The Symposium is an event focused on enhancing access to municipal parks in Canada through discussions on equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and reconciliation in urban parks. 

It is being organized by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) in collaboration with Park People, the Canadian Parks Council, and with support from Parks Canada. 

The event will take place in Saskatoon, SK, from June 11-13, 2025, near the prospective national urban park site, Meewasin. 

The goals are to build capacity within the urban, peri-urban and municipal parks sector, enhance EDI principles and reconciliation, and create a community of practice for urban and municipal parks and greenspaces across Canada. 

Attendance at the Symposium is by invitation. Participants include leaders, innovators, and creative thinkers from the parks sector, nature-based recreation partners, non-profit organizations, researchers, and experts from across Canada. 

Launched by Parks Canada in August 2021, National urban parks have tremendous potential to conserve and restore nature in cities, help protect cities from the impacts of climate change, provide access to nature close to where people live, conserve and share cultural heritage, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by supporting Indigenous leadership and stewardship of urban park spaces. National urban parks may offer a wide range of benefits such as supporting economic opportunities related to infrastructure, services, recreation, and tourism, improving peoples’ health and wellbeing by providing opportunities to spend time outdoors, and increasing natural areas which help clean the air, absorb greenhouse gasses, keep cities cool, and reduce the impacts of flooding. 

National urban parks are places of natural or historical significance to the nation, located in or near a major city in Canada, that are managed in ways that contribute to three core objectives: conserving nature; connecting people with nature; advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. They are typically, large, predominantly natural areas that may consist of existing natural areas or areas that are being restored to a more natural condition. A national urban park may be one large area or a group of smaller areas that do not need to be physically connected to each other. 

The Symposium will bring together invited participants from from the Canadian parks sector focused on urban and peri-urban greenspaces, including federal, provincial and territorial , and local governments; Indigenous Knowledge Holders, provincial and territorial recreation and parks associations; academic institutions; corporate and private sector businesses; related voluntary sector associations; allied sector government departments and organizations (e.g. health, education); aligned agencies (e.g. Federation of Canadian Municipalities); and individuals who are innovators and creative thinkers in the parks sector from Across Canada.  

Funding for the event has been provided by Parks Canada. Summit sponsorship is also being sought by CPRA. There will be no registration fees for invited delegates. The cost of meals and other events that are part of the Symposium will also be covered for participants. However, selected/invited participants (or their employers, parent organizations) will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs, as well as any on-site costs over and above meals and events provided as part of the Symposium. 

Limited funds are available to subsidize participation for individuals (especially students and youth) and participants where they or their related associations, agencies or employers cannot afford to pay all travel and accommodation costs. Requests for support should be forwarded to CPRA.  

EDI stands for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. it is important for ensuring that all communities have meaningful and equitable access to urban parks. 

Equity: The fair treatment of all individuals, ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities through a recognition that some individuals and groups have been denied fair treatment. In the context of parks, this involves recognizing and addressing systemic barriers that prevent individuals and groups from fully enjoying park spaces. It requires the implementation of policies and practices that accommodate diverse needs and circumstances to achieve fairness. 

Diversity: Valuing differences through the presence of a wide range of characteristics and attributes within a community, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. In parks, diversity also includes ecological diversity, emphasizing the variety of plant and animal species, ecosystems, and natural features that contribute to the richness and resilience of park environments. Embracing diversity means valuing these differences and reflecting them in park design, programming, and management. 

Inclusion: The practice of creating environments where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued. In parks, inclusion means designing and programming spaces that cater to a diverse population, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, can participate and feel a sense of  

Reconciliation is the ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. In the context of parks, reconciliation involves acknowledging historical injustices, respecting Indigenous rights and knowledge, and collaborating with Indigenous communities in the stewardship and interpretation of park lands. 

Expected outcomes include:

• Building a national community of practice to foster collaboration and empower equitable park access across Canada. 

• Exploring actionable strategies to enhance equity, diversity, and reconciliation in park management. 

• Production of knowledge through a Symposium Proceedings report that identifies and scales "bright spots" in EDI practices and reconciliation to support the parks community. 

The community of practice will foster collaboration and coordination among urban park practitioners, ultimately improving policies and access to municipal green spaces across Canada.