Research & Development

The overriding issue of our time is the rapid degradation of the ecosphere. It affects all of us. Recent climate change impact events have served to forcefully inform, if not shock us, into the realization that “systems” originally designed to manage and protect water or air may very well be broken or, at best, not operating effectively. In some case the realty may be worse – the environmental infrastructure may not exist.

Since 1994, GREENLAND^®has been responsible for health & wellness and environmental systems research, including:

Stormwater management facility performance and maintenance;
Surface and groundwater modelling and development web-based information platforms;
Watershed health and stream restoration monitoring tools & best practices;
Remote sensing applications for collaborative river basin protection projects;
Green roof and vegetated or “breathing wall” technologies for new buildings and retrofitted facilities;
Intuitive mobility access systems (incl. “Smart Door” prototype); and,
Design performance verification of Low Impact Development (LID) practices and development of Smart stormwater technologies.

For example, in partnership with other teams, we initiated a research program about a new (yet "natural") water treatment technology for storm water management facilities and waterways. A number of demonstration sites in North America and overseas were identified. Pilot sites were initially constructed. GREENLAND^® was responsible for the monitoring of the Canadian projects and assisted with the preparation of technical publications and conference presentations about the global project findings. The concept for these natural treatment systems is rooted in biomimicry and hydroponics. While these structures are initially being marketed as aesthetically beautiful and able to enhance biodiversity and nurture fish and wildlife, more scientific applications were identified to naturally clean and oxygenate waterways.

Finally, GREENLAND^® was retained to identify alternatives to eradicate invasive fish species in Canadian waterways by using new / existing mechanical and chemical treatment technologies and again to test marketable global products for removing filterable reactive phosphorous from water bodies. Engineering and natural science advice was required on how best to manipulate site-specific problem areas and to design the most effective water body treatment systems, and set of protocols / procedures, while minimizing environmental and property impacts.

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Client Testimonials

City of Toronto

Mayor David Miller and Members of Toronto City Council extend appreciation to Greenland Group of Companies for your outstanding contribution to the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Technical Advisory Group. As a participant of the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Technical Advisory Board, you have contributed tremendously to its leadership role on climate change and helped support the development of the Toronto Green Roof By-law.

This initiative, the first of its kind in North America, sets the standard in designing sites and buildings across the city that are more environmentally friendly, a key strategy in reducing the effects of climate change.

We thank you for helping our city achieve its vision and goals on climate change – it is this kind of collaboration that makes us proud, prosperous and successful.

Best wishes for continued success.

David Miller
Mayor
City of Toronto
May 2010

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry

Good Morning Trevor,

Thank you for providing the requested information. With the receipt of this information and the most recent changes to the code, SWMC (aka Surface Water Monitoring Centre) is pleased to confirm that the development of the New (Province-wide Flood Forecasting) Model to be complete as per the contract. We sincerely appreciate your continued dedication and professionalism throughout this project. It has certainly evolved in unexpected ways, and the commitment from both sides has been instrumental in achieving this successful completion.

Thank you!

Amber Langmuir
Project Manager
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry
September 9, 2024

Town of Collingwood

RE: Town of Collingwood ‘Smart’ Stormwater Project

I would like to thank and recognize GREENLAND® for their leadership role in the above project. Your firm identified the opportunity to work together with other private firms and public sector organizations, together with the support of the Town of Collingwood and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to address a growing Concern in communities related to lot-level flood mitigation.

GREENLAND® strategized and implemented, over almost 3 years, the “first-ever in Canada” work plan to mitigate problems of climate-change induced stormwater flooding which impacts many residential, commercial and institutional properties. The innovative project approach monitored 4 different Low Impact Development (LID) approaches for reducing lot-level flooding and their ability to redirect site drainage away from municipal sewer systems. Using innovative real-time (aka ‘Smart’) technologies, GREENLAND® was also able to generate ‘Big Data’ that provided new insights into the effectiveness of these different approaches. The GREENLAND® team’s level of commitment, thoroughness and professionalism was appreciated by the municipality. GREENLAND® maintained open lines of communication with Town staff, contractors, participating residents, and promptly responded to all questions and issues raised by the public.

We commend your firm’s efforts as a pioneer in implementing this project approach.

Sonya Skinner
Acting Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Collingwood
June 2, 2020

Corporate Partnerships & Associations