CSLA News
Message from Michelle Legault, CSLA Executive Director
Dear colleagues,
In a few weeks, we will gather in Winnipeg to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the CSLA. It is also a season of announcing new Fellows, recognizing amazing professional contributions through our recognition awards, and innovative, groundbreaking projects with our Awards of Excellence and National Urban Design Awards.
For the CSLA, it is that all-important time of year where, right before our eyes, we see examples of exceptional volunteerism, innovation in landscape architecture, recognition of incredible talent and pride in our achivements. It is - for us as staff - a time of year which recharges our batteries. It reminds us of the importance of supporting, promoting and advancing the profession of landscape architecture.
I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at this year's CSLA-MALA Congress in Winnipeg from May 30th to June 1st.
Happy World Landscape Architecture Month!
Michelle Legault
Our Pre-Congress Virtual Event is Coming Up! Reserve your Spot!
Virtual Event (free admission): April 23rd from 2 to 3:30 pm ET (TOMORROW)
The CSLA-MALA Virtual Congress is free for all to attend.
To register for the Virtual Congress ONLY, click here.
In-person Event (registration fees apply): RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, May 30th to June 1st, 2024
When you register for the in-person event, you will be automatically registered for the virtual event, and you will receive a link to the event in your email.
NOTE: Full refunds available until May 15th, 2024. No refunds will be given after that date.
Join is for our AGM on May 2nd, 2024
Are you unable to attend the CSLA AGM? If so, please fill out the following proxy form to help us achieve quorum.
The CSLA is staffing!
Would you like to join the CSLA as a Communications and Special Projects Coordinator working from a virtual home office? It's a two year contract with a very strong possibility of becoming permanent. Help us advocate for and communicating what landscape architecture can do to make this a better planet, and a better place to live!
2024 Canadian Federal Budget: Key Points of Interest to Landscape Architects
The CSLA is keen to understand how federal initiatives can advance our commitments to the development of sustainable and healthy communities. The following 2024 federal budget initiatives provide opportunities that align with our mission areas, including:
Investing in Housing: The government will reduce barriers to development on surplus, underused and vacant public lands, including Canada Post and National Defence Lands, for new residential housing projects.
Investing in Canada's Parks: The government will provide additional funding for the Parks Canada Agency for capital investments in Canada’s national parks, national marine conservation areas, and historic sites.
Investing in Conservation: To enhance national conservation efforts, the government will fund the creation of 3 new protected areas:
- Central Coast National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, BC
- Ojibway National Urban Park, ON
- Pituamkek National Park Reserve, PEI
Investing in the Canada Infrastructure Program: The government will support infrastructure projects in every province and territory across four streams: public transit; green infrastructure; community, culture, and recreation infrastructure; and rural and northern communities’ infrastructure.
Investments in clean energy and technology: The government will expand eligibility for clean technology and clean electricity investment credits which will make it easier for new developments to deliver on net zero goals.
Read the Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation here.
CIP, CSLA and RAIC Announce Winners of 2024 National Urban Design Awards
OTTAWA, April 16, 2024 – The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 National Urban Design Awards.
The National Urban Design Awards are awarded every two years and recognize the important link between architects, planners, and landscape architects in achieving successful urban design. They strive to raise awareness of the crucial role that urban design plays in maintaining and improving the quality of life in Canadian cities and acknowledge the efforts of individuals, organizations, firms, and projects in this field.
SMART Goals Guide
In March 2024, the CSLA, in approving this guide, also approved a motion which commits to using SMART objectives in every aspect of its operations, whenever possible, such as the Strategic Plan, in setting performance goals for staff and in the action plans of the working committees. It is intended to provide a clear and systematic approach to goal setting, implementation, and evaluation. This structured framework contributes to the success and sustainability of efforts aimed at promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within an organization.
Summary of the Decisions of the CSLA Board Meeting (March 2024)
- Alex Sarian was appointed external juror for the Awards of Excellence
- The revised 2024 budget was adopted.
- A new position for hiring, the CSLA Awards of Honours Officer, was approved.
