PARKS+
A Civic Endowment Fund for Nature
The PARKS+ model is an integrated governance and financing framework designed to support the delivery, expansion, and long-term sustainability of urban park systems in rapidly growing cities. Developed within the context of Toronto, the project responds to increasing pressure on land, infrastructure, and ecological systems by positioning parks as critical infrastructure, capable of delivering measurable environmental and social benefits.
PARKS+ proposes a new approach to planning and managing parks through the creation of a Civic Endowment Fund for nature. This model supports the development of park systems that are abundant, accessible, biodiverse, and connected, while ensuring they are protected and maintained over time. The report identifies key challenges with current park delivery tools, particularly in high-growth areas where land is scarce and expensive. Cities continue to face intensifying environmental pressures such as urban heat, stormwater runoff, flooding, and biodiversity loss. PARKS+ responds by linking financial strategies directly to ecological outcomes, treating parks as high-performing ecological systems that contribute to climate resilience and urban well-being
To achieve this, the model introduces innovative funding mechanisms, including Civic Infrastructure Bonds to generate upfront capital for park acquisition and development, and a long-term endowment fund to support ongoing maintenance and performance. Together, these tools create a direct connection between investment, environmental impact, and community resilience. The framework is supported by a governance model built on seven core principles and a multidisciplinary board that brings together expertise in ecology, Indigenous knowledge, finance, municipal policy, and community engagement. Performance is tracked through key indicators focused on biodiversity, climate resilience, health outcomes, and social connectivity.
The PARKS+ model is applied to the Downsview Airport Lands (YZD) redevelopment to demonstrate how it can operate in practice. This case study shows how the framework can guide decision-making, balance development pressures, and ensure parks remain functional, resilient, and beneficial as cities grow.