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

Muskoka Watershed Council

The Muskoka Watershed Council’s mission is to champion watershed health in those watersheds that flow into and through the District Municipality of Muskoka. There is no conservation authority in Muskoka, instead the Council is a volunteer-based organization supported by the District of Muskoka, local consulting firms, and local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change offices.

The Muskoka Watershed Council is currently undertaking a project to understand the potential impact of climate change in Muskoka to the year 2050. In working with our municipal partners, decision support tools such as Greenland’s new CANWET-5 model could be useful in informing our watershed management planning decisions in relation to policy development, stewardship priorities and education and communication programs.

Peter Sale
Chair
Muskoka Watershed Council
November 17, 2014

Town of Innisfil

Re: Erosion Control and Advanced Sedimentation Pilot Project

On behalf of the Town of Innisfil, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Greenland International Consulting Ltd. for their excellent work in completing the Erosion Control and Advanced Sedimentation Pilot Project for the Town of Innisfil, funded in part by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This project is a first step in broad-scale implementation of innovative stormwater management technologies in the Lake Simcoe Watershed to address on-going phosphorus and sediment concerns within the Lake.

Over the course of the three-year pilot project, Greenland studied the effectiveness of the Clearflow Group’s Advanced Sedimentation Technologies at an active development site in Innisfil. The project analyzed the performance of Clearflow’s Gel Flocculant Blocks and Treated Geo-Jute at removing fine sediments and nutrients at three stormwater management facilities that discharge to Lake Simcoe. These particles, and the associated nutrients and heavy metals, are traditionally not being removed by conventional stormwater management facilities and cause negative impacts downstream. The results of the project will help Innisfil and other municipalities and agencies to reduce sediment load from entering the environment as a result of construction activities.

As the lead consultant, Greenland coordinated with the Town staff, contractors, sub-consultants and the developer to ensure that open lines of communication were maintained and questions and issues raised were responded to promptly. The Greenland Team’s level of professionalism and thoroughness over the course of the project was valued by the Town.

Glen Switzer
Development Engineer
Town of Innisfil
July 8, 2022

Urbantech® Consulting

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the note. Both files went very well, both approved at LPAT and we are in detail design now. The input from the Greenland team was greatly appreciated and ensured the hydraulic analysis was accurate. Conservation Halton signed off on the hazard mapping ahead of both LPAT hearings which was huge!

J. David Leighton, C.E.T.
President
Urbantech^® Consulting (Markham, Canada)
November 29, 2024

Corporate Partnerships & Associations