Winners announced in the Great Places in Canada contest!
After four months of voting and over 200,000 e-ballots being cast by people from across the country, the winning locations in the second annual Great Places in Canada contest were unveiled today.
The country’s top places were selected on the basis of both popularity and planning excellence as judged by a panel of experts. This year’s honours go to:
| Canada’s Great Street – Queen Street, Fredericton, NB |
| Canada’s Great Neighbourhood – Osborne Village, Winnipeg MB |
| Canada’s Public Space – Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Yarmouth, NS |
“So many great places were nominated,” noted Jill Collinson, one of the judges. “We had quality entries from big cities, small towns and all spaces in between. Urban, rural, commercial, residential, greenspace, historic, modern – there was a bit of everything.”
Richard Parker, another judge, saidFredericton’s Queen Street shone in the competition because “its historical buildings, open spaces, unique shops and people-friendly sidewalks provide the ideal setting for a wide range of community activities.”
Acording to judge Kimberley Harrison-McMillan, Osborne Village “has evolved into a vibrant mixed use neighbourhood. Near downtown, this century old and densely populated community is filled with character, boasting a pedestrian-oriented and transit-supportive urban form that offers a unique collection of restaurants and shops.”
Cape Forchu Lighthouse was selected because, among other reasons, “the local community and visitors enjoy accessing the functioning lighthouse and participating in on-site activities,” explained judge Gary Noble.
The top locations are being honoured not only because of their popularity, but also because they exemplify the highest standards of planning. To be judged a winner by the panel of professional planners, the location had to meet certain criteria including:
- promoting social and economic activities
- having a memorable or unique character
- having design or architectural features that are visually interesting
- meeting different aspects of sustainability
- being accessible by different modes of transportation
- reflecting local culture, history, and landscape
In addition to the grand winners, three People’s Choice Awards – based solely on the number of votes – were announced today. They are:
| People’s Choice Great Street – Osborne Street, Winnipeg, MB |
| People’s Choice Great Neighbourhood – Woodfield, London, ON |
| People’s Choice Great Public Space – The South March Highlands, Ottawa, ON |
Great Places in Canada on Facebook and @GreatPlacesCA on Twitter will provide regular updates on the contest.
This year’s sponsors of Great Places in Canada are Via Rail, Mountain Equipment Co-op, up! Magazine, Roots, and the CanadianUrban Institute.
Visit www.GreatPlacesInCanada.com for more information.