CSLA News
Upcoming landADAPT Webinar: Building the urban canopy using the Miyawaki method
Jenn McCallum & Heather Schibli
Thursday, December 4, 2:00-3:30 ET
This presentation will (a) provide an overview of the Miyawaki method and its ecological restoration principles, (b) identify preliminary soil carbon research findings, and (c) highlight opportunities for further learning and research across Canada.
Did you miss a webinar? Don’t worry! The recordings are available on our website, and you can watch (or rewatch) them anytime. Closed captions are available in both English and French. Visit the webinar archive here.
Last Chance to Complete landADAPT Year One Survey
We need your feedback! Please complete the landADAPT year one program evaluation survey. Your feedback will help us:
- Identify gaps in research and resources
- Assess the effectiveness of the landADAPT program to date
- Shape future CSLA professional development offerings on climate change and biodiversity
Whether you have attended a landADAPT session yet or not, your input is essential for the CSLA to fulfill the monitoring and evaluation component of our funding agreement with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).
Deadline: November 3, 2025
CSLA at Adaptation Futures Conference in New Zealand
Earlier this month at Adaptation Futures 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand, the CSLA's Manager of Advocacy and Strategic Affairs, Hope Parnham presented alongside Canadian colleagues Sabine Dietz (CLIMAtlantic), Michelle Martin (UWaterloo), and Serge Dupuis (Université de Moncton), on behalf of the Natural Resources Canada Adaptation Skills Working Group.
Their panel presentation, From Knowledge to Action: Strengthening Workforce Capacity for Climate Change Adaptation in Canada, showcased examples of climate change training programs in Canadian universities, communities, and professional practice. The CSLA's landADAPT continuing education program was featured as an example of a professional development program that offers peer-to-peer learning opportunities and promotes a cross-disciplinary response to the challenges faced by climate change and the biodiversity crisis.
While at the conference Hope had the opportunity to meet with many practitioners and researchers from Canada and around the world, including other landscape architects, and we look forward to opportunities for future collaboration.
Summary of the Decisions of the October 2025 CSLA Board Meeting
- The text of a brief entitled Making the Case: Landscape Architects as Infrastructure Leaders in Canada was approved. (to be released shortly)
- A revised Executive Director Job Description was approved and the Succession Task Force was instructed to seek proposals from recruitment firms.
- A terms of reference for the Recruitment and Retention Task Force was approved and the staff instructed to undertake a call for volunteers.
- Ryan Washinkski was re-appointed Chair of the LP Editorial Board for a three-year term.
- Anne-Marie Whitaker was re-appointed to the LAAC for a second and final three-year term as external member.
- Margot Long was re-appointed to the LAAC for a second and final three-year term.
- An agreement with AAPQ to host the 2028 Congress was approved.
- A MOU with the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board was approved.
- A MOU with the American Society of Landscape Architects was approved.
CSLA Represented at IFLA World Council
Claude Potvin, CSLA's IFLA Delegate, attended the IFLA World Council in Nantes from September 8th-10th:
"At the World Council meeting in Nantes, I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with colleagues from various regions (Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, Middle-East). Having started a new mandate as IFLA delegate earlier this year, I had a chance to get up to date on current global as well as regional governance issues within the Americas region. CSLA’s representation and support of IFLA significantly contribute to the growth and momentum of our profession worldwide."
(Image: IFLA)
KEEP Program: Meet the Mentors
Looking for a mentor? Are you a Fellow interested in mentoring? KEEP is an informal mentorship program that aims to pair students, associates (interns), emerging practitioners, and mid-career professionals with Fellows.
Visit the page below to find out how to participate.
CSLA Calls for Submissions for 2026 Awards of Excellence
Submissions for the 2026 Awards of Excellence are now being accepted! The CSLA's Awards of Excellence recognize and promote excellence and communicate a strong awareness of the profession of landscape architecture to related professions, potential clients, and the general public.
Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 4 pm ET
Read the full submission guidelines for information about eligibility, assessment, and how to apply.
Call for Abstracts for the 2026 CSLA-APALA Congress
Blurred Edges: Celebrating Thresholds of Change
The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) together with the Atlantic Provinces Association of Landscape Architects (APALA) invite qualified experts to submit abstracts for presentations and sessions to be presented at the upcoming 2026 CSLA-APALA Congress.
In-person presentations are scheduled to be held at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront in Halifax on June 5th and 6th, 2026. We expect 200 to 250 delegates to be present.
