The Canadian Ecology Centre

The CEC entered a shared land-use agreement with Ontario Parks so as to locate their facilities within the Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park in Mattawa, Ontario. By locating the CEC within the boundaries of the Provincial Park and close to the Mattawa river, it provided the centre with a historically-charged and protected natural habitat for the staging of eco-tourism and educational programs as well as forestry research. The theme of the educational curriculum at the Canadian Ecology Centre is “Technology in the Forest”. During the design phase of the project, the use of recycled and “green” materials was extensively researched. In collaboration with the CEC, we shared our vision with local lumber and wood product manufacturers who in turn were pleased to provide the project with locally harvested wood products and lumber. Realizing the added value of using locally produced materials both for economical and environmental reasons, our palette of materials showcases the local industries and reflects the community’s history. The design and construction of the building has endeavoured to reinforce the lessons of sustainable design by “living lightly on the land”. The main building was designed to follow the natural contours of the landscape in order to lessen its impact on natural drainage patterns, and to minimize site blasting and the import of foreign soil for grading. The careful positioning of the building also considered the potential for majestic view of the forest and hills beyond. The architecture of the CEC strives to be harmonious with the natural surroundings that have influenced its very design.