Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is pleased to announce the launch of CitiesAlive 2024, which marks its twentieth anniversary with a grand celebration in the vibrant City of Toronto!  CitiesAlive will explore the role of green roofs and green infrastructure in advancing climate mitigation and adaptation, addressing housing affordability, social and economic equity, and moving towards the decarbonization of landscapes.

This truly multi-disciplinary event will be an exceptional experience, with deep dives into green infrastructure policy and programming, led by The City of Toronto, a North American leader in green infrastructure.  Toronto now boasts more than 10.7 million square feet of green roofs and counting, and has numerous policies and programs dedicated to other forms of green infrastructure such as parks, ravine lands, and forests.

“We are delighted to feature more than 100 expert speakers at this year’s CitiesAlive,” said Steven Peck, GRP, founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.  “Green infrastructure, or nature based solutions, are gaining ground worldwide as essential approaches to addressing the climate crisis in our cities.  CitiesAlive 2024 has something for everyone – landscape architects, architects, engineers, urban planners, politicians, roofing professionals, GRPs, researchers, urban foresters, ENGOs, and students.” he added.

This year’s conference offers opportunities for participants to connect with experts and design professionals in many green infrastructure fields.  Take advantage of the very low early-bird rate until July 31st.  American guests will also enjoy almost 35 percent off due to the strong US dollar. Click here to see the detailed program.

CitiesAlive 2024 in Toronto – Program At A Glance

Wednesday November 6:

• Five half-day expert Masterclasses: Topics include Climate Positive Design, Biophilic Design with Bill Browning; Design for Green Roof Biodiversity with Bruce Dvorak; Green Roof Policy, with Shayna Stott; and Green Wall Design and Specification with Lily Turner.
• Tours: University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Landscape, Architecture and Design Green Roof Innovative Testing (GRIT) Laboratory; East End Toronto Green Infrastructure Walking Tour; The Don River Flood Control and Renaturalization; and Toronto Sponge Cities New Parks Tour.
• Green Roof Installation & Maintenance (GRIMP) training & certification. (9 am to 4 pm)
• CitiesAlive Opening Keynotes and Plenary, Toronto City Hall: Featuring Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, former Toronto Mayor David Miller and Director of C40; and Pamela Conrad, Partner, Climate Positive Design. (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm)
• Networking: Kick Off Happy Hour celebrating CitiesAlive’s 20th Anniversary.

Thursday November 7:

• Morning Plenary & Keynote Address: Featuring Matt Barmore, GRP, Chair, GRHC; Steven W. Peck, founder and president GRHC; and Shannon Baker, Waterfront Toronto.
• Five Expert Concurrent Session Tracks Covering: Design Case Studies, Peer Reviewed Research; GI Policy & Programs; Systems Integration & Innovation and Panel Discussions.
• Networking and Social Events: Including lunch and a cocktail reception on the Trade Show Floor, followed by the Industry Pioneers Gala After Party.

Friday November 8:

• Morning Plenary & Keynote: Featuring Adam Molson from Daniels and Graeme Armster from Tridel.
• Concurrent Session Tracks: Continued focus on Design, Research, Policy & Programs, and Systems Integration & Innovation.
• Awards of Excellence Ceremony: Hosted at MaRS Discovery District Auditorium.
• Closing Plenary: Following the Awards Ceremony.

Saturday November 9:

• Green Infrastructure Charrette (sponsored by GIF)
• Visit Toronto and Departures.

For more detailed information and to register before the early bird on July 31st please visit www.citiesalive.org

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• The City of Toronto (co-host)
• rooflite
• Ginkgo Sustainability
• Soprema
• Carlisle Construction Materials
• LiveRoof Global
• LiveRoof Ontario
• Sika Sarnafil
• NLSM
• American Hydrotech

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.

GRHC publishes The Living Architecture Monitor quarterly online magazine where industry leaders share their insights and expertise. These articles increase awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, walls and other forms of living architecture.

GRHC also offers free access to The Living Architecture Academy, an online professional development platform which is dedicated to bringing you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices across a wide range of green infrastructure topics. The LAA offers short lectures and multi-day courses such as: Green Roof Professional Training, Introduction to Green Walls, Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance, and more.

GRHC also publishes the Green Pages: Industry Green Roof and Wall Directory which is designed to support you with your living architecture projects by providing a list of trusted manufacturers, suppliers of accessories, green walls, nurseries, and certified Green Roof Professionals (GRPs). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, this directory has everything you need to find support to create a sustainable and beautiful living space.