Carleton is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecosystems and green spaces the university owns, manages, or impacts, in order to improve biodiversity and support a landscape that will respond to future climate change.
The Carleton Campus is uniquely fortunate to be located in a very natural and green setting being 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’s land use and management of the 62 hectare campus impact the local ecosystem through the use of water, campus development and construction, landscaping applications such as fertilizers in summer or salt in winter, and storm water management. The university has a policy for integrated pest management and has used no chemical pesticides on the grounds in at least five years.
Outdoor Space Master Plan
Carleton University has developed an Outdoor Space Master Plan (2020) to help us better plan and develop the outdoor spaces on the campus. This document will help the university identify and prioritize 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
- Develop a standard for street furniture and lighting
- Indigenous-focused elements
- New pedestrian bridge connection to Vincent Massey Park
Biodiversity
Bird Collision Reporting
Carleton is committed to protecting and enhancing the biodiversity on our campus. One practical way to demonstrate this is the application of visual markers (decals) on the exterior surface of glass on our Health Sciences buildings help prevent bird collisions. 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.
You can report bird collisions through the SafeWings Ottawa website or email sustainability carleton with your concerns.
Campus Master Plan
Carleton University has evolved significantly since the adoption of the first campus master plan in 2010, including the construction of Richcraft Hall and Canal Building and the new Health Sciences building. The purpose of this plan is to set the parameters, policies and directions for the physical development of the campus, including green spaces. READ MORE