Exploring shade structure options for Waterloo Public Square

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An aerial photo of Waterloo Public Square

As of August 2023, the construction of the new shade structures in Waterloo Public Square is complete! Thank you all for your input on this project to help make the square 'cooler'.

Project background:

The City of Waterloo, along with a consultant team led by SHIFT Landscape Architecture, conducted a feasibility study for the Laurel Greenway in January 2021 to explore a new shade feature/structure to Waterloo Public Square.

As part of the engagement for this project, many excellent ideas and opinions were collected from the community through comments and survey responses. Some of the highlights of that input included:

  • a preference for smaller-sized shade elements throughout the square
  • a multi-season feature that supports the current uses of the square
  • desire for integrating natural materials
  • inclusion of trees and planting as a source of natural shade and to break up the extent of the concrete area

From there, SHIFT worked with a local architect team, Whitefish Architecture, to develop a conceptual shade structure design suitable for the public square space.

As of August 2023, the construction of the new shade structures in Waterloo Public Square is complete! Thank you all for your input on this project to help make the square 'cooler'.

Project background:

The City of Waterloo, along with a consultant team led by SHIFT Landscape Architecture, conducted a feasibility study for the Laurel Greenway in January 2021 to explore a new shade feature/structure to Waterloo Public Square.

As part of the engagement for this project, many excellent ideas and opinions were collected from the community through comments and survey responses. Some of the highlights of that input included:

  • a preference for smaller-sized shade elements throughout the square
  • a multi-season feature that supports the current uses of the square
  • desire for integrating natural materials
  • inclusion of trees and planting as a source of natural shade and to break up the extent of the concrete area

From there, SHIFT worked with a local architect team, Whitefish Architecture, to develop a conceptual shade structure design suitable for the public square space.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey 2 - design concept

    While many people let us know during January's consultation about their preference for more trees and natural shade, the limited suitability of the public square for urban trees means that some sort of shade structure will also be needed. Additional planting spaces along King Street have been recommended to create a green edge to the square and expand on the existing street trees, and additional tree planting is also being considered within the square’s existing raised planters. At this point, we are looking for your thoughts on a shade structure, that will integrate natural materials. We would like your input on the concept for the shade structures and any other feedback you would like to share.

    Take Survey
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey 1

    This survey asks a few questions about the future of the public square. It should only take about 2-3 minutes to complete.

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 23 Aug 2023, 09:21 AM