Located in the heart of the Zibi district in Gatineau, QC, Tesasini Park transforms an old industrial site into an exemplary landscape created for resilience to climate change. Designed after major floods in 2017 and 2019, this 1.2-hectare shoreline park demonstrates a new way to develop the banks of the Ottawa River. Here, landscape architecture becomes a tool for adaptation and reconciliation; the project is grounded in a deep understanding of hydraulic dynamics. The shoreline is deliberately mineral, lined with large, sedimentary-rock slabs that form a protective shell, stabilizing contaminated soil and revealing the site’s underlying geology. Rocky areas, greened berms and structures adapted for 20-, 100- and 500-year events demonstrate advanced mastery of stabilization techniques and phytotechnology. The park takes a holistic approach, incorporating urban forestry, landscape design, hydraulics and sustainability. Green rooftops on neighbouring buildings feature vegetable gardens, flower meadows and living fences, extending local biodiversity into the built environment.
Grounded in strong community engagement, the project integrates the works of Solomon King and includes a seating area shaped like a turtle shell.
