Garnet A Williams Community Centre

Garnet A Williams Community Centre

Vaughan, Ontario

Snow Larc was invited to be part of a team to revitalize this existing community centre. Our scope involved the conceptual and detailed design through contract administration of the Arena and Community Centre outdoor open spaces.

The landscape design integrates existing features and prioritizes safety, comfort, accessibility, and ease of maintenance. Inspired by the artwork of Group of Seven member and former area resident J.E.H. MacDonald, the design reflects Thornhill‘s natural, artistic, and agrarian history.

The design features distinct areas or rooms around the building, with low-maintenance plants that ensure year-round functionality. Plant selections focus on salt and drought tolerance. The design clearly separates pedestrian and vehicular zones, combining concrete plazas with perennial grasses, native flowering trees, and existing vegetation.

The centrepiece of the design is an iconic concrete sign wall at the west entrance, integrated with existing topography and mature trees. At the rear of the building, the pool entrance area is designed for flexibility, and is suitable for camp and recreational activities.