top of page

CANADA LIFE / CAMPUS OPEN SPACE PLAN

Based on a Master Plan developed by Urban Strategies Inc., Corban Landscape Architects Ltd. articulated a comprehensive Open Space Plan and Guideline Document to determine the structure, character and elements to guide the redevelopment of the Canada Life Head Office block property. The plan sets out a vision for a campus environment that establishes pedestrian connections through the block and emphasizes the important view corridor to historic Osgoode Hall and Nathan Philips Square. 

The site centers around three key public spaces – an entry plaza, a pedestrian walkway (adjacent to historic Campbell House), and an exterior daycare facility - that the landscape architect was retained to design. 

Design of the plaza takes inspiration from the Beaux-Arts style of the historic Canada Life Building. The granite-clad entry plaza with finely detailed granite seat walls, features a waterfall that is framed by a grove of trees. The granite-paved walkway, flanked by lush plantings, provides access to the historic Campbell House and connects the interior of the campus block to University Avenue and the subway. The outdoor playground lies above the underground parking garage and serves the in-house daycare centre. The enclosed space features a rubber-surfaced path - The Yellow Brick Road – that winds its way through the grounds and connects a mini sports lawn, play facilities and a small storytelling amphitheatre.
 

Toronto, ON

SCOPE OF WORK

Site Analysis, Urban Design, Detailed Design

LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT

Corban Landscape Architects Ltd.
Bruce Corban, Landscape Architect

Canada Life Assurance Company /

GWL Realty Advisors

CLIENT

COLLABORATORS

Urban Strategies Inc.

BUDGET

+ $2,000,000

bottom of page