Carleton University is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecosystems and green spaces that the university owns, manages, or impacts, in order to improve biodiversity and support a landscape that can respond to future climate change.
The Carleton Campus is fortunate to be located in a very natural and green setting, bordered by the Rideau Canal and Rideau River. Students have long identified it as one of the most remarkable parts of the Carleton experience.
Campus Operations
Carleton University’s land use and management of the 62-hectare campus impacts the local ecosystem through the use of water, campus development and construction, landscaping applications (such as fertilizers in the summer or salt in the winter), and stormwater management. The university has a policy for integrated pest management and has not used chemical pesticides on the grounds for at least five years.
Outdoor Space Master Plan
Carleton University developed an Outdoor Space Master Plan in 2020 to help us better plan and develop the outdoor spaces on the campus. This document will assist the university in identifying and prioritizing outdoor improvements to the campus, such as:
- Sidewalks, paths, and trails across the campus to enhance safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists
- Future open space projects to develop green space
- Renovations to existing open spaces to make them more welcoming and multi-seasonal
- Development of a standard for street furniture and lighting
- Indigenous-focused elements
- New pedestrian bridge connection to Vincent Massey Park
Campus Master Plan
Carleton University has undergone significant changes since the adoption of the first campus master plan in 2010, including the construction of Richcraft Hall, Canal Building, and the new Health Sciences building. The purpose of the current master plan is to establish policies, parameters, and directions for the physical development of the campus, including green spaces. READ MORE
Biodiversity
Bird Collision Reporting
Carleton is committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity on its campus. To prevent bird collisions, visual markers (decals) have been applied to the exterior surface of the glass on the Health Sciences and Nicol Buildings. Carleton has also partnered with SafeWings Ottawa to report bird collisions and work towards campus-wide data and identifying key buildings for additional visual markers.
If you observe a bird collision, you can report it through the SafeWings Ottawa website or email Sustainability Carleton with your concerns.
iNaturalist
Do you want to help play a part in developing Carleton’s biodiversity inventory?
Join our iNaturalist project and submit your observations of species you find on campus.