Green spaces at UTM

UTM is well-known for its beautiful natural setting, located along the banks of the Credit River.  Wildlife such as squirrels, groundhogs, possums, raccoons, rabbits and deer are commonly seen on campus.

Since 2004, over 20 sites on campus have been removed from mowing and planted with native species of trees and wildflowers.  Removal of invasive species from these sites as well as stewardship and monitoring of these naturalized areas is ongoing.

In addition, UTM's newest stormwater management pond (at the south end of campus by parking lot 4) collects all campus stormwater runoff (water that is not absorbed by the ground and runs off of impervious areas like buildings and parking lots).  The water is then naturally filtered to remove contaminants before the water enters the Credit River.  The pond provides habitat for wildlife and is one of the best bird-watching spots on campus.  Monitoring of the pond's water quality is ongoing.

Seven of UTM's buildings have green roofs (roofs which are planted with vegetation):  CCT (over the parking garage), the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre, Instructional Centre, Terrence Donnelly Health Sciences Complex, the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, Innovation Complex, and Deerfield Hall.  Green roofs have many benefits, including insulating the building, reducing the urban heat island effect, improving stormwater quality & reducing runoff, and providing habitat for wildlife.

Photography by Randy Landicho