On September 14, at the 2012 Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Congress in Halifax, NS, the distinct honour of Fellow will be conferred upon Jeffrey Frank. Jeffrey is recognized by the Society and his peers for his extensive body of executed works and legacy projects in landscape architecture as well as his service to the community on behalf of the profession. Fellowship is the highest honour for Canadian Landscape Architects. Congratulations, Mazel Tov, Jeff and have fun at the Halifax 'kitchen party'!

Growing a Farmers' Market  

Fall is one of the best times to head out to the Saint Norbert Farmers' Market.  We at HTFC have been collaborating with the Market on a near and longer-term site development plan that will enhance the visitor experience, making it more attractive and easier to negotiate. Vendors, patrons, neighbours and community organizations have provided feedback as to what needs improvement and what needs to remain to retain the enduring market character we all know and love. Improvements will include new indoor and outdoor structures and rest areas, better vendor spaces, improved pedestrian and vehicle circulation and signage and community linkages that will bring even more flavour to the market. 

The first step will be to improve the overall site drainage while at the same time providing an educational opportunity for sustainable and creative storm water management. At the recent SNFM Farmers' Feast, an annual celebration of local food and local chefs fundraiser, the Board announced their successful gain of $250,000 in funding to proceed with this phase. This will be followed by the development of buildings and community spaces over a number of years. If you value the market and access to local food, please consider showing your support by making a charitable contribution to the capital campaign.

When you arrive in Saint Norbert you will be greeted by a series of new street banners and gateway signs. HTFC has worked with Entreprises Riel and to develop an iconic motif that conveys the essence of this unique place. The pattern is comprised of a series of abstract layers. The first layer represents the geographic boundaries that define the community of St.Norbert (the LaSalle and Red Rivers, LaBarriere crossings, roads and the Red River Floodway). Another layer overlays horizontal historical riverlot patterns with a layer of contrasting vertical patterns representing the neighbourhoods and businesses that make up the community today. The colours are bright and vibrant representing the community spirit of St. Norbert as well as reflecting its rich history. Read More about the creative concept development. 

The Saint Norbert Gateway signs further evoke the blending of old and new with construction materials comprised of reclaimed timbers and limestone, marrying with laser cut aluminum and digital print colour. Plantings of native and market-inspired species will anchor the signs, reminding us of this community's abiding sense of heritage. 

HTFC Afoot In The Community 

Parking Spot to Public Park (at least for a few hours)  

PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers and citizens transform metered parking spots into temporary public parks. The Manitoba Association of Landscape Architects is host to this day of international movement to reclaim public urban space. Ten parking spots developed by local organizations throughout the downtown will kick of the Winnipeg Design Festival weekend events. Stop by and have a coffee with HTFC at our PARK(ing) spot on Friday, September 21st from 11-2pm in front of Parlour Coffee, 468 Main Street.

The Winnipeg Design Festival, an initiative of Storefront Manitoba, runs from September 21- 29.  Everyone is invited to take part in tours, talks and public events that celebrate and promote contemporary architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design and art in the city of Winnipeg. Monica Giesbrecht and Glen Manning of HTFC will be on hand to tour you through two of Winnipeg's newest landscape designs.

10:00 am, Saturday, September 22, 2012

Millennium Library 

Guided by Monica Giesbrecht, Principal, HTFC

Get introduced to the Park's modernist history and how this tradition is continued in the new renovation. Learn about the intense stakeholder building process that now makes this park a vibrantly programmed activity centre in the Downtown. Look below the surface of the park and explore the innovative design thinking and sustainable technologies behind Winnipeg's largest intensive green roof. Discover the three significant pieces of public art in the park and learn about how they came into being. Get a glimpse of what is yet to come for this vibrant public space.

Meet at the beaker water sculpture called 'EmptyFul' along the Donald Street edge of the park.

11:30 am, Saturday, September 22, 2012

Steinkopf Gardens 

Guided by Glen Manning, Principal, HTFC

This tour reveals the story behind the rehabilitation of this landmark urban courtyard in downtown Winnipeg. The intent of the renovation was to update and refresh the space, which was originally constructed in the late 1960's, adding life and improving accessibility. The design team worked hard to respect and retain design elements from the original courtyard, while addressing new demands on the design, and advancing some of the original courtyard's unrealized urban design aspirations. The tour will touch on the many challenges that were overcome, from uncharted utility lines to overzealous skateboarders - and a few that we are still working on.

Meet at the entry plaza on Lily Avenue between the Concert Hall and Manitoba Museum.