Green Infrastructure Training Program Trainees

 PAID 6 Week Training Program

DATE: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 1st to June 12th, 2025 PAY: $19/hr

HOURS: 12 hours each week, 9:30am – 4:30pm

NOTE: Tues. morning events are typically held at Toronto’s Carrot Common (348 Danforth Ave., just south of Chester Station), with afternoon and Thurs. events at various GTA locations. TTC fares and travel to sites that are outside of Toronto will be provided. Lunch will also be provided on site visit days that are out of the city.

CANDIDATES (7-10):

• You are interested in gardens, nature, and environmental sustainability.
• Unemployed or underemployed Indigenous persons (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis) and reside within the GTA.
• Must be registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training

This exciting green infrastructure training program, created and delivered by SpruceLab Inc. (a Toronto social enterprise) is supported with funding from Miziwe Biik, and provides seven to ten trainees an opportunity to gain an introductory understanding of various green infrastructure practices. People will gain work experience through skills-based activities led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts. A goal of the program is to braid together Indigenous Knowledge with that of green infrastructure approaches and best practices. Training will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Thurs. May 1^st and ending Thurs. June 12^th, 2025, and will have a Traditional Opening and Closing at the High Park Nature Centre, Toronto, ON.

Educational themes:

Ecological restoration and Indigenous cultural keystone species; designing and planting biodiverse native plant gardens; tree and shrub planting and care; the urban water cycle, bioretention, raingardens; green roofs (design, construction, and maintenance); food production / permaculture and hydroponics.

Indigenous Trainers to date include:
Elder Jimmy Dick (Opening Ceremony)
Carolynne Crawley (Msit No’kmaq)
Luana Harper Shirt (Knowledge Keeper and Educator)
Samantha Williams-Barrantes (Toronto Metropolitan University Urban Farm)

Training also provided by:
ACER (Association for Canadian Educational Resources)
Friends of Allan Gardens
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests)
Garden Jane
City Forest
Lorraine Johnson
STEP (Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program)
Native Plants in Claremont
Flemo Farm
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
ZincCo Canada
Etobigrow
Ginkgo Sustainability
Partners for Action (University of Waterloo)

Next Level Stormwater Management, ZincCo Canada, etobigrow, Ginkgo Sustainability, Partners for Action (University of Waterloo) and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association will assist trainees with employment options, additional training, or apprenticeship opportunities suitable to their interests.

Please email gwen@sprucelab.ca to express interest before Fri. April 25, 2025.