A chance to positively impact climate change, and positively impact wellness of residents and wildlife

Keeping with the theme of "Trees for future heat domes" by fellow Port Moody resident "Heikel", trees and other vegetation are going to help us bear the brunt of the endless heat that climate change will bring to us in upcoming Summers. It will also help us reduce the impact we have had on insect populations that are vital to humanity.

Humans' obessesion with neatly manicured non-native grasses needs to be left behind, and we must move to enjoying a landscaping style that some may view as unkempt or busy. Lets abandon the perception that areas that appear wild are simply weeds - the landscape is not meant to be flat, endless green and sparse trees, or hot dark pavement. We have a great opportunity to find places to revitalize via urban meadows to nurture the local insects and wildlife, and perhaps even bring visitors to our beautiful city. A great example of what can be done even in a huge, bustling city: the High Line garden/urban meadow in New York (thehighline.org) was a disused railroad track has been turned into an ecologically rich garden that can be visited with a free pass. In addition the High Line provides a place for community outreach and educational programs that nurture the local community. As an additional example, but larger and within Canada is the Meadoway (Scarborough, ON) a 16KM long Hydro corridor being developed into an urban park and meadow to be enjoyed by residents and wildlife alike (themeadoway.ca). While we may not have that amount of space, reclaiming even small spaces or revitalizing existing green spaces can have an effect.

Port Moody has unbelievable potential, and it is incredibly important to me that it is harnessed for the physical and mental health of residents. Should that not be something that you agree with or care about, looking at it from the economically advantageous perspective of how the transformation of our green spaces and city could create local jobs and bringvisitors to local businesses may be of more interest. Lets make PoMo an even more beautiful place to visit that can compete with the usual popular attractions of Kitsilano beach or North Vancouvers' suspension bridge. If we invest in caring for our enviroment, it can only benefit us all in a multitude of ways.