Ontario Construction News staff writer
Stantec has received the 2024 Excellence Award from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) for its master plan for a future metropolitan park on Sainte-Thérèse Island in Varennes, Quebec.
This award acknowledges Stantec’s proposed development for the City of Varennes and its partners, aimed at transforming the Sainte-Thérèse Island archipelago into a sustainable ecotourism park in the heart of the Saint Lawrence River.
The CSLA’s national awards annually honor projects that exhibit excellence in design, innovation, and sustainable landscape management. Winners are chosen by a national jury of distinguished landscape architects and represent the growing diversity of landscape architecture in Canada.
“We are honored to receive this recognition for the innovative Sainte-Thérèse Island master plan project,” said André Arata, Quebec landscape architecture design director for Stantec. “Winning this award reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating green, sustainable, and inspiring spaces that enrich communities and protect our precious natural heritage.”
Unveiled in February 2024, the master plan for the future metropolitan park on Sainte-Thérèse Island is rooted in the site’s history, archaeology, landscape, natural environment, and accessibility. It aims to transform the island into a unique destination that combines recreation, ecotourism, and nature conservation. Visitors will enjoy agrotourism activities, a long riverside trail, and winding trails throughout the island, with lookout points, visitor centers, observation towers, and interpretation panels highlighting coastal landscapes, historic sites, and rich natural environments.
The master plan was developed in close collaboration with cities such as Varennes, Repentigny, and Montreal, along with partner organizations including the Montreal Metropolitan Community, Nature Conservancy Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the Society for Nature and Parks (SNAP Quebec). The governments of Quebec and Canada also participated in a consultative process with partners and organizations in the field.