b'TORONTOS BERCZY PARK WAS ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS OF THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR CANADIAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS IN 2018. IN 2018 IT ALSO WON THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD OF MERIT AND PEOPLES CHOICEAZ AWARDS (AZURE) AND THE PRIX ARCHITECTURE DE PAYSAGE ET AMNAGEMENT PUBLICGRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN. IN 2019 THE PARK WON DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOR BEST PUBLIC SPACE DESIGNLINES MAGAZINE, AS WELL AS TORONTO URBAN DESIGN AWARDSCITY OF TORONTOLARGE SPACES AND NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGNS. IT WAS DESIGNED BY MONTREAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FIRM CLAUDE CORMIER ET ASSOCIS.reduction of crime. One of the ways toseason, indicating how fragile many achieve this is by utilizing technical ex- parts of our country are to wildfires. pertise to ensure that there is definedWhere timber-based monocultures public space versus private spaces,and insect decimated woodlots make while at the same time maintainingquick fuel for fires, biologically diverse open sightlines and excellent lightingforests and well managed natural for public interaction.areas contribute to slowing and con-The pedestrian is the most vulnerabletrolling potentially devastating effects.user on the streets, and by giving themWith climate changes come more PHOTO CREDIT: MICHAEL MURAZ priority, major improvements in safetysevere rainstorms. Heavy rainfall in can be achieved. For instance, theurban areas result in flash floodingVision Zero, a program aiming to reducetransition of a portion of Times Squareas 261 municipalities in Quebec experi-fatalities due to pedestrian accidents,in New York City to pedestrian andenced in the spring floods ofwas established in Sweden in the latecyclist only spaces has resulted in a2017. These are issues Canadians1990s. Due to its effectiveness, cities16 per cent decrease in speeding, andneed to address in collaborationaround the world have adopted the pro- a 26 per cent decrease in collisionswith municipalities. gram, including many here in Canada. resulting in injuries in the areaThe expertise required for the suc- (www.wri.org). This type of interven- Municipalities are on the frontlines of cessful design of boulevards, medians,tion is possible across Canada in busythe fight against climate change, said crosswalks and bike lanes is essentialurban areas to create safer spaces. Catherine McKenna, Canadas Min-to ensuring the safety and enjoymentister of the Environment and Climate of all who will use a public space.2. Protecting from climate Change, speaking at an Empire Club of Qualified professionals consider thechange-driven natural disastersCanada event on December 6, 2018,appropriate design and selection ofMost scientists agree our climatein Toronto.materials, grading, universal acces- is changing due to greenhouse gasIn Canada, thoughtful designs can sibility, wayfinding signage, hierarchyemissions. The complex effects ofreduce the likelihood of standing water and relationships between people inclimate change need to be understoodturning to ice and causing serious vehicles, walking and cycling.and anticipated so professionals caninjury resulting from people losing make informed, insightful and effectivecontrol on sidewalks and curbs. During Urban braille helps the visually impaireddecisions. That includes designs that navigate the streets by use of contrast- the flooding in Kitchener on February make communities more resilient.20, 2018, the existence of ice jams in ing pavement colours, textures and impressed symbols added to concreteThe changing climate is increasing thethe river made it much more difficult in sidewalks. These techniques aid them inneed for highly functional landscapesfinding a solution to the storm water. knowing when they are approaching anthat support human use and enjoyment3. Addressing heat islands and alleyway, intersection or the edge of thewhile incorporating green infrastruc- improving health pedestrian sidewalk area. ture to withstand and mitigate damag- As urban areas have developed, the CPTED is a set of best-practicees from changing weather patterns.landscape has undergone a consider-standards that were developed with aThe forest fire in Albertas Edson For- able change. The land that was once collaboration between qualified designest in June 2018 quickly tripled in size,fertile is now arid and dry due to the and law enforcement profession- destroying more than 1,200 hectares.construction of buildings and roads als. They suggest the effective use ofThis was the 76th fire within a four- leading to a phenomenon called Urban built environment and design for themonth span during the spring/summerHeat Islands. ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS 11'