As we dive into The Nature of Our Cities by Dr. Nadina Galle for this season’s #GuelphGreenReads, we’re also turning a page in Guelph’s development story. The city’s proposed Green Development Standards (GDS) aim to reduce environmental impact and improve climate resilience in new builds—something Dr. Galle advocates for through the concept of “ecological intelligence” in urban design.

Both the GDS and Galle’s work ask the same big question: how can we better integrate technology and nature to create healthier, smarter cities?
From green roofs and increased tree canopy targets to smarter stormwater systems, these new standards mirror the forward-thinking ideas explored in our book club. Let’s continue reading, reflecting, and shaping a city that grows with nature—not against it.

📖 Join the conversation, and learn more about the GDS here: https://guelph.ca/city-hall/planning-and-development/green-development-standards/

SmartCities #UrbanEcology #GuelphGreenReads #TheNatureOfOurCities #GreenDevelopment #EcologicalUrbanism #GuelphPlanning