TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Five locations in Canada have been named this year's Great Places.
They join the ranks of 20 other Great Places which have been honoured since the competition started in 2010.
There were 32 nominations this year, and more than 14,500 votes were received from Canadians across the country over the seven-month contest period.
The 2014 winners are being announced today as part of Canadian celebrations of World Town Planning Day happening tomorrow.
"The winning places this year accentuate just how diverse Canada truly is. Great Places in Canada always showcases the best our country has to offer and this year is no exception. The winning places are inspiring and impressive," says Michael Gordon, President of the Canadian Institute of Planners which hosts the annual contest. CIP is the professional association of urban planners.
The Grand Prize winners – selected based on planning excellence as judged by a panel of experts – are:
| Great Neighbourhood: Inglewood, Calgary, AB |
| Great Street: La rue du Petit-Champlain, Québec, QC |
| Great Public Space: Antigonish Town & County Library (The Peoples' Place Library), Antigonish, NS |
The People's Choice Award winners – based solely on the number of votes – were announced as well. They are:
| Great Neighbourhood: Old East Village, London, ON |
| Great Street: La rue du Petit-Champlain, Québec, QC |
| Great Public Space: McAdam Lake Campground on Waulklehegan Lake, McAdam, NB |
La rue du Petit-Champlain in Québec is a double award winner – taking both a Grand Prize and a People's Choice Award. "The architecture and the atmosphere make La rue du Petit-Champlain one of Canada's great streets," says Joe Nethery, a member of the judging panel "The jury observed how well modern shops and restaurants are accommodated within a strictly preserved historic streetscape. The interaction between people and the street is something to be cherished and is deserving of recognition in the Great Places in Canada Contest."
Inglewood in Calgary was chosen in part because "it is a great neighbourhood to visit but also, and perhaps most importantly, a great neighbourhood to live. Inglewood has the bedrock elements of an inclusive community with a large affordable housing stock, a range of transportation options, support for local businesses and community facilities," notes judge Andrea Winkler "The jury was also impressed by the expression of local culture from night markets to celebrating local artisans in everyday objects. It's also hard to resist a place that has the odd chicken roaming the streets."
Antigonish Town & County Library (The Peoples' Place Library) in Antigonish is more than just a library, says judge Ann Kjerulf. "The product of a collaborative planning process, it is a focal point of community life, offering programs and services to people of all ages in a safe, welcoming and barrier-free environment. The Peoples' Place is recognized for its exceptional design which celebrates the work of local artists and craftspeople and incorporates numerous green features. This is truly a great public space."
Photos of this year's winners are available at www.greatplacesincanada.ca/en/media.asp
VIA Rail Canada, as the national rail passenger service, provides efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective passenger transportation to Canadian travellers, and service in both official languages. Every week VIA operates 503 intercity, transcontinental and regional trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500 kilometers route network. VIA transports over four million passengers annually. Please visit www.viarail.ca.
The Canadian Institute of Planners has a membership of 7,800 professional planners, and collaborates with provincial affiliates to set professional standards for training, certification and best practices in planning across Canada. Please visit www.cip-icu.ca.
SOURCE: Canadian Institute of Planners
For interviews, contact: Niki Kerimova, [email protected], 416-777-0368; Megan Stephens, [email protected], 416-777-0368
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