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The annual Great Places in Canada contest celebrates those special locations that people love most.

Canada has an abundance of great places, and everyone has a special place they feel passionate about. It may be a street, a neighbourhood, or an open space. There’s something about it that inspires and delights.

The winning locations are honoured not only because of their popularity, but also because they exemplify the highest standards of planning.

Great Places in Canada is sponsored by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), the national body which represents professional planners.

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

First PlaceCommercial Street Nanaimo, BC

Containing the remnants of one of B.C.’s earliest town plans, Commercial Street is now the connection point and main commercial thoroughfare for the downtown and is considered by some the culture and entertainment centre of Nanaimo.

Nominated by Chris Sholberg of Nanaimo, BC

Home to the first ever Tim Hortons, Ottawa Street is continuously evolving and expanding its offering of shops to everything from antique stores, restaurants, bakeries, record stores, art galleries and even a farmers’ market.

Nominated by Larry Pattinson Jr. of Hamilton, ON

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

Second PlaceOttawa Street (Textile District) Hamilton, ON

Broadway Avenue is a successful commercial area with historic small town charm. It connects directly to Saskatoon’s downtown core, is in close proximity to the University of Saskatchewan and is the heart of the residential community of Nutana.

Nominated by Jennifer Taylor of Saskatoon, SK

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

Third PlaceBroadway Avenue Saskatoon, SK

It is historical and modern. It has great restaurants. It is full of music and art. It has great architecture. It is always full of people, winter and summer.

Nominated by Ginette Labine of Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, QC

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

First PlaceLe petit Champlain Quebec, QC

The Hydrostone provides a gathering place for the residents of Halifax. It is connected to a nearby park and also provides green space in the boulevards that line its streets.

Nominated by Maggie Holm of Halifax, NS

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

Second PlaceThe Hydrostone Halifax, NS

In Snaw-Naw-As, community members are deeply connected to their coastal environment and each other. Access to the beach and ocean is open to everyone with no buildings directly along the shoreline.

Nominated by Lisa Bhopalsingh of Nanaimo, BC

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

Third PlaceSnaw-Naw-As (Nanoose First Nation) Lantantzville, BC

Nestled in the heart of downtown, The Forks is one of Winnipeg’s most beloved and pre-eminent meeting spots. Framed by the banks of the two rivers, The Forks is Winnipeg’s number one tourist destination with more than four million visitors annually.

Nominated by Heidi Pawluk of Winnipeg, MB

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

First PlaceThe Forks Winnipeg, MB

Evergreen Brick Works is a former brick quarry and manufacturing facility in the floodplain of the Don River. This significant cultural and environmental heritage site is a showcase for adaptive-reuse and green building design, and is based on the concepts of Nature, Culture and Community.

Nominated by Steve Heuchert of Toronto, ON

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

Second PlaceEvergreen Brick Works Toronto, ON

At 3,400 acres, Pippy Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada. It has open spaces for recreation such as hiking, walking trails, wild life viewing and nature appreciation.

Nominated by Bob Halfyard of St. John’s, NL

First Annual Contest

2011 Winners

Third PlacePippy Park St. John’s, NL

The Canadian Institute of Planners wishes to thank the sponsors of the first annual Great Places in Canada contest.