Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre

Town Plaza Design

In April 2017, Parks Canada invited Canadians to provide input on three design options for a new visitor centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. A six-week consultation period included an on-line engagement website as well as an open house in the community on April 29th. Interested members of the public were provided with multiple resources, including planning reports, design principles, and three possible design options, in order to have all the information they needed to meaningfully contribute to the discussion.

A total of approximately 4,000 visits to the consultation website and 86 attendees at the open house generated 115 comments on the design options. Following a review of the comments and consideration of three design options, Parks Canada has announced that the Town Plaza (Concept #3) design option has been selected for the new visitor centre.

The Town Plaza design option creates a central plaza that captures the interest of visitors and complements the beautiful setting of the community of Waterton.

The building relates directly to Waterton’s environment through its uncomplicated building design and its use of natural materials, reflective of the craftsman style typical of Parks Canada buildings. Large, sturdy stone blocks contrasted with large windows will celebrate the majestic views the site offers.

This design consists of three structures, with a main building, an administration building, and a public washroom building, all joined together by one roof. Dramatic overhanging roof canopies connect the structures and will act as a public porch area for visitors.

The visitor centre grounds will include new play equipment that incorporates more natural play structures, such as logs and large rocks. This new style of playground is gaining popularity and will create an additional interpretive opportunity for visitors.

HIGHLIGHTS

· The design implements a craftsman style coupled with wood and stone to reflect the Waterton Lakes and Parks Canada style.

· The site plan provides visitors with a new ‘natural-materials’ playground.

· The main public plaza will become a vibrant part of Waterton’s commercial district and includes outdoor theatre space providing a gathering
  space for engaging public presentations.

· The architectural design enhances new exhibit and interpretive displays on the grounds that engage visitors, transforming the plaza into an
  overall interpretative element.

· Moving through the inside interpretive space, visitors are led to the main theater/multipurpose area that features southeast-facing windows
  providing views down the lake valley and toward Vimy Mountain.

· Vegetation and natural screening will be used to integrate the building into the surrounding landscape, and reduce noise for neighbours.

· Large overhangs will provide sheltered sitting areas for visitors to relax. A sheltered walkway will provide protection from the weather and
  the sun to ensure the plaza is accessible in unfavourable conditions.