The Sustainability Plaza in The Hills at Charlesworth, an Edmonton-based project developed by Beaverbrook Communities in association with Stantec, has won the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) International Award for Planning Excellence.
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most highly regarded awards in the industry. With nominees from all over the globe, the awards champion the very best examples of planning and planners.
“Sustainable design and resiliency are at the core of our planning practices, and something we aim for on every project. The Hills at Charlesworth takes a creative and practical approach to building a vibrant, year-round space that’s also the pride of the community,” said Scott Cole, principal at Stantec.
The Sustainability Plaza is an eco-friendly recreation hub that serves as the focal point and gathering place for The Hills at Charlesworth community, located in southeast Edmonton. The Sustainability Plaza achieved its sustainable, low impact environmental status by incorporating green living concepts into the design, such as solar and wind powered hybrid lights, solar powered wi-fi, a solar powered playground, incorporating repurposed sea-can containers into their construction, and building a 200-metre ice ribbon for winter ice skating.
“We are truly honoured to have won this award. This year’s finalists included projects from Dubai, China and India. As a business whose core value is innovation, it is rewarding to have been recognized for our cutting-edge approach amongst such a high caliber of international projects that are setting the bar for the future,” said George Cantalini, CEO of Beaverbrook Group of Companies.
“As a Professional Planner and City builder based in Edmonton, it’s very rewarding to be recognized internationally for a “made in Edmonton” design and project – one that is built and being used on a daily basis by citizens who choose to live in a Beaverbrook Community. This award speaks to the creativity and vision that resides in our City and region. Working with Edmonton-based Consulting and Design firm Stantec, we were able to push the boundaries of what a park / plaza could be. This concept was quickly embraced by the City of Edmonton and Council, we are very grateful for the City’s support and belief in us and our project,” said Jodie Wacko, President of Beaverbrook Communities.