The Waterloo Public Square has transformed a former parking lot in Uptown Waterloo into a focal point for the city.  The planning process successfully engaged the public and provided Council with clear direction on land use.

The design in response to a significant grade change, includes a curved accessible walk, terraced landings, amphitheatre style seating and a large open performance and skating plaza at street level.

Since its opening in 2009, the Public Square has been used for a wide variety of formal and informal activities.  The Public Square has been a successful placemaking exercising and has become the four season heart of Waterloo.

Jury comments:

"This design exemplifies a good approach to public space.  Making liveable space for people is a well priced remedy to counteract the prevalence of cars in our urban environments.  Not only does the Uptown Waterloo Public Square serve as a good example to other municipalities, but the design solves technical problems, and demonstrates a good solution to the grade change on the site."

We would like to thank the City of Waterloo for providing us with the opportunity to design the new public square.  As well, many thanks go to our project team:  MTE Consulting, Somfay Architect and Mighton Electric.