British Columbia, Ontario Neighbourhoods Top Canada’s New Great Places

Photo: Vancouver's West End // (c) 2015 Canadian Institute of Planners

Orangeville, Ont., Vancouver, B.C. and Kelowna B.C. have become the newest “Great Places in Canada.” The three locations were selected in an annual contest designed by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) to increase Canadians' awareness of the planning profession.

Now in its fifth year this year’s contest received 29 nominations and winners were selected by a jury of seven professional planners. Entries were also opened up to public voting and an additional two destinations were designated “People's Choice” winners. For 2015, winners and runners up include:

Great Neighbourhood(s)

West End, Vancouver, British Columbia (Grand Prize)

Once a forested wilderness, Vancouver’s West End became the city’s first elite neighbourhood when it was established in 1890. Although much has changed in the last 125 years, the West End remains a beloved neighbourhood for its walkability, its tranquility, its public art and its proximity to Stanley Park.

Historic Downtown Amherstburg, Amherstburg, Ontario (Peoples’ Choice)

Located alongside the Detroit River, Historic Downtown Amherstburg embodies the gentle charm of a riverside community, while also retaining many buildings and historic sites dating back to the Underground Railroad and the turbulent rum running culture of the 1920s. Many of the historic homes feature white picket fencing and blooming gardens that highlight their beautiful architectural detail.

Quartier Petit Champlain, Quebec, Q.C. (First Runner Up)

Renowned as one of the most beautiful sites in Old Quebec, the Quartier Petit Champlain, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops and bistros is located at the base of the cliff under the Château Frontenac.

Cobble Beach Golf Resort Community – Kemble, Ont. (Second Runner Up)

Georgian Bay’s waterfront community includes an award-winning 18-hole golf course with breathtaking views of the bay from every hole. Swimming, fishing and boating are popular here, as is walking along Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked hiking trail.

Great Public Space(s)

Stuart Park, Kelowna, British Columbia (Grand Prize)

Downtown Kelowna’s civic park, Stuart Park reflects the community’s heritage: its grasslands, forested hillsides and agricultural landscapes, the lake and the area’s history. A grand public promenade along the Stuart Park waterfront connects City Park to Waterfront Park as part of a continuous 2.3 km scenic stroll along the lake.

Labatt Memorial Park, London, Ont. (People’s Choice)

Located at the fork of the Thames River (a Canadian Heritage River) in London, Ont., against the city’s skyline, historic Labatt Memorial Park is the world’s oldest baseball ground and has been in continuous use since 1877.  In 1936, the park was deeded to the City of London by the Labatt Brewing Company with the condition it remain a public athletic park in perpetuity.

Lethbridge River Valley, Lethbridge, Alta. (First Runner Up)

The 1.6 km valley, which has been deeply scarred by 100 m coulees, features a rich profusion of shrubs and trees, making it an ideal wildlife habitat and migratory pathway. Although it is within the heart of a modern city, careful planning was been done to balance ecological preservation with a public recreational space.

Great Street(s)

Broadway, Orangeville, Ontario

Established as a road about 175 years ago, Broadway is now a protected heritage district. The street is notable for its wide spacing and with 100 feet between buildings instead of the normal 66, this is one of the widest main streets in Ontario A double winner, Broadway received both the peoples' and the jury’s vote. 

Wolfville's Main Street, Wolfville, N.S. (First Runner Up)

Main Street is Wolfville’s social and commercial hub, where the vibrancy of Acadia University intersects with the town’s local innovation, arts, culture, and picturesque views of the 17th century Dykelands, to create a charming place to gather and mingle.

Pictou Lobster Carnival. Pictou, N.S. (Second Runner Up)

Located along the beautiful Northumberland Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada — renowned as the “Birthplace of New Scotland” — Pictou offers period homes on tree-lined streets and a relaxed lifestyle. The annual lobster carnival, held every July, celebrates the town’s fishing heritage.

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