Statement of Purpose The site of the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital is both unique and sensitive. Prior to development, runoff from the site was conveyed to the McIntyre River from three catchment areas and was filtered through meadow, and sedge communities and Black Spruce swamps, contributing cold, clean water to the McIntyre River. The river supports one of the region’s most productive cold-water fish communities. The landscape plan was developed with the goal of maintaining the quality, quantity and temperature of runoff discharged to the river in order to protect the downstream fishery, while at the same time creating a landscape which supports a range of activities and contributes to the well-being of patients and staff. The design employs numerous innovations to achieve stormwater management objectives including two black spruce bog biofilters which mitigate water temperature increases into the summer months and a purpose-built fish habitat pond. The landscape, while being both dramatic and practical, is the key functional element that integrates the hospital development with the valleyland ecosystem.
Statement of Landscape Architect’s role The landscape architect was responsible for the development of the integrated Stormwater Management / Landscape Plan including the original conceptual design and detailed design of stormwater management and habitat enhancement initiatives. The landscape architect was also responsible for liaising with the Environment Committee to explore ideas, develop the design approach and achieve approval for the design.
Statement regarding the local significance and public perception of the profession The hospital has emerged as one of the most significant facilities in the City of Thunder Bay, not only in terms of its size and importance from a health care perspective, but also on the basis of its prominence as a community amenity. Throughout the design process, the issue of the potential impact of the development on the environment and the sustainability of the McIntyre River was of paramount public concern and this issue received significant media attention. The approval of the concept plan was a key milestone in the process and the landscape architect was recognized by the ‘Environment Committee’ as the person responsible for generating the plan. This too was emphasized by the media, consequently, the design process served to heighten public awareness of the role of the landscape architect as a designer, innovative thinker, communicator and steward of the environment. In addition, the media exposure assisted in conveying an understanding of landscape-based solutions in addressing issues related to stormwater management and ecological function. Since the completion of the landscape work, the site is used not only by visitors to the hospital but also as a destination within the community because of its aesthetic, recreational and environment attributes.
Statement of Special Factors The project is unique because it demonstrates the complete integration of landscape, engineering and ecology and it was instrumental in realizing the implementation of this important health care facility by addressing key environmental issues. The design employs a number of innovations, has demonstrated their effectiveness, and as a result has changed the perspective of the City of the Thunder Bay with respect to how stormwater management should be viewed as an integral component of the design of the development. The implementation of the plan has realized an improvement in water quality and in the productivity of the fish community within the McIntyre River. This in-turn has had a positive effect on the Lake Superior fishery in the vicinity of Thunder Bay Harbor. In addition to the environmental attributes of the plan, the design also complements the architectural form and overall function of the hospital, offering places for reflection, recreation, activity and nature appreciation. The hospital landscape is viewed by the community as an integral component of the city’s open space system.
