Description
Originally installed in 1967 to celebrate Canada’s centennial year, Gore Fountain was in desperate need of a makeover. Concrete paving and concrete benches within the plaza space were heavily damaged and impeded safety and accessibility within the plaza. With the help of Seferian Design Group and funding from a Canada 150 grant the Fountain was restored.
The project was committed to continuous improvement in demonstrating design practices that promote sustainability, including measures to increase efficiency and use of renewable resources, and to decrease the production of waste and hazardous materials. Not only did the Project promote health, wellness, and safety of the community through design and maintenance but it improved a sense of place for its visitors.
The Project included transportation integrations with appropriate curb access on the west end site and minor internal site circulation improvements, replacement of existing concrete seats/guards, and coloured concrete banding of walkways and seating to make them more visible. Cracks in the fountain bowl were also fixed and the historic cannon was relocated two metres to the east to improve visibility. Improvements were made to the soft landscaping and plantings, light fixtures were refurbished and new trash receptacles were added.
Although a lot was changed, Seferian Design Group was careful to preserve some of the Cultural and historical features such as the cannon and the 1967 plaque. In addition, the Parks visual transformation concrete walkways, plazas, and slopes around the fountain were also reduced and redone to improve accessibility in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
Details
Location: Cambridge, ON
Size: 0.1 ha
Client: City of Cambridge
Project Team:
SDG, Landscape Architects
MTE Consultants Inc., Civil Engineering
Mighton Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Hardscape Concrete Inc., General Contractor
Services Provided: Conceptual Design, Design Development, Tendering, and Contract Administration, Post Occupancy Evaluation
Publications
“Queens Square and Old Post Office projects win international design awards” Cambridge.ca, December 7, 2018
“Two Cambridge design projects recognized internationally” CTV Kitchener, December 7, 2018.
“Cambridge’s crumbling Queen’s Square fountain to be repaired, upgraded” Cambridge Times, May 23, 2017
Awards:
2019 DNA Paris Design Award in the Landscape Design Parks & Public Spaces Category
2018 Architecture MasterPrize in the Landscape Architecture/Small Scale Landscape Projects Category
2018 Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence in the Special Interest – Construction Category.