- Recognition awards were approved (link to announcement)
- Honourary memberships were approved (link to announcement)
- Vincent Asselin's mandate as IFLA Delegate was approved for three years and his nomination to the position of IFLA Americas Treasurer was endorsed
- A SMART goals guide was approved and CSLA commits to using SMART goals in all its operations, where appropriate
Member News
In memoriam: Don Barron
We are very sad to tell you that Don Barron, LMBCSLA 224, FCSLA, has passed away in Victoria BC. Don was a respected landscape architect who mentored many of today’s landscape architect.
Learn more about Don's life here
In memoriam: David McWhirter
It is with great sadness the current and retired partners of The MBTW Group announce the passing of their beloved retired colleague, David McWhirter. The entire MBTW family offer our condolences to David's wife Diane and his children, Jennifer and Ryan and their families.
Celebrating Claude Cormier in Marvelous Montreal
On June 27-28, 2024, Claude Cormier (1960-2023) and his built legacy in Montreal will be the subject of several events, including the premiere showing of the new video oral history at the Canadian Center of Architecture that examines Cormier’s life and career, followed by a daylong excursion to six extraordinary landscapes.
Learn more and purchase tickets here
Partner News
RAIC Conference on Architecture
We’re proud to support the RAIC 2024 Conference on Architecture happening May 14-18 in Vancouver, BC. This event brings together professionals from across Canada and fosters important discussions about improving the built environment.
Free Events
The RAIC invites the architectural community to join free events taking place during the Conference on Architecture taking place May 14-18, 2024 in Vancouver. Events are open access, but registration before April 26 is required. Learn more and sign up for your free pass today.
- May 15 (1pm-5pm) - The RAIC Expo on Architecture: The event will take place over two days and feature 45 booths from organizations across the industry, refreshments, and a recharge/ refresh lounge. The Expo on Architecture will also be free and open to anyone from 1-5pm on May 15th.
- May 15 (5pm-7pm) - Studio Crawl: This event is back for the 2024 RAIC Conference on Architecture and will take place on May 15th. This event offers a unique opportunity to visit the offices of architectural practices in the Railtown area. Participants will see the following four studios on the Studio Crawl: KRA Kristen Reite Architecture, MA+HG, McKinley Studios, and Omer Arbel. Wait, there is more! The Studio Crawl will conclude with the Last Stop event, a separate ticketed social event hosted at the DIALOG Vancouver studio featuring music, food, and lots of fun!
- May 14-18 - Temporary Exhibit: The Architecture of John A Di Castri: The RAIC is pleased to sponsor this temporary exhibition open to all from May 14-18, during Conference hours at the venue, Sheraton Wall Vancouver. The exhibit has been produced by mid-century design curator Allan Collier, architectural historian Martin Segger (Hon RAIC) and architect Chris Gower.
IFLA 60th World Congress: Code Red for Earth
The 60th World Congress of the International Federation of Landscape Architecture (IFLA), hosted by the UCTEA Chamber of Turkish Landscape Architects, will be held in Istanbul between 4-6 September 2024 with the theme "Code Red for Earth".
LACF News
The 2024 LACF Annual Members' Meeting will be held on May 1st, 2024, at 11 am ET via zoom
If you are unable to attend the meeting, please download the LACF Proxy Form and return it to the Executive Director (lacf-fapc@csla-aapc.ca).
Other News
LAF Ignite Program: Applications are open
LAF Ignite is a comprehensive Scholarship + Internships + Mentorship program for BIPOC* college students, providing participants with an annual $10,000 scholarship, annual paid summer internship, and access to mentors throughout their educational path.
Applications are due May 15.
Expressions of Interest for Peer Reviewers for the GCCC Initiative
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative supports planting trees across the country, contributing to climate action. FCM is partnering with Tree Canada to ensure that local governments and communities have access to key expertise and knowledge that informs best planting practices, tree species and site selection as well as procurement, with an eye to future climate conditions and the maintenance of diverse tree canopies.
Tree Canada is seeking Expressions of Interest from professionals in the field of urban forestry to serve as peer reviewers for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopy (GCCC) initiative.
The Art of Leadership Women - Save Up to $100
The Art of Leadership Women is returning to Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary! This unique one-day conference features an incredible collection of renowned world leaders, business icons, esteemed academics, and bestselling authors who share strategies and insights on the most critical challenges facing leaders in our world today.
Don't miss this invaluable opportunity to develop your leaders, engage your talent, and build high-performing teams. Join us for a full day of world-class learning, networking, and women's empowerment!