A new report from the Centre for Cities is using Windsor’s proposed National Urban Park as a blueprint for how Canada can successfully build a network of urban parks that connect people with nature while advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Released Tuesday, National Urban Parks: Lessons for Policy, Connection, and Community examines what it means to create a national park in an urban setting, a concept Parks Canada first introduced in 2021. The federal government originally committed to establishing 15 National Urban Parks by 2030, with three main goals: Advancing reconciliation, protecting nature in cities, and improving access to green space for Canadians. While progress has been slower than expected, Windsor’s proposed National Urban Park received both startup and operational funding in the 2025 federal budget, making it Canada’s second National Urban Park after Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area. The report was developed by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Windsor’s Centre for Cities and is based on two years of community engagement and research conducted through the University’s National Urban Park Hub, funded by Parks Canada. Researchers explored how Windsor residents connect with nature, particularly at the Ojibway Prairie Complex, the proposed park site, and identified barriers that prevent people from building stronger relationships with urban natural spaces. The report also outlines best practices for community engagement and offers several recommendations to help shape future National Urban Parks across Canada. Among its recommendations, the report calls on Parks Canada to establish a clear national framework outlining the purpose and benefits of National Urban Parks before selecting future sites. It also urges governments to prioritize Indigenous land rights and consultation, strengthen partnerships with municipalities, and build long-term local stewardship. Researchers say creating parks in cities represents a significant shift for Parks Canada, which has traditionally focused on large, remote parks that are often accessible only by vehicle. The report argues that urban parks have the potential to make nature more accessible to Canadians while fostering stronger environmental, cultural, and community connections.
