align with broader environmental goals.
However, the political climate can also present challenges, especially when there is pushback against strong environmental regulations. Shifting political priorities, such as a focus on economic growth or resource extraction, can result in policies that undermine environmental protections, making it harder to implement climate-resilient solutions. In such cases, landscape designers may find their efforts constrained by policies that prioritize development over sustainability.
Indigenous rights and reconciliation
The political landscape has increasingly focused on Indigenous rights and reconciliation, which directly impacts landscape design — especially when working on lands with Indigenous histories or in collaboration with Indigenous communities. The federal government’s recognition of the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, particularly through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, is influencing how landscapes are planned and developed across the country.
Landscape designers are now more frequently called upon to engage with Indigenous communities and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, traditions and values into design projects. This might include the use of traditional ecological knowledge in planning green spaces, respecting culturally significant landscapes and ensuring that design practices align with Indigenous worldviews. Furthermore, landscape architects are increasingly involved in co-designing public spaces, collaborating with Indigenous peoples to create environments that honour their heritage and connection to the land.
However, integrating Indigenous perspectives into landscape design can also be politically contentious. Issues around land rights, resource development and environmental stewardship can create tension between Indigenous groups, governments and developers. Landscape designers must navigate these complex political dynamics, balancing the demands of various parties while respecting Indigenous sovereignty and ensuring culturally sensitive designs.
Urban development and public infrastructure
Urbanization is another key factor influencing landscape design, as cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal continue to grow. Political priorities around urban development, housing and infrastructure are shaping the way cities are designed and how public spaces are integrated into urban environments. The push for affordable housing and sustainable cities has led to an increased emphasis on creating multifunctional urban spaces that incorporate green infrastructure alongside housing and transportation development.
Recent political movements in Canada, such as the federal government’s infrastructure investments, focus on revitalizing urban areas and promoting public spaces that encourage community interaction and well-being. These investments have led to an uptick in landscape design projects that prioritize green spaces, recreational facilities and pedestrian- friendly environments. Landscape architects play a crucial role in the creation of these spaces, ensuring that public parks, plazas and greenways are integrated into urban developments.
Debates over urban sprawl, zoning laws and property development often affect the scope of landscape design projects. When political agendas favour growth or privatization, there can be a lack of emphasis on preserving public green space or integrating natural elements into urban design. As a result, landscape designers may face obstacles in advocating for green space preservation in the face of political pressures that prioritize development.
Social equity and public health
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on social equity and public health in Canadian political discourse. Landscape design is increasingly seen as a tool for addressing social issues such as inequality, access to public services and community health. Politicians at various levels of government are placing greater emphasis on creating inclusive and accessible public spaces that meet the needs of diverse populations.
In particular, the push to reduce health disparities in underserved communities has led to more investment in designing public parks, community gardens and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. Landscape designers are now tasked with creating environments that encourage physical activity, mental well-being and social interaction. These spaces are particularly important in marginalized areas where green space may be limited.
The focus on public health has prompted political leaders to invest in spaces that can help reduce the spread of disease and promote mental health. Public health policies that support these efforts provide landscape designers with the opportunity to create spaces that enhance the well-being of communities.
However, the political climate can also hinder progress in social equity. Budget cuts, political gridlock or competing development priorities may delay or prevent the creation of equitable public spaces, leaving underserved communities without access to the resources they need.
Additionally, political decisions regarding land-use regulations, zoning laws and environmental protections shape the constraints and opportunities landscape designers face. Political shifts can lead to changes in these regulations, which either open up or close off certain design possibilities.
Adapting for the future
The current Canadian political situation is shaping landscape design in profound ways, from climate action and urban development to social equity and Indigenous rights. As political priorities continue to evolve, landscape designers will need
to adapt their practices to address the growing demands for sustainable, inclusive and resilient landscapes that respond to both the needs of the environment and the diverse communities they serve.
HAIG SEFERIAN - CLD, APLD, OALA, FCSLA, FASLA, IFLAPrincipal landscape architect at SDG Landscape Architects based in Burlington, Ont.