Toronto Grey to Green Conference 2023

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is inviting you to attend the Toronto Grey to Green Conference 2023 on June 11-12.

The way to build resilient communities is through green infrastructure. Join GRHC at the Toronto Grey to Green Conference next month where we will bring together experts, designers, policy-makers, and community leaders to explore the latest trends and innovations in green infrastructure. Themes covered in the conference include designing for the future, moving from policy to practice, and climate-positive design.

June 11: Green Roof Installation & Maintenance Professional Training (GRIMP)

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Training at Toronto Grey to Green, designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in green roof installation and maintenance.

This innovative conference will feature training and tours, including the NEW certification “Green Roof Installation & Maintenance Professional Training” (GRIMP) session with limited registration that involves a combination of hands-on and presentation style training to introduce professionals to the basic skills and knowledge required to install green roofs and maintain them.

The training, led by Dr. Karen Liu of Next Level Stormwater Management, will take place at the Ginkgo Sustainability Facility in Etobicoke, ON on June 11th, 2023.

After the training, a tour of Sherway Gardens will provide participants with a firsthand experience of one of Canada’s largest commercial green roofs, installed in 2014. Led by Dr. Karen Liu and Cristina Senjug of Next Level Stormwater Management, the tour will offer valuable insights into green roof implementation.

The GRIMP Certification is a brand-new program that combines hands-on and presentation-style training to introduce professionals to the fundamental techniques and information necessary for successful green roof installation and maintenance. The comprehensive training covers various green roof systems and planting types. This training is ideal for individuals entering the industry, providing them with valuable hands-on skills development. Designers will also benefit greatly, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects involved in building green roofs.

Space for the GRIMP Training is limited, so early registration is highly encouraged. The registration fee is $495 CAD. Students may apply for a discounted rate by submitting their information through this application form.

June 11: Local Toronto Rooftop Tours

Embark on an exciting journey as we take you on captivating tours at extraordinary locations, including the Morse Street Junior Public School, Avling Brewery, and more. The Grey to Green Conference will continue with a series of exciting rooftop tours across Toronto with expert tour guides who have worked on each project. The tours will take place on June 11 from 9am – 5pm, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore innovative green roof installations across Toronto.

For example, the East End Green Infrastructure Tour, priced at $49, includes 3 different green roofs and will take participants on a multi-stop journey to discover various typologies of green infrastructure in the city. Learn about all the Tours.

The Toronto Grey to Green Conference green infrastructure tours are a fantastic opportunity for professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in sustainable urban development to witness firsthand the benefits and beauty of green infrastructure.

June 12: Excellent Conference Programming, Networking & Speakers

Don’t miss our upcoming expert session and trade show, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from over 17 industry-leading speakers, including:

Keynote speaker Marc Hallé, OALA, FCSLA, Co-président & Landscape Architect at CCxA

• Lily Turner, Director of Green Walls, Urbanstrong
• Arlene Throness, Urban Farm Manager, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Charles Ormsby, Sustainability and Climate Services Leader, ARUP
• Birgit Teichmann, Landscape Architect, Teichmann Landscape Architecture

June 12: Rooftop Farm Reception at Toronto Metropolitan University

June 12 will feature a captivating full-day plenary-style sessions, an exciting trade show, and a glamorous rooftop reception. The Rooftop Farm Reception is a key event taking place during the highly anticipated Grey to Green Toronto Conference.

The reception will take place at the Toronto Metropolitan University Urban Farm, which will be open to the public for the very first time. This reception will be an exclusive evening where you can connect with industry professionals while enjoying breathtaking views of Toronto from one of the city’s most innovative rooftop spaces, particularly in empowering and uplifting BIPOC communities.

Join GRHC and your peers at the Toronto Metropolitan University Urban Rooftop Farm, located in the Daphne Cockwell Complex at 523 (288 Church St, Toronto, ON), on June 12 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Toronto Grey to Green 2023 Agenda & Registration

Join Green Roofs for Healthy Cities on June 11 and June 12 for a memorable experience. See the full agenda and register now to sign up for the GRIMP training, tours, expert presentations, and the reception.

Secure your spot for the Toronto Grey to Green Conference 2023!

~ Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) professional industry association working to grow the green roof and wall industry throughout North America since 1999. Our mission is to develop and protect the market by increasing the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture through education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence.

Read The Living Architecture Monitor: The Spring Issue, our quarterly online magazine that presents the latest in industry design, policy, research and technology developments.

Enroll in The Living Architecture Academy, our online training platform which is dedicated to bringing you the best, most up to date professional development resources on design, installation and maintenance practices.

Visit www.greenroofs.org for more information.