Phytoremediation: An interim landscape architecture strategy to improve accessibility of contaminated vacant lands in Canadian municipalities

Many Canadian cities are faced with the challenge of contaminated lands that remain vacant due to high remediation costs. Redevelopment of these lots to greenspace enhances the character of cities and improves human and environmental health. Interim design strategies, while phytoremediation – the process of treating contaminated soil and water with plants – is taking place, were explored to improve the amenity value of contaminated vacant lands. Based on an integrative literature review synthesis and a phytoremediation example, design guidelines were formulated and then applied to three Canadian municipal sites. An expert panel, including phytoremediation specialists and municipal staff involved with open space planning and development, provided an evaluation of the guidelines. The comments received through the evaluation demonstrated that the design guidelines are an appropriate foundation for the application of phytoremediation as an interim strategy for transforming contaminated lands into usable green space within Canadian municipalities.