The University of Guelph is the recipient of the CSLA Legacy Project Award (2017) for the creation and implementation of its original 1965 master plan.

The CSLA Legacy Project Award is intended to recognize distinguished landscape architecture projects which were forward-thinking for their time, contribute significantly to their communities, showed leadership and innovation, and are still relevant examples of excellence in the profession of landscape architecture. The Legacy Project Award honours projects which have left and continue to leave a lasting impact on Canada’s landscape.

“This is a gratifying award and wonderful recognition for the University of Guelph,” said Kevin Golding, chair of the University’s Board of Governors and chair of the Master Plan Steering Committee. “We take great pride in our University’s heritage, beauty and environment, especially our public open spaces and natural gardens.”

Completed in 1965, the University’s original master plan emphasized a pedestrian-oriented environment and social spaces, while respecting history and nature and promoting construction innovation and sustainability. The plan also reinforced the University’s important role in the City of Guelph.

The CSLA award jury highlighted the plan’s tree-defined walkways and streets, and such innovations as the underground steam-heating system and brick detailing over asphalt to meet winter conditions and lengthen the system’s lifetime.

The original master plan was developed and implemented by the landscape architecture firm of Project Planning Associates Ltd. It has been revised every five to 10 years to accommodate campus growth and changes.

The 1965 campus plan is now 51 years old and remains a vital document that will guide the university for many years to come.