Brook McIlroy, the designers of Thunder Bay's Prince Arthur's Landing, announced they are first design studio in Canada to be recognized by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
The Toronto-based firm received the Progressive Aboriginal Relations Committed certification.
Many of the firm's projects involve a high degree of engagement with surrounding Aboriginal stakeholders.
The firm’s practices have contributed toward successful projects including the Spirit Garden at Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay, the Iroquoian Longhouse at Crawford Lake in Halton, and in community planning for Iqaluit.
Thunder Bay's Spirit Garden, which opened in December 2011, is located on the revitalized waterfront and was a collaborative effort between the Brook McIlroy design team and local Aboriginal communities, with assistance from wetland ecologists and the Department of Fisheries.
Called a civic landmark, the project received a 2012 Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) Award for Planning Excellence.
“The Spirit Garden serves as an excellent visual example and symbol of what we can achieve in Canada when companies partner with Aboriginal communities and people,” said J.P. Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.
