Liane McKenna, BCSLA, CSLA new President-Elect

Our work as Landscape Architects across Canada is rich with variety. Not only because of the unique landscapes in which we live and practice but because of the range of social, cultural and environmental approaches that we, as Landscape Architects develop.

Having spent some of my student days with Parks Canada in the Maritimes and then more than 30 years in the private and municipal public sectors in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, I have experienced the differences in several regions of the country and the shift in the profession over the years. We have been able to expand our influence as Landscape Architects and, as members of the CSLA, educate the public on our work. As Director of Parks and Recreation with the Vancouver Park Board, I credit much of the success of our parks and open space system to the Landscape Architects that have helped to shape it – both inside and outside of the organization.

But there is still work to be done for our profession. As the CSLA we need to strategically:

• Expand our collaboration and communication efforts with the Component organizations particularly in the areas of reciprocity and labour mobility.

• Lead the green and sustainability agendas through alliances and

• Promote and advocate for the profession at all levels and in all regions.

Having served on the CSLA Board for two terms (2004 – 2008) as the representative of the BCSLA I was able to contribute to the membership:

• as Co-Chair of the 2006 CSLA/CELA Conference in Vancouver, partnering to bring the academic community together with practitioners from across the country

• by leading a process resulting in the report Strategy for Growth of the Landscape Architecture Profession – 2006

• by assisting the President in the first of the Presidents’ Round Table discussions with Components in 2008

I was also recognized by the CSLA in 2008 with the Presidents’ Award of Excellence. Currently I am a member of your Accreditation Council.

This opportunity to be considered for the position of CSLA President Elect is truly an honour. I hope to be able to serve the CSLA further in the future.

Thank you.

Liane McKenna  MBCSLA, CSLA

To contact the Executive Director, write to Paulette Vinette at paulette@csla-aapc.ca or to P.O. Box 13594, Ottawa, ON K2K 1X6.  If you have questions, you can phone Paulette at 1.866.781.9799.