Bringing green space to urban environments across Canada

An intersectionality has emerged between office and hospitality. At the buildings we manage in Canada, we want to create atmospheres and experiences that draw people in, increase foot traffic, elevate pride in the building, and support leasing. The outcomes we have seen are increased asset performance and value.

To activate commercial sites, our Property Management team has introduced several new programs, one being the Colliers Edible and Pollinator Garden. The objectives of the program are to create new community spaces, support wellness, advance building sustainability certification goals, and enhance urban biodiversity. Gardens were launched at more than 40 Colliers managed properties across the country in 2021 and we are now on track for scaling to 80 sites in 2022.

At 95 St. Clair Avenue West, owned by Desjardins Global Asset Management, we added a level of biodiversity unseen on this busy Toronto thoroughfare. The food harvested from the site generated hundreds of pounds of kale, onions, and herbs that were donated to local community food organizations. The initiative was one reason this location won the prestigious International Outstanding Building of the Year Award (BOMA International TOBY Award). In a special mention, the David Suzuki Foundation supported these efforts by tying the gardens to Toronto’s Butterflyway Project. We hope to inspire other Colliers offices around the globe to create green corridors in our urban centres.