Learn more about Canada’s seven most sustainable cities, including eco-friendly initiatives and how they’re leading the way in green living.
Whether you’re a fellow Canadian, you’re thinking of moving or visiting here, or you just really love reading about all things sustainable, then welcome to my list of Canada’s seven greenest cities.
You may think as a country-dweller that I’m not a fan of urban living. But I actually love learning about and exploring different cities – especially well-designed ones. I even lived in one of the cities on this list for eight years!
Plus, as part of my architectural technology degree I studied urban planning and – paired with my obsession for all things green – I truly appreciate the topic of sustainability and cities. After all, over 80% of Canadian’s live in an urban setting. Now, are these cities perfect? No, of course not. But acknowledging what they are doing right is just as important as acknowledging what they could do better. So in this post – I do both.
Let’s take a look at some of Canada’s green cities and dive into the features that put them on the sustainability map. You can also checkout the study I used to compile this list, which was conducted by Corporate Knights in 2022.
Feature(d???) Video
7. Calgary, Alberta
What They Do Well: Air quality, open public space, water access, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, road infrastructure efficiency, sustainable transportation, vehicle dependency, solid waste generated.
Over the past few years, Calgary has become a leader in Canada’s renewable energy sector, which is one way a city can balance both economic growth and sustainability. The city is working toward greening their transportation system and is also focused on restoring their green spaces. Calgary has also shifted toward building energy efficient buildings and actively encourages community-led environmental projects.
6. Edmonton, Alberta
What They Do Well: Air quality, water access, water consumption, solid waste generated, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, open public space, road infrastructure efficiency, sustainable transportation, vehicle dependency.
Ever heard of a “15-minute city?” If not, Edmonton’s city planners want to introduce you to the concept by making the capital city of Alberta fall under that very description. A 15-minute city is one that allows residents to access everything they need within a 15 minute walk of their home. But that’s not all, Edmonton also has been working toward naturalizing their green spaces and becoming a climate-neutral city by 2050.
5. Montreal, Quebec
What They Do Well: Air quality, water access, water consumption, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, open public space, road infrastructure efficiency, sustainable transportation, vehicle dependency, solid waste generated.
Montreal is known for its cultural heritage and eclectic mix of new and old and have also been making strides toward becoming a greener city with a reduced carbon footprint. In 2009, they implemented the BIXI bike-sharing program in order to reduce the city’s vehicle dependency. They also aim to for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and to become completely carbon-neutral by 2050.
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
4. Halifax, Nova Scotia
What They Do Well: Air quality, water access, road infrastructure efficiency, solid waste generated, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, open public space, water consumption, sustainable transport, vehicle dependency.
Halifax’s location on the eastern coast of Canada is linked in so many ways to the decisions the city makes regarding sustainability. Protecting their natural harbour and marine ecosystems are front of mind, which is why the city has implemented strategies to mitigate coastal erosion and to promote ocean literacy. The city also engages in community-led initiatives such as urban farming and volunteer-based conservation programs.
3. Ottawa, Ontario
What They Do Well: Air quality, water access, solid waste generated, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, open public space, water consumption, road infrastructure efficiency, sustainable transport, vehicle dependency.
Canada’s capital city is leading the way – as it should be – in sustainable living with its green building advancements and commitment to renewable energy. Ottawa’s extensive walking and biking paths help encourage residents to choose alternative transportation methods and there are further plans to enhance green spaces. The city also runs educational programs to promote sustainability and has initiatives such as Green Acres, which promotes reforestation.
2. Toronto, Ontario
What They Do Well: Air quality, open public space, water access, solid waste generated, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, road infrastructure efficiency, sustainable transportation, vehicle dependency.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, meaning what they do in regards to sustainable development makes a huge impact on the country – and the planet. The city’s Green Roof Bylaw, adopted in 2009, requires new buildings larger than 2,000 square metres to include a green roof. They also have an extensive public transit system and have strategies such as TransformTO, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2040.
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
What They Do Well: Air quality, water access, solid waste generated, climate change resilience, sustainable policies.
Where They Could Improve: Greenhouse gas emissions, open public space, water consumption, road infrastructure efficiency, sustainable transportation, vehicle dependency.
Vancouver consistently ranks as Canada’s most sustainable city as well as in top ten lists of the greenest cities in the world. The Vancouver Plan is a long-range land-use strategy to create a more livable and sustainable city for all. And among other ambitious green initiatives, Vancouver has implemented a Zero Waste 2040 Strategy, which already helped reduce the city’s waste by 36% between 2008 and 2020.
Thinking about relocating to one of these sustainable cities? If so, turn it into a green long-distance move by donating or selling anything you don’t need to take with you. This will help minimize the load and reduce the emissions of transporting your belongings. Use eco-conscious packing materials such as cardboard boxes collected from local businesses. Lastly, when choosing a moving company make sure to chose one that uses fuel-efficient vehicles and offsets their carbon.
Do you already live in one of these eco cities? If so, let me know in the comments if you agree with its place on this list! And if you need help finding sustainable furniture and decor for your home – regardless of the city you live in – check out my sustainable e-design services.
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Posted on February 29, 2024
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
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