REWILD TO

Informing and Inspiring Urban Landscape Connectivity Connectivity Catalogue

The Rewild TO report presents a collaborative project between TMU SURP and ARC Solutions, aimed at enhancing biodiversity through improved urban landscape connectivity in the Greater Toronto Area. The project specifically focuses on integrating public and private lands to create connected green networks in urban environments, addressing the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. By examining literature, policies, and spatial data, the report identifies opportunities to bridge the gap between public and private property naturalization efforts and broader ecological connectivity goals.

The report includes a connectivity catalogue featuring six types of urban green spaces (POPS, green roofs, parks, recreation centres, hydro corridors, and business parks) with their associated barriers and opportunities. Geospatial analysis identified “keystone neighbourhoods” with the highest connectivity potential, revealing that affluence often correlates with connectivity opportunities. The policy analysis exposed gaps in municipal frameworks, particularity regarding private landowner incentives and climate adaptation for wildlife. Finally, the report concludes with a roadmap for future work, emphasizing the need for Indigenous partnerships, expanded mapping analysis resources, and strategies to support private residential rewilding efforts to create a more connected and resilient urban landscape.

Citation: Scott, C., Copetti, V., Warren, M., Williams, S. R., & Thomson, L. (2025). REWILD TO: Informing and inspiring urban landscape connectivity. Connectivity Catalogue. Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. https://ecologicaldesignlab.ca/site/uploads/2025/05/Final-ReWildTO-Connecvity-Catalogue.pdf