MacEwan Terrace Garden is Now Open!

The creation of a spectacular public garden in the 'heart' of the MacEwan Terrace is now a reality. Already many visitors and Mississauga residents have walked through the garden. 

Highlights of the MacEwan Terrace Garden are:
·   a series of outdoor rooms and garden beds structured around a new main walkway leading towards the
    MacEwan Field Station;
·   approximately 7,000 plants including perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and specimen trees on display in a rich
    horticultural collection;
·   a garden pergola, centrally located, and a landmark structure provide shade and featuring stone columns, lighting and
    vines;
·   seating areas with garden benches and low walls;
.   stone veneer on feature walls;
·   two small level lawns provide an opportunity to place temporary structures such as a tent or performance stage;
·   decorative cedar fencing and ornamental gates;
·   custom iron handrails and railings;
·   a network of granular paths, and;
·   a viewing platform to experience the north edge of the existing pond.

The garden construction is complete, with the exception of finishing works to be carried out in the spring of 2012 including some plant material and the installation of the park directional signage as well as the donor recognition features.

Development History

During the spring of 2008, big strides were made by the Campaign for the Mississauga Garden Park and the City of Mississauga towards the creation of gardens on MacEwan Terrace at Riverwood. Working with Landplan Collaborative Ltd., the lead consultant for the design of these gardens (including the development of a wayfinding, park sign and donor recognition system) a preliminary garden concept was presented to City Council during the May 14, 2008, General Committee meeting. City Council gave enthusiastic support to the preliminary concept.

At the beginning of June, 2008 in the MacEwan Barn, Campaign donors were given the opportunity to preview the garden design concept and the architect’s drawings. Following this event, the City shared the garden plan and drawings with the public.

The design process for MacEwan Terrace Garden will incorporate recognition elements to acknowledge the numerous donors to the Riverwood Campaign who supported the vision of creating a spectacular garden for all Mississauga residents to enjoy, now and in the future. All recognition elements will be installed during the final stage of MacEwan Terrace Garden construction.

In the spring of 2009, Jill Goldie of the City of Mississauga and Rod MacDonald of The Landplan Collaborative Ltd. presented the MacEwan Terrace Garden design drawings to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and Facility Design Subcommittee (FADS) for review and comments. The plans were very well received and information shared at these committee meetings is being co-ordinated with the detailed design drawings.

Landplan submitted an application to Credit Valley Conservation for a permit to construct in May, 2009.  A two-step tender process for garden construction was initiated in early July, 2009 with the City requesting submissions from landscape general contractors to be considered for pre-qualification. The City determined a short list of three qualified contractors and, in September 2009, the qualified contractors were invited to tender on the garden construction documents. Construction began in spring 2010 and is expected to be completed in 2011.

Ongoing updates will be provided as the City proceeds through the garden development process and information can be obtained on the City’s website at www.mississauga.ca/parks or by calling 905-896-5328.