Since 1997
The Greenspace Alliance
The Greenspace Alliance works with community organizations and individuals to preserve and enhance natural areas in the National Capital area, including public and private green spaces, wetlands and waterways.
Concerned residents formed the Alliance in October 1997. An important part of our work involves engaging with all levels of government and other stakeholders.
We believe that urban greenness is essential for a community’s quality of life, contributing to our personal, social, economic, cultural and spiritual well-being. It also connects us with the natural and cultural history of our region.
Our Story
A Bit Of History…
Urban greenness connects us with the natural and cultural history of our region.
Join hands to create a greener tomorrow.
Members from the Heron Walkley Alliance, Fairlea Community, Riverside Park, Greenboro, Hunt Club, and other communities were concerned that there was an attempt to sell off for development a large swath of public land called the “Southern Corridor” that was adjacent to these communities. This land had been bought and expropriated in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s by the NCC and its predecessor, the Federal District Commission, to create a grand ring parkway around Ottawa. When that was no longer needed, the NCC sought to raise money by trading preservation of some areas for the right to develop in other areas of the Southern Corridor. People who had worked together saw the paucity of greenspace along with the onslaught of attempts to reduce it further. They decided that these communities had to work together to preserve significant greenspace or it would be lost forever.
Initially, four people created the concept: Tom Gabor of the Greenboro Community Association, Erwin Dreessen of the Riverside Park Community and Recreation Association, Bryan Hawley of the Fairlea Community Association and Shelley Parlow of the Hunt Club Community Organization. After an initial meeting they contacted others and the Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital was born.
We believe that urban greenness is essential for a community’s quality of life, contributing to our personal, social, economic, cultural and spiritual well-being.
Get involved! Become a member! Please click on “Get Involved” in the top banner.
Let's Connect
Ongoing Activities
- Commenting on planning and zoning amendments related to natural and open space concerns, including the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan and plans initiated by the National Capital Commission.
- Raising awareness about currently threatened greenspace in the National Capital area.
- Providing a website and e-mail lists for public information and discussions.
- Engaging in mutual alliances with conservation and community organizations, including the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, the Federation of Citizens’ Associations, the Healthy Transportation Coalition and other regional and local community organizations.
The Greenspace Alliance
By-Laws
In 2011 the Greenspace Alliance re-incorporated as “Greenspace Watch.” Greenspace Watch has exclusive rights to the use of the name “Greenspace Alliance of Canada’s Capital” (“Alliance pour les espaces verts de la capitale du Canada”) and operates under that name.
At its first AGM on May 29, 2012, the By-laws were slightly amended to conform to the new Not-for-profit Corporations Act. These are our current By-laws.
On November 27, 2012, “Greenspace Watch” received its Certificate of Continuance, dated October 11, 2012, under section 211 of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (Corporation number 784577-4).
The Greenspace Alliance
Our Team
Board of Directors
Paul Johanis
Chair & Treasurer
Nicole DesRoches
Vice-Chair
Jason Kania
Director
Juan Pedro Unger
Director
Terry McIntyre
Director
Iola Price
Director
