LEES+Associates (with Groundswell Planning, lead consultant) were retained by the Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) and the Government of Yukon to develop a Master Plan for two adjoining parcels of land in the Range Point Neighbourhood of Whitehorse, Yukon.

LEES+Associates worked closely with team members to prepare mapping for the overall neighbourhood master plan, as well as concept graphics for open space improvements including park spaces, trail connections, recreational features, and site amenities.

Our firm prepared conceptual design for the central neighbourhood park space and a pocket park incorporating distinctive placemaking features reflective of Kwanlin Dün cultural and heritage values. Graphically appealing concept plans and before and after renderings were developed to communicate the proposed designs and neighbourhood character.

Park elements include traditional plantings, a natural playground, a gathering space/fire circle, pathways, viewpoints, and interpretive elements.

The Tse’k’wa Heritage Society commissioned LEES+Associates to design an amphitheatre at the Tse’k’wa National Historic Site, as part of their initiative to plan and design interpretive infrastructure at the site. The piece of land was purchased by three First Nations (Doig River, West Moberly, Prophet River First Nations) that are working together to develop an interpretive centre and surrounding landscape.
The amphitheatre provides a storytelling and performance space for gathering, drumming, interpretive events, outdoor classrooms, and presentations. Natural materials including local stone, wood, canvas and native plants are featured in the design. The centrepiece of the amphitheatre is a weathering steel shell which provides a backdrop to the performance stage. Canvas sails mounted on timber poles provide shade to the amphitheatre seating, inspired by the drum as a central emblem of Dane-Zaa culture.
The following considerations were incorporated into the design:

• Reflecting the Dane-Zaa world view and culture;
• Minimizing the impact on the earth by using local and natural materials,
• Being accessible and welcoming for all visitors, and
• Considering site features including natural slope, and providing buffers from adjacent land uses.

LEES provided conceptual design, detailed design, issued for tender documents, and assisted with contract administration during the construction phase.

LEES+Associates was commissioned by the City of Whitehorse to update the community’s Trail Plan which will guide the City in developing and maintaining trails to the highest standards of user enjoyment and sustainability. The project included the development of an extensive engagement program with specific methods to engage government partners, First Nations, stakeholders, and the public. The engagement received a significant response with over 1,500 individuals and groups participating in the planning process.

 

The Trail Plan outlines a road map for the City’s trails network over the next 10 years by:

• Establishing a community vision for the Whitehorse trail network;
• Building upon and integrating existing policies, bylaws and memoranda of understanding;
• Identifying key issues and opportunities for the existing trail network;
• Improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and community amenities;
• Exploring opportunities to increase recreational uses and active transportation;
• Identifying opportunities for new trail development and growth;
• Outlining strategies for developing an extensive inventory of trails, amenities and wayfinding signage;
• Mitigating impacts on environmentally sensitive areas through thoughtful planning processes, and
• Providing practical and innovative recommendations that ensure the success of future trail planning and management initiatives.

LEES+Associates was retained by the City of Whitehorse to complete landscape design including site preparation, grading, and drainage for a new inclusive playground at the City’s flagship Shipyards Park.

Our team prepared detailed design and tender documents for the new 9,500 square-foot, fully-accessible playground. The project was funded by the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity as part of its initiative to build a fully accessible and inclusive playground in each province and territory in the country.

LEES+Associates began working with the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) in 2018 to create a concept design to enhance North Arm Territorial Park located near Behchoko, NWT along Highway 3 approximately 100kms west of Yellowknife.

The expanded park will include a wide range of amenities in addition to those at the existing Day Use Area. The park plan works to balance the diverse needs of different user groups, including local residents and tourists. Opportunities to support year-round use are an important part of the planning process, and several winter use amenities have been identified offering unique recreational and cultural opportunities during the winter.

Feedback from community and visitors will be used to inform the park concept. As part of the design process LEES+Associates is supporting the GNWT with a public engagement event during which the community will be asked to provide feedback on two park concept options.

The park concept design includes:

• An Improved Day Use Area: Cultural Meeting Building and landscape, washrooms/change rooms, swimming beach, walking trails, picnic sites, nature play area and kitchen shelter.
• A Proposed Campground: RV, tent and walk-in tent campsites with associated amenities designed to be built in several phases starting with 15 campsites in Phase1.
• Recommendations for Accessible Amenities: Washrooms, picnic tables, trails and campsites.

LEES+Associates completed the landscape design for the new 3500 square meter Kwanlin Dün First Nation (KDFN) Community Hub building in Whitehorse, Yukon. Retained by Manasc Isaac Architects and the KDFN, the design envisioned blending a traditional plaza with a more park-like design approach, this public landscape will serve as a multi-functional gathering and events space.
This landscape design works to link the Yukon River and traditional territory of Kwanlin Dün to the site of the new community hub building on a plateau up above downtown Whitehorse. Water is central to the landscape design, with a dry riverbed feature running along the front face of the community hub building that visitors to the building cross as they enter.

This riverbed will be fed ephemerally with snowmelt and rainwater at key points. The “headwaters” of this water feature are located outside the windows of the healing room where water cascades down a series of basalt columns. Bridge elements cross over the riverbed at entry points to the building.
There are different scales of gathering spaces woven throughout the plaza, ranging from informal space that can double as commercial space, to a central ceremonial gathering space. These spaces are delineated by a series of planted islands, inspired by the channels that are carved through the landscape over time as a river becomes braided. At the heart of the central space is a fire pit, serving as a year-round community gathering point.