The Red + Green: creating a regenerative narrative through the industrial wastelands of Sudbury, Ontario

Abstract

Sudbury, Ontario, is recognized for its miraculous late twentieth-century Regreening efforts to remediate the smelter-polluted ‘moonscape.’ Yet, given the continued extractive activity and unmanaged mine waste, some areas remain subject to extensive environmental degradation. Therefore, a critical reflection on these industrial practices is necessary to continue this incomplete regenerative narrative, fully restoring all parts of the land. Thus, this thesis is informed by research into innovative ground surface treatment and biotechnologies to treat mine waste, and in regenerative architectural design principles. It demonstrates the potential of lifting the veil on hidden industrial wastelands, rehabilitating Copper Cliff’s Central Tailings Area into a thriving regenerative park, and envisioning an interpretive centre into a mine waste facility that is harmoniously integrated into the changing landscape. This contributes to landscape remediation and integrates place-based storytelling to educate and empower future generations to participate in land stewardship and create ongoing sustainable environmental and social impacts.