McMaster University is planning to “re-wild” its west campus by allowing a parking lot west of Cootes Drive to be reclaimed by nature. The strategy—which is part of the university’s new master plan—will see McMaster taking a gradual approach to rewilding the space that will begin with finding ways to reduce the demand for parking. Once the lot is free, over 1,300 parking spots will eventually be transformed into an extension of the sanctuary, with a pond likely forming over the lot. McMaster Vice President of Operations Saher Fazilat told CBC that McMaster is committed to not developing its west campus any further and that the re-wilding project is part of the university’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
