The Lower Trent Conservation Authority hired VTLA to lead the team through concept and design development to present a final Landscape Design Master Plan. The LTC plans to renaturalize a publicly accessible conservation area (0.35 ha) along the Trent River in downtown Trenton, Ontario. This project site ties into the Conservation Authority’s larger plan to connect a linear corridor of naturalized shoreline parks that welcome residents and visitors to celebrate life along the river. As described in the client’s RFP, “this special urban greenspace will be transformed from a lawn into a native wildflower meadow with scattered shade trees, complete with a wide walking trail and resting spots. Visitors will be drawn to enjoy the riverside. Pollinating insects, birds and other wildlife will benefit from the infusion of native plant diversity. Improved soil health will boost nature-based climate resilience through better water absorption and carbon storage.”

VTLA’s design approach presented a hierarchy of paths of various widths and materials. A primary accessible gravel path through the meadow connects the bordering sidewalks, central covered structure, and riverbank path. A series of secondary paths formalize the existing shoreline trail. Mown paths are reinforced with special mats to ensure accessibility. Visitors can pause to enjoy river views from seat-height, custom-designed circular wood platforms. Public information signage will be added at a later date.

The VTLA team previously participated in LTC’s work of seeding the site’s worn lawn with native meadow species. VTLA presented the Landscape Master Plan for community engagement led by the town, incorporating feedback from this process. In spring 2023 Construction Drawings were submitted for public tender. The process is currently in construction and the seeded meadow is thriving!