Submission Deadline: December 10th, 2025 at 4pm ET
Landscapes | Paysages Call for Submissions: Spring 2026
Kinship
In this issue of Landscapes | Paysages we invite you to submit articles discussing landscapes that have been or are under threat and what intervention has been required to ensure conservation for future generations.
Queries/Drafts Due Date: November 14, 2025
Final Copy Due Date: December 15, 2025
New Sites Added to Cultural Landscapes Legacy Collection
The Cultural Landscapes Legacy Collection has grown to include even more sites that have made a lasting impact, including:
The collection showcases a diverse range of projects and initiatives that have left an enduring legacy, reflecting the leadership, innovation, and vision of landscape architects and their clients.
College of Fellows Vice-Chair Appointed
Louis Beaupré has been elected by acclamation as the Vice-Chair of the College of Fellows.
In Memoriam: Professor Kongjian Yu (1963–2025)
The CSLA mourns the tragic loss of Kongjian Yu, a globally influential landscape architect and ecological urbanist, who died earlier this week in a plane crash.
Professor Yu’s visionary work transformed how cities engage with nature and water. He pioneered the “sponge city” concept—employing green infrastructure to absorb, store, and filter stormwater rather than relying solely on conventional drainage systems. He founded the landscape architecture and planning firm Turenscape, served as dean of the College of Architecture and Landscape at Peking University, and published widely on ecological design and climate resilience.
In 2023, he received the Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize, an honour named after one of Canada’s most distinguished landscape architects. Earlier this year, Turenscape was announced as the recipient of the 2025 RAIC International Prize, recognizing the firm’s exceptional contributions to climate action, regenerative design, and ecological innovation.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and collaborators around the world. His profound integration of ecology, aesthetics, and social purpose will continue to inspire the Canadian and international landscape architecture community.
(Image: TCLF)
Upcoming Changes to the National Urban Design Awards
Important changes to the National Urban Design Awards (NUDA), presented by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) in association with the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). Together, the three organizations have made the decision to postpone the 2026 National Urban Design Awards to 2027. Going forward, the NUDA’s will be held in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2027, 2029, and so on).
If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the RAIC at awards-prix@raic.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
LA CES Monitoring Committee Representative
The CSLA is looking for one volunteer for the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education Standards Committee (LA CES) Monitoring Committee.
LA CES is a program sponsored by key landscape architecture organizations to establish, maintain, and enforce standards for evaluating professional development and continuing education programs for landscape architects.
New Deadline to Apply: If you are interested, please send your CV to Michelle Legault, CSLA Executive Director (executive-director@csla-aapc.ca), by November 12th.
Recruitment and Retention Task Force
The CSLA’s State of the Profession Report (2024) concluded that there was a growing gap between the number of landscape architecture graduates and immigrants joining the profession versus the projected demand for the profession over the next 10 years. The Study also revealed the lack of diversity in the profession.
Given this situation for the profession, the CSLA has established a Recruitment and Retention Task Force. The objectives of this task force are to:
- Increase the number of landscape architects operating in Canada
- Increase diversity in the profession, and
- Improve retention strategies in the profession.
The task force will develop a work plan which includes strategies to address the objectives, and report back to the Board and Leadership Group. If you are interested in joining the task force, please send your CV to Michelle Legault, CSLA Executive Director (executive-director@csla-aapc.ca), by November 12th, 2025.
Member News
Nancy Pollock-Ellwand Receives University of Guelph Alumni Award
CSLA Fellow Nancy Pollock-Ellwand was recognized as an Alumni of Honour as part of the University of Guelph's 2025 Alumni Awards of Excellence.
"A globally respected leader in cultural landscape conservation and heritage policy, Nancy has built a career defined by service and stewardship of both people and place." - University of Guelph Awards of Excellence
(Image: Doug Hall)
In Memoriam: James Leonard (Jim) Floyd
We are saddened to announce the passing of CSLA Lifetime Member Jim Floyd on September 10, 2025.
LACF News
LACF 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
LACF Board of Directors are proud to share the 2025-2027 LACF Strategic Plan, with a focus on measurable fundraising goals, strong governance and strategic scholarships and research grants.
