Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery, Waterloo

The redesign of the front of the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery in Waterloo came soon after the award-winning building (by Patkau Architects) was constructed in 1993. While the building was well-received by the community, there was a public outcry protesting the severe, modern grass and concrete plinth landscape. Following extensive community engagement, the front landscape was redesigned to symbolically flow the adjacent Laurel Creek across the garden in a large swath of riverstone, with broad sweeping plantings of seasonal ornamental grasses and native plant material. Withstanding the test of time, city staff have said that this garden remains one of the public’s favourite places to photograph and visit.

The community consultation and redesign of the landscape for the Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery was completed by Sheila (then Landscape Designer, City of Waterloo Parks Services), working closely with Barb Magee-Turner and Karen Anderson.