Bloor-Annex BIA Parkettes recognized with CSLA National Award of Excellence
Image: Bloor-Annex BIA Parkette. Photo by Scott NorsworthyDTAH is proud to announce that the Bloor-Annex BIA Parkettes have been recognized with a National Award of Excellence from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. Each year, the Awards of Excellence honour projects across Canada for their distinctive design, ground-breaking research, sustainable landscape management and more.
The series of four parkettes re-imagines formerly underutilized asphalt surfaces in the neighbourhood, transforming these areas into sustainable and dynamic public amenity spaces. The design highlights what makes the Bloor-Annex such a unique space in the city. Custom benches were created for the parkettes using wooden beams salvaged from the demolition of a nearby Toronto landmark, Honest Ed’s. Granite benches were designed by local artist, Robert Cram, utilizing quarry cut-offs and innovative stone installation techniques. The parkettes feature new surfacing, pollinator planting, large canopy trees, integrated public art and new bicycle parking, offering a space for quiet contemplation, a meeting place or a rest-stop in Toronto’s bustling downtown.