This new community is adjacent to the historic town from which it takes its name and design inspiration. Niagara-on-the-Lake, situated on the south shore of Lake Ontario was once voted “Canada’s Prettiest Town”. As the historic town receives a growing number of tourists and part-time residents attracted to its theater offerings, the new community is accommodating townspeople seeking a year-round community.
The Village center overlooks a long curving green, facing Route 55 and a vineyard across the road. A clock tower as long-distance marker, and a series of buildings with ground floor retail and offices and housing above, define the green that frequently hosts community events. Parking concealed behind the retail is shared with the hotel, live-works and townhouses gathered around a paved square, serving as a transition into the residential neighborhood streets beyond. Formal greens along the streets connect to roads outside the community and a network of informal greens connects to a regional network of open space.
Development Approach
Commercial sustainability: town green with retail engaging a regional audience
Community diversity: a variety of housing
Defining Design Details
Pedestrian focus: network of small streets connecting neighborhoods and town center
Placemaking diversity: a town green and the adjacent town square serve a variety of public programs
