Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Growing Together at Sunshine Academy
by Patricia Aldred, CAPDA
Three years ago, Sunshine Academy began an ambitious project to transform a portion of its school yard from asphalt into a greener, more welcoming space for students. Three years later, that vision is taking root in a garden that is greener, fuller and more vibrant than ever.
Through a partnership with GRAME (Groupe de recommandations et d’actions pour un meilleur environnement) and the VIVRE project (Ville inclusive, verte, résiliente et équitable), 140 square metres of asphalt were removed. What was once a paved surface is becoming a living space where students can interact with nature, observe biodiversity and experience the changing seasons.
The project was designed with several goals in mind. Bringing more plants and trees into the school yard creates opportunities for students to connect with nature while increasing biodiversity on the school property. It also contributes to improved stormwater management, an increasingly important consideration in the community.
The increased vegetation will also help mitigate the urban heat island effect by replacing heat-absorbing asphalt with greenery. A total of 16 trees were planted across the property. As they grow, they will provide much-needed shade and create cooler, more comfortable spaces for students to play and spend time outdoors.
In the years ahead, some of the trees will provide another important benefit: shading the school’s south-facing façade. As the canopy grows, it will help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the building, contributing to cooler classrooms during the warmer months.
The transformation is a wonderful example of how a school yard can become more than a place to play. As the garden and trees continue to grow, so too will the students who learn, explore and connect with nature in this space—making it a place that grows with them, year after year.
One Response
A big Thank you to Home and school for this great project that they continue to help build and grow . From garden clubs to fundraisers to help purchase items for this space !