Park Named One of Canada's Top Public Spaces
Jul 04, 2011
(News Release) VICTORIA — The city's iconic Beacon Hill Park is among the top public spaces in Canada, according to a new ranking just released by Spacing magazine.
“We gathered 135 architects, designers, urban affairs writers, and Spacing readers from across the country to name and then vote on the 100 best public spaces in Canadian cities,” explains Matthew Blackett, Spacing publisher and creative director. “Beacon Hill Park made it into the top 10 for all of Canada; it is obviously a special place.”
Other Victoria landmarks making the list include: Inner Harbour Causeway, Galloping Goose Regional Trail, Fernwood Square, and Dallas Road Waterfront. Along with Beacon Hill Park, they are among the 100 public spaces from 15 urban regions across Canada profiled in Spacing’s first-ever national issue, now on newsstands across Canada.
“I live in a high-rise in Toronto so I know firsthand how having access to great green spaces like Beacon Hill Park makes a huge impact on a city’s livability and the happiness of its residents,” says Blackett. “As a magazine devoted to city life, Spacing felt it was important to recognize and celebrate the best public spaces across Canada.”
Launched in 2003, Spacing focuses on urban issues related to transportation, urban design, public art, local history, community planning, environmental issues, civic infrastructure, and sustainable development.
Blackett will be in Victoria to moderate a special panel discussion about this city’s top public spaces on Tuesday, July 5. The “Public Space Public Forum” takes place 6-8 p.m. in the courtyard of Market Square. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.spacing.ca/roadshow.