Exploring how pollinator gardens can help restore declining local biodiversity
Wonder what happens to the overlooked spaces around our buildings, all those unused parcels of land that don’t serve a structural purpose? Well, they present opportunities to do more.
From a green wall at our Lonsdale Avenue retail property in Vancouver and green roof at West Block, a mixed-use and residential site in Toronto to beehives on the terrace of our head office at St. Clair Avenue, these initiatives enhance biodiversity, improve building performance and bring natural beauty into urban environments.
Our latest step expands this approach to industrial properties, with the help of our smallest tenants: honeybees!
Honeybees play a critical role as urban pollinators. They support plant diversity and help strengthen resilient ecosystems. In 2025, we launched a pollinator garden pilot at two industrial sites in Ontario, focused on increasing ecological value while reducing environmental impact.
By replacing traditional turf with native meadow plantings significantly reduces irrigation needs, maintenance requirements and reliance on chemical treatments.
How did we do it?
Step 1
Removed nearly 6,000 sq. ft. of lawn and replaced it with native plant seedlings. As the garden matures, it will provide essential habitat for a wide variety of pollinators and native plant species.
Step 2
Partnered with an urban beekeeping company to install bee habitats and provide ongoing monitoring and reporting on pollinator activity.
What’s next?
In 2026, we are evaluating the pilot’s operational performance, including cost savings and environmental benefits to inform future expansion.
As one of Canada’s largest Real Estate Investment Trusts with 699 properties, Choice Properties has an opportunity to creating thriving ecosystems and we’re seizing it one initiative at a time.