Urban Rewilding Corridor Brings Wildlife and Communities Together

An urban rewilding initiative in Canada has transformed fragmented green spaces into an ecological corridor, creating safer wildlife habitats while bringing communities closer to nature.

“We want the local community to be part of the function, to be part of the process,” said Joseph Chamoun, coordinator of the Darlington Ecological Corridor, highlighting the project’s collaborative approach to urban biodiversity.

Established in 2014 to help red foxes move safely through Montreal, the corridor connects Mount Royal to surrounding neighbourhoods through a network of micro-meadows, rain gardens, food forests and community gardens. Around 300 trees and shrubs were planted in an early restoration effort, while a community agriculture network launched in 2022 provides locally grown food at reduced prices. In a survey of 300 participants, 98% reported feeling more connected to nature through their involvement. The project has also shown encouraging signs of wildlife recovery, with a fox giving birth to two cubs near a restored garden further along the corridor, demonstrating how small green spaces can reconnect urban habitats.