CSLA News
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Colleagues, In November, I had the pleasure of attending in-person CSLA Board Meetings, Canadian Landscape Standard Steering Committee Meetings, and a conference for my own professional association - the Canadian Society of Association Executives. It was quite a whirlwind!
What I learned at these meetings is that the CSLA is blessed with engaged and committed volunteers who work tirelessly to promote and advance the profession. Whether it's serving on the Board, a Committee, a Task Force or Workgroup, or sharing your ideas, opinions and thoughts on a subject with the CSLA, or using the tools and resources we create - I hope you all understand how important your engagement is in helping us advance the profession and for what it stands.
Regards, Michelle Legault
Reminders for Upcoming Deadlines!
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2024 CSLA-MALA Congress Call for AbstractsDeadline: January 10, 2024 |
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2024 National Urban Design Awards Call for SubmissionsDeadline: January 11, 2024, at 10:00 p.m. ET. |
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2024 Class of Fellows Call for NominationsDeadline: January 19th, 2024 at 4 p.m. EST |
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2024 Awards of Excellence Program Call for SubmissionsDeadline: Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at 4 pm ET |
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2024 Governor General's Medal Call for NominationsDeadline: Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at 4 pm EDT |
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2024 Recognition Awards Call for NominationsDeadline: February 1st 2024 at 4 pm ET. |
Survey: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Landscape Architecture in Canada
The CSLA recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) promises to reshape many professions, including landscape architecture. AI is already being used in practice, research and education in Canada and globally.
As we are witnessing the integration of AI into the profession, it is essential that we understand both its potential and the challenges it may introduce. The next generation of landscape architects will graduate equipped with these new skills, underscoring the urgency for current practitioners to remain informed and adaptable.
Please support our research into the use of AI in landscape architecture practice in Canada by completing the following survey.
Ontario Place is at Risk: Sign the Ontario Place for All Petition
Ontario Place, the beloved landscape designed by Michael Hough, in collaboration with architect Eberhard Zeidler, is at imminent risk.
The Province of Ontario has submitted development plans to the city of Toronto to make major changes to the site, including a private spa that will occupy the entire west island. The majority of the site is already blocked off with construction hoarding and contracts have been awarded to start work.
With the Province’s plan to start removal of the West Island woodlot (over 800 trees) coming soon, the CSLA encourages you to add your voice to thousands of Canadians and international supporters by signing the petition posted by grassroots organisation Ontario Place for All developed by TCLF
Read more about the background information for this petition.
Announcing the 2024 Virtual Pre-Congress Event
Similarly to last year, we will be hosting a virtual pre-congress event via zoom a few weeks before the in-person congress.
Save the date: April 23rd, 2024, at 2pm ET. Hope to see you there!
LAAC Seeks Evaluators to Review Canadian Landscape Architecture University Programs
Submit your Name to the LAAC’s Roster of Visiting Evaluators
The Roster of Visiting Evaluators (ROVE) is the pool of candidates from which visiting team members are selected to review landscape architecture programs whose accreditation is due for renewal. Each visiting team generally consists of:
- one landscape architecture educator,
- one landscape architecture practitioner, and
- one non-landscape architect academic administrator.
To be eligible to participate, you must complete the ROVE application form to the LAAC for review. The LAAC then makes appointments to ROVE in order to develop a pool of potential visiting team members. Appointments are for 5 years and are renewable.
If you volunteered in 2021, your name will still be on our list. Please let us know if your willingness to be an evaluator has changed.
Click here to read more about the positions and how to apply.
Summary of Decisions of the November 2023 Board Meeting
1. Jeff Cutler was appointed as Co-Chair of the Committee on Climate Adaptation (photo)
2. Nicole Valois was appointed to Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (photo)
3. The terms of reference for the Intersections Task Force were approved (a task force between landscape architecture program faculty, schools, students, CSLA and LACF)
4. An agreement for Climate Smart for GHG Emission calculation was approved, and its associated referral program for members.
5. The 90th anniversary celebration logo was approved and will be launched in January 2024.
6. The Reconciliation Advisory Committee Action plan was approved.
7. The revised CSLA-CNLA Terms of Reference for the Canadian Landscape Standard was approved.
8. A component grant application by MALA to produce a video on the profession was approved.
9. Revisions to the CSLA Component Grant Program were approved.
10. A proposal by Portage Group Inc. to undertake the 2024 Compensation and Benefits Survey was approved.
11. The budget for the 2024 CSLA-MALA Congress was approved.
12. Revisions to the Dues Policy were approved.
13. Revisions to the Insurance Policy were approved.
14. Revisions to the Reserve Fund Policy were approved.
15. Revisions to the Committee Manual were approved.
16. Revisions to the Employee Manual were approved.
17. A Group RRSP Pension Plan was established for CSLA staff.
18. A Maternity/Parental Leave Plan was established for CSLA staff.
19. The 2024 CSLA budget was approved.
Member News
Local ecologists receive national honour for restoring and fortifying Canada’s biodiversity
GUELPH, ON – November 27, 2023 – Two staff from an ecological consulting and design company have received one of the country’s highest honours – election to the College of Fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Steve Hill and Heather Schibli attended a black-tie event in Ottawa in mid November as part of the announcement. There were 450 people in attendance. As new members of the College of Fellows, Hill and Schibli join a list of Canada’s foremost geographers, scientists, artists, anthropologists, soldiers, business leaders, historians and educators of all kinds, a virtual who’s who of Canada.
Heather Schibli is a 2015 LACF grant recipient for her project titled "Design For landscape-scale rehabilitation within The Township Of Uxbridge". Learn more about her project here
Jeff Cutler Appointed Co-Chair of the CSLA Committee on Climate Adaptation for a Three-Year Term