Lea Papillon is the recipient of the 2025 Frederick Gage Todd National Scholarship
The 2025 Frederick Gage Todd National Scholarship jury praised Lea Papillon's strong application of the Canadian Landscape Charter and her evident passion for the profession. She demonstrated excellent communication and technical skills, along with an impressive research background and solid design talents, as shown in her diverse portfolio. The jury also particularly appreciated Lea Papillon's community work, her efforts with the visually impaired, and her dedication to social justice and equity in her projects.
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Jack Tupper is the Recipient of the 2025 Robert N. Allsopp Urban Design Fellowship
Jack Tupper is an English landscape architect and photographer based in the lands now known as Vancouver, who’s work focuses on the ecological remediation of landscapes within urban and peri-urban contexts. He is a Senior Landscape Architect with the Vancouver Park Board and an Adjunct Lecturer in Ecological Planting Design at the University of BC. In addition, he operates his own design studio, undertaking research projects, residential work, and developer-led initiatives across British Columbia.
LACF-Funded Research Reports
The following grant-supported research projects have been completed and can be viewed on the LACF website:
- Reimagining Punjab’s Agricultural Landscape | Simranpreet Kaur
- Ravine Reconnect: Restoring Landscape Connectivity in a Growing Metropolis | Sonja Vangjeli
- Green Equity: Designing Equitable Heat-Resilient Public Spaces for Delhi | Kanika Mehta
LACF Announces the Architek Sustainable Urban Development Grant
Architek Group of Companies has partnered with LACF to launch the Sustainable Urban Development Grant to be offered as a Research Grant over the course of the next five years (2025-2029).
Partner News
Mario Schjetnan Named 2025 Oberlander Prize Laureate
CSLA congratulates Mario Schjetnan on his Oberlander Prize. Mario delighted CSLA members as a keynote speaker during the 2015 CSLA Congress in Mexico City.
(Image:TCLF)
OALA and Canadian landscape architects comply with Ontario Bill 2 – Labour Mobility requirements.
On September 1, 2025 Ontario’s Minister of Labour, David Piccini, announced that Ontario is removing interprovincial barriers for workers in regulated professions. The Ontario government has signed agreements with other Canadian jurisdictions, to offer Right to Practice as of January 1, 2026 for 50 "in-demand" OLMA regulated professions. Landscape Architects from regulated jurisdictions are included in this list.
Minister Piccini and his team confirmed that OALA complies with the requirements. This is in part due to the work of all Canadian regulatory boards and the CSLA who signed the National Reciprocity Agreement in 2020. The Agreement provides a path for landscape architects who plan to practice in another Canadian jurisdiction.
AAPQ announces recipients of 2025 Frederick Todd Awards
On the occasion of its 60th anniversary, the Association des architectes paysagistes du Québec (AAPQ) held a special gala on September 11, 2025, during which it presented three Frederick Todd Awards, the highest distinction in the profession in Quebec.
Congratulations to this year's recipients:
- Suzanne Rochon (member category)
- Suzanne Hamel (member category)
- Dinu Bumbaru (public figure category)
National Capital Commission (NCC) Report on Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project
The National Capital Commission (NCC) has published a report summarizing feedback from the third round of public participation on the Alexandra Bridge Replacement Project.
The report highlights comments received from the public and members of the Public Advisory Group regarding refinements made to the preferred design concept. These updates were informed by input from the public, Indigenous communities and advisory committees.
(Image: Commission de la capitale nationale)
Canada Light Expo
November 12-13, 2025
International Centre, Toronto
Why register for Canada Light Expo? In today’s dynamic business landscape, the role of lighting extends beyond mere illumination; it serves as a pivotal element in shaping ambiance, influencing mood, and optimizing energy consumption. Canada Light Expo 2025 focuses on showcasing solutions for a plethora of lighting areas under one roof, including architectural lighting and landscape lighting.
For free entry to trade show use code CLE25TS5010 to register.
Submissions Open: Land MDPI Special Issue
Climate Adaptation and Recovery Strategies: Reimagining Governance in Urban Regions
Do you deal with climate adaptation and recovery Strategies? Or is spatial policy and governance your expertise?
Here is the chance to publish to a truly landscape-focus Special Issue Land MDPI.
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Soak it Up
Dec 04, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
Los Angeles, CA
Water, water management, and climate change accelerated urban flooding are of paramount import and concern to residents and decision makers in Southern California. The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) and the SWA Group are gathering leading industry, non-profit, and academic professionals for a daylong conference on Friday December 5, 2025, at USC’s Bovard Auditorium that will focus on landscape architecture’s leadership role in addressing critical water management issues.
(Image: TCLF)