CSLA News
Message from Michelle Legault, CSLA Executive Director
Dear Colleagues,
Many of you likely know this about me, but I am a history nut. My graduate studies were in history, I have worked with writers of history, publishers of history, and have dedicated most of my adult life, since the age of 18, to tracing my own family history, having amassed a database of over 13 000 of my direct ancestors. I revel in discussions about New France, social history, Sosa-Stradonitz charts, 'Les Filles du Roi', the seigneurial system... Which would explain why, since becoming CSLA Executive Director in 2012, the history of the CSLA has been a fun sideline, and all comes to fruition in this, our 90th year. I am proud to launch our newly-redesigned timeline, and to feature the incredible pieces of history I have come across over the years, such as Humphrey Carver's musings on the founding of the CSLA. If you don't own a copy, Ron Williams' Landscape Architecture in Canada should find its place on your bookshelf or coffee table. Stay tuned, because from now until December, we will continue to feature elements of CSLA and landscape architecture history.
Check out our Virtual and In-Person CSLA-MALA Congress Education Sessions
Check out the descriptions for the four education sessions that are part of the 2024 Virtual Congress, and the descriptions for the many education sessions being offered at the in-person Congress.
To join in the free Virtual Congress, you can either register for only the virtual event, or when you register for the in-person event, you will be automatically registered for the virtual event as well.
Announcing the 2024 Student Award of Excellence Recipients
The Program is intended to recognize and promote excellence in the profession’s educational institutions and recognize excellence in work by students in CSLA’s LAAC-accredited programs.
Thank you to jurors Nastaran Moradinejad, Matt Williams and Tracey Hesse.
In the Thesis or Practicum Category: Aaron Bomback - Neglected Landscapes: A transformative future for Winnipeg’s infrastructure corridors
In the Studio Project Category: Erin Schwab - Agricultural Futurism: The Un-settling of Agriculture in Southern Alberta
CSLA responds to Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy Milestone Document
The CSLA has provided detailed feedback and recommendations to enhance Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy. Our response emphasizes the significant role that planning and design professionals
play in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The CSLA's response underscores the interconnectedness of biodiversity conservation with urban planning and design. It advocates for a collaborative approach, integrating the expertise of landscape architects and other design professions to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by Canada's unique biodiversity context.
Read the response here
UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the Profession
The Landscape Architecture Guide to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is a publication resulting from a partnership between the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) and the International Landscape Biennial Barcelona. It offers a comprehensive blueprint for landscape architects worldwide to contribute towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The guide underscores the vital role landscape architecture plays across all 17 SDGs, showcasing global case studies and initiatives that embody sustainable practices.
Landscape Architecture Designated a STEM Discipline
Did you know that the Canadian government had identified landscape architecture as a STEM discipline? This matters for the profession! It means that landscape architects can immigrate to Canada using the Express Entry immigration program, which gives priority to skilled STEM workers.
Join us for our 2024 Annual General Meeting
Next meeting: Thursday, May 2nd 2024 at 2 pm ET
If you are unable to attend the AGM, please fill out the following proxy form. It is very important to fill out this form if you will not be able to attend so that we can constitute quorum.
Component News
The Life and Death of Canadian Cities: An interdisciplinary DEBATE on the future of AFFORDABLE Housing and Quality of Life in Canada
Housing is arguably the most important issue for Canadians today. Canada's rapid urban growth, fueled by the housing affordability crisis, is polarizing public debate and pitting the moral imperative for housing against the values we hold dear in the city - open space, sunlight, a comfortable microclimate, and a high-quality public realm. In building great cities for the future, we should not have to choose between affordable housing and a livable city.
That is where the value of design comes in. Landscape architects understand housing as part of cities' long-term evolution and the greater natural environment. This broad and long view - a landscape perspective - helps put hot topics like the housing crisis in context and reminds us of the important long-term values of sustainable urban living on the land. The creative design, analysis, and communication skills of the design professions help the public imagine alternatives and find creative solutions to binary problems. Yet, they are often not invited to the table when deciding on important issues like housing.
Join OALA for a thought-provoking Debate and Discussion titled - "The Life and Death of Canadian Cities: the Future of Affordable Housing and Quality of Life in Toronto and growing cities across Canada."
Gain valuable insights from an interdisciplinary panel of six industry leaders in urban development, engaging in an enlightening conversation about the implications of rapid urban growth and the development of the public realm and ultimately on quality of life. This session aims to broaden and deepen your understanding of the housing crisis, helping you decide what you value most in your city.
Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement on our panelists and moderator!
This event is open to the public. Don't hesitate to bring along a friend and share this unique discussion.
LACF News
LACF Presents the 2024 Research Grant Recipients
Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation (LACF) is pleased to announce the recipients of funding in the 2024 Annual Grants Program in support of research, communication and scholarship.
This year, 8 awards were approved by the National Jury.
The grants awarded for 2024 cover a broad range of topics and tackle issues important to the profession.
Partner News
RAIC 2024 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.
RAIC College Welcomes Five New Honorary Fellows
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is pleased to announce the five Honorary Fellows being inducted into the RAIC College, including the late Claude Cormier.
Other News
Generation of Environmental Leaders Program
Be part of the Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) and make a lasting impact on North America’s environmental future!
The 2024 GELP, hosted by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, invites passionate North American youth aged 18-35 to submit innovative solutions to support North American communities and preserve our shared waters, lands and air. Join this pivotal opportunity to lead change and shape the narrative for a sustainable tomorrow in your communities!
Submit by 31 March 2024!
