Concrete plays big part on Burlington’s waterfront

A multi-purpose facility with a stunning all-season water feature overlooking Lake Ontario nabbed the architectural merit award in the 2006 Ontario Concrete Awards.

Owned by the city of Burlington, the $6.4 million Discovery Landing development includes an observatory, park information area, and public amenities such as a cafe and restaurant.

Key outdoor features include a mini-waterfall, and a 930 square-metre reflecting pond that serves as an ice rink in the winter months. The facility is located in downtown Spencer Smith Park.

The awards category recognizes buildings or other structures in which the architectural considerations or design predominately influenced the overall project.

The concept and structure were designed by Baird Sampson Neuert Architects, Mulvey + Banani International Inc. and Blackwell Engineering Limited.

General contractor was Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. Harm Schilthuis and Sons Ltd. were the concrete contractors with concrete supplied by Lafarge North America.

A total of 1,932 cubic metres of concrete was used. The facility opened to the public in June.

In its submission, the city said a unique feature of Discovery Landing is its concrete retaining wall. The architecture was incorporated into the landscape by means of this wall, which also served to transition the grades on site.

The city considers its downtown waterfront a key asset.

“Discovery Landing has already created a buzz in the community and will undoubtedly become a point of pride for Burlington residents,” said departing Mayor Rob MacIsaac.

“It is an important new element in a regionally significant waterfront.”