Abstract:Canada has recently emerged as a pioneer in developing national urban park network, positioning such parks as a vital complement to its national park system. As the first national urban park in Canada, Rouge National Urban Park offers a representative and demonstrative case. This study conducts a systematic review of its legal frameworks, planning documents, and relevant literature to examine the park' s governance structure and planning strategies. Findings reveal that Rouge National Urban Park has established a collaborative multi-stakeholder governance model and a diversified financial mechanism to address cross-jurisdictional coordination and high operational costs. Key planning strategies focus on natural resource conservation, human-nature connection, sustainable agricultural communities, and partnership development. The study concludes with four key implications for China' s urban protected areas: enhancing governance models, strengthening biodiversity conservation, developing inclusive recreation networks, and fostering community development.
