South March Highlands a top runner in Canada’s great public spaces
Posted Feb 21, 2012 06:40:37 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Kanata’s South March Highlands could soon be called one of Canada’s great public spaces if voters get their way.
People can vote online for one of Canada’s great public spaces, in three categories — public space, neighborhood and street. There will also be “People’s Choice Awards.” The final decision is compiled by a member panel as well as combined votes. The Canadian Institute of Planners made of up of 7,800 members will choose the final winners, giving a public space the coveted title of Canada’s great public space.
With under a week of voting left, more than 14,000 votes have been tallied so far which is more than double of its competing public space, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver.
Oddly enough, the Gardens in Vancouver attract over 100,000 visitors per year, whereas many Ottawa residents have most likely never heard of the South March Highlands, according to the Ottawa Citizen.
Many are hoping that if the Highlands win the vote, it will help to preserve the area which spans 1,000 hectares of pristine forest, trails and wetlands.
The Highlands have caused some controversy over the last year as half the area is owned by the City while the other half is privately owned and plans to build subdivisions are well under way. Concerns about water absorption in the wetlands have put further developments on hold between the city and one of the developers.
Ottawa’s Brewer Park is also gathering a significant number of votes with over 3,700 and Algonquin Park is also a top runner with 1,700 votes. Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square has received only 200 votes.
To see all the nominated public spaces click here.
