Creating a naturalized landscape

Feb 8, 2022

TOH is committed to planting five trees for every tree that needs to be removed during construction of the hospital and parking garage. The landscape will be a climate positive design through tree preservation, new shelter belts, green infrastructure and pollinator gardens

Throughout the site, species of trees and other vegetation are being carefully selected to create a naturalized landscape reminiscent of the mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands found naturally in the Ottawa area. About 740 new trees and large woody shrubs will be planted on the parking structure site.

The rooftop park will be planted with thickets of trees and other vegetation. The tree species that are being considered, like birch, have been selected because they are native or adapted to the area and well suited to the environment. Larger trees will be planted along the scalloped edges of the garage at the ground level throughout the site.

Species of trees are likely to include White Birch, Sugar Maple, Black Maple, Red Oak, Eastern White Pine, and Eastern Red Cedar. Underneath the canopy, plant species are likely to include Serviceberry, Redbud, Alternate-leaved Dogwood, White Spruce, American Witch Hazel, and Sweet Low Blueberry.

Canopy development can take many years, so the hospital is exploring opportunities to begin planting new trees early, in areas that won’t be impacted by construction.