Rouge National Urban Park Visitor, Learning, and Community Centre

About the project

It will feature an aesthetically and environmentally progressive, universally accessible building along with an outdoor event space with a learning focus on Indigenous, natural, cultural and agricultural heritage through integrated interpretive installations and design elements. It will welcome visitors and community members and anchor Parks Canada’s presence in Canada’s largest metropolitan area.

Construction work is planned to start in 2025. Read more about this exciting project here.

Completion date

May 2027

Client

Parks Canada, Rouge National Urban Park First Nations Advisory Circle

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Architect

Moriyama and Teshima Architects, Two Row Architect, Studio Ian Gray

Market Segment

Service type

General Contractor

Located in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Rouge National Urban Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The new visitor, learning, and community centre will serve as a flagship visitor hub with multi-purpose gathering spaces and visitor amenities and will function as an iconic gateway to both Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) and Parks Canada. This gateway features an aesthetically and environmentally progressive, universally accessible building along with outdoor programmable event space and a learning focus on Indigenous, natural, cultural and agricultural heritage through integrated interpretive installations and design elements.

New Visitor Centre

The project includes the construction of a new 10,764 square foot visitor building, encompassing office space (including meeting spaces and kitchen), reception and welcome space, gift shop, central multi-purpose space, learning centre, washrooms and café, as well as storage spaces, mechanical, and electrical rooms.

First Nations Involvement from Start to Finish

As part of the establishment of Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area, Parks Canada undertook an extensive and inclusive engagement process in October 2011 with 10 First Nations communities with respect to planning and operations for the park. This partnership was formalized in 2012 with the creation of the Rouge National Urban Park First Nations Advisory Circle. The Advisory Circle is comprised of representatives from these 10 First Nations with an expressed interest, and historic and cultural connection to the area of the national urban park.

Building Sustainably

The building is designed to meet Parks Canada directives for inclusivity and accessibility, as well as Canada’s Greening Government Strategy. The work includes complete site development of approximately 410,000 square feet, including all utilities services, related civil infrastructure (access road, swale crossing, pedestrian and multipurpose paths and parking lot), a storage shed, bus shelters and all associated hard and soft landscaping components.

Architecture, engineering and landscape design is guided by Toronto-based architecture firm Moriyama & Teshima Architects, in partnership with Six Nations of the Grand River-based Two Row Architect and Toronto-based Studio Ian Gray.