MAINTAINING PARKS AND GREEN SPACE IMPROVES LIFE AND ATTRACTS BUSINESS
It’s tough keeping up with transplanted Toronto urbanist Gil Penalosa as he jets around the globe, spreading the gospel of his “8-80 Cities” concept for building more livable cities.
“We live in a globalized world and people can be whatever and wherever they want,” says Bogota native Penalosa, as our phone interview begins between his flights, in Tokyo. “So quality of life becomes the most important tool of economic development.”
The Vital Signs 2012 Report on Toronto focuses on the city’s environment by examining its progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reaching a goal of 70 per cent in waste diversion.
Penalosa agrees with these goals, and rattles off examples of other cities around the world taking action to cut emissions, including car-friendly Los Angeles, which imposed a new tax last year to support public transit. It did this in the face of an economic slowdown.
After he touches down in Mexico City to share ideas with officials about building cities that “are good for an 8-year-old and good for an 80-year-old,” we talk again, and Penalosa says Toronto needs to renew its commitment to parks and green spaces.
“We need a city-wide system of parks, but we have not made the case for the benefits,” he said, linking the improvement and expansion of green spaces to the reduction of greenhouse gas and attracting talent, human capital and businesses to the city.
“Boeing chose Chicago for its headquarters, and the number-one reason was because of its parks and public spaces.”
Penalosa said he is hopeful that Mayor Rob Ford kept “his ears, eyes and mind open” during his recent trip to Chicago, and noted that city’s commitment to creating vibrant public spaces. In contrast, Toronto “takes care of its potholes faster than it deals with maintenance of its parks,” he says.
“With parks, it’s not just about fun and games,” he adds. “It’s also about health and quality of life. Parks are where we build communities and develop a sense of belonging.”