Adam Kelly, Master of Planning, University of Waterloo
Date: Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 - 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
This project reveals when, where, and what is producing shade for the pedestrian environment, enabling a data-driven approach to improving thermal comfort.
This presentation explores shade along the active transportation network (ATN) in Richmond Hill, Ontario, as a critical factor in supporting low-carbon mobility. The ATN—made up of sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and multi-use paths—offers alternatives to car travel, but its comfort and appeal are reduced when users are overexposed to heat and ultraviolet radiation. Despite this, no Canadian municipality currently maps ATN shade holistically, and existing planning approaches often prioritize sunlight in the public realm.
To address this gap, a novel GIS workflow was developed using ArcGIS Pro and aerial LiDAR data to create digital twins of the urban forest and built environment. These models enabled the 3D mapping and quantification of shade across five case study areas in Richmond Hill. The workflow combines methods from multiple studies with new techniques, advancing the literature on LiDAR-derived shade modelling while producing a practical tool that municipalities can replicate.
The study assessed differences between metrics used to quantify shade, examined temporal variations throughout the day, and compared shade contributions from trees versus buildings. Results reveal both the complexity of shade as an urban design element and the importance of standardized methods for measurement.
The presentation concludes by highlighting how municipalities can use this workflow to establish baseline shade metrics, plan targeted interventions, and optimize shade provision across their ATN. By embedding shade into infrastructure planning, cities can reduce urban heat, enhance comfort, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation options.
About the Presenter
Adam Kelly is a passionate environmentalist who believes holistic sustainability can be achieved through effective governance and planning. Growing up, he enjoyed spending time in nature, where he often considered how society developed into what it is today and how it might evolve in the future.
This curiosity and love of the outdoors led him to study geography, geographic information systems, and environmental conservation at the University of Guelph. There, he developed skills in data analysis and writing and explored the important relationship between social and environmental justice.
He later completed a master’s degree in planning at the University of Waterloo to advance his knowledge and apply his expertise in practice. Adam takes immense pride in his work and is dedicated to helping shape a Canada in which the false dichotomy between the natural world and society is gradually eroded.
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