Ladysmith Waterfront Area Plan

Location: Ladysmith, BC
Client: Town of Ladysmith, in partnership with the Stz’uminus First Nation
Completion: 2018
DIALOG Services: Planning & Urban Design

The Town of Ladysmith and Stz’uminus First Nation signed an agreement to work together to remediate and redevelop a highly contaminated 50-acre waterfront parcel. DIALOG led a year-long engagement and design process, working in partnership with both communities, to help them navigate this venture. The experience strengthened relationships while establishing a vision, policies, and actions to guide redevelopment of the waterfront. In addition to planning and design, DIALOG also provided public engagement services.

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ladysmith waterfront plan concept — A shared commitment This project started with a concept: naatsumaaat, which means “one heart and one mind”. The entire project team would be working together with a common goal to drive the outcome.

ladysmith waterfront plan postit — Collecting thoughts The project team used diverse methods to collect input from both communities, including online surveys, pop-up engagement, youth mapping, workshops, a speaker’s night, and a two-day charrette.

ladysmith waterfront plan assets — Tactile engagement Participants rolled up their sleeves and shared their vision for the waterfront using plasticine, blocks, and cardboard.

high res 2449 RESIZED — Listening and learning The process was designed to remove barriers for participation, encouraging listening and learning about other perspectives and experiences.

ladysmith waterfront plan ideas — Bringing together the input DIALOG’s facilitators drew out key ideas from all participants, and worked with both Stz’uminus and Ladysmith residents to distill them down into a concrete plan of action.

ladysmith waterfront plan drawing 3 — Creativity meets reality The project team brought together technical and economic insights to operationalize the communities’ visions into a workable site plan.

ladysmith waterfront plan discussion — Vetting the plan together DIALOG worked with both communities to review and revise the draft plan.

ladysmith waterfront plan table — Award-winning project The Ladysmith Waterfront Area Plan was recognized by the Planning Institute of BC with a Gold Medal Award in the Excellence in Planning – Small Town & Rural Areas category.

ladysmith waterfront plan group — Two communities, one plan Both communities endorsed the final plan and, building on the momentum of the planning process, have since begun collaborating on implementation.

Meet The Team

Vance Harris

Partner, Architect, Vancouver Studio Chair

I think this is being seen as beyond a community plan, or a restoration or economic development project – it’s about the future of our communities as one.

Aaron Stone, former mayor – Ladysmith, BC

610 2709 v2 — It started with a sketch
Exploring with sketches Early sketches were based on participant input, and then tested for technical feasibility.

ladysmith waterfront plan final plan 1 v2

The design story 01

Envisioning a brand new waterfront

The new waterfront will be a vibrant ‘people magnet’ that include homes, shops, industry, parks, recreation, and heritage and cultural spaces for both communities.

The design story 02

Incorporating various elements

The new plan includes a pedestrian bridge over the highway, which will help stitch together the waterfront and Ladysmith’s historic downtown.

The design story 03

Implementation already underway

Both communities have begun implementation of the plan, including securing funding for the revitalization of the historic machine shop, further transforming it into an arts and heritage hub.