Governor General’s Medal in Landscape Architecture

Eligibility

The individual must be:
a) a landscape architect, and 
b) a member of the CSLA. 

Recipients of the CSLA Lifetime Achievement Award are eligible for the GGMLA.

Ineligible Candidates 
Current CSLA Board Members are ineligible for the award.

The award cannot be given posthumously, the opening date of submissions for the program being the deciding date.

Restrictions

An individual may only receive the GGMLA once in their lifetime.

Nomination

Nominations may be made by:
a)    any member of the CSLA,
b)    any component organization of the CSLA.

The CSLA maintains the confidentiality of each nomination. Unsuccessful nominations are not maintained within the CSLA’s archives.

Nominators may be asked to contribute to or be involved in the award events, should their candidate be retained. For example, the nominator may be required to prepare a poster board or PowerPoint presentation of images of the work (with photo credits), should the nominee be chosen.

Summary

The Governor General’s Medal in Landscape Architecture (GGMLA) is the highest honor bestowed on a landscape architect by the CSLA. The biennial medal is intended to honor exceptional landscape architects whose lifetime achievements and contributions to the profession have had a unique and lasting impact on Canadian society. 

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

Nomination

Nominations may be made by:
a)    any member of the CSLA,
b)    any component organization of the CSLA.

The CSLA maintains the confidentiality of each nomination. Unsuccessful nominations are not maintained within the CSLA’s archives.

Nominators may be asked to contribute to or be involved in the award events, should their candidate be retained. For example, the nominator may be required to prepare a poster board or PowerPoint presentation of images of the work (with photo credits), should the nominee be chosen.

Adjudication

The award is adjudicated by the GGMLA committee, composed of the CSLA President, the CSLA Past President and at least three other board-appointed members who are respected, senior members of the landscape architecture community. A new committee is appointed for each GGMLA competition. 

The jury retains the right to invite nominators to resubmit nominations for the following edition of the medals.

The jury’s deliberations are confidential and the jury’s comments will not be circulated to nominators. The submitted nominations will not be published.

Assessment Criteria

• excellence in and outstanding body of work, nationally recognized
• contribution which has a unique and lasting impact on Canadian society
• demonstrates leadership or wisdom over a sustained period of time, and has made a significant difference to individuals or groups
• exemplifies the core values of the profession and the CSLA through their interaction with colleagues and clients, demonstrates a commitment to those values
• promotes excellence in the profession\advances the profession
• high level of respect among colleagues and peers, and-or widespread and ongoing influence
• overcomes barriers, shows perseverance and courage in the face of change. Is an unflagging champion for their beliefs.

Deadline

Submissions must be received no later than Thursday, February 1st, 2024 at 4 pm EDT.

Notification

The laureate and their nominator will be notified privately of the results approximately two to three months after the deadline date. Travel to the ceremony for the recipient will be assumed by the CSLA. 

Nominators of the nominees who are not selected will be notified by letter. Results will not be released over the telephone. 

Announcement and Presentation

Announcement of the GGMLA will be made in the CSLA Bulletin, by media release and through other CSLA, RAIC and Rideau Hall communications methods. By accepting the award, the candidate agrees to allow the CSLA to use their image in the promotion of the GGMLA.