The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) is a professional organization with over 1,600 landscape architects as members represented by provincial and territorial associations plus academic programs across the nation. As the voice of the profession in Canada, the CSLA is an advocate for its members on issues such as urban renewal, sustainable development and cultural heritage. The CSLA delivers programs and services for its members that:

• Increase public awareness and promote the profession. The CSLA communication tools include the CSLA website, the CSLA membership directory, a monthly newsletter, and Landscapes/Paysages, the national magazine; [more info]
• Provide opportunities for professional development. The CSLA holds an annual General Meeting and Congress and provides information year round to members about industry and professional learning opportunities; [more info]
• Recognize members and celebrate member achievements within the profession through the CSLA Professional Awards and National Recognition Programs; [more info]
• Support education and research through the Academic Council of Landscape Architecture, the accreditation of undergraduate and graduate landscape architecture programs, and recognition of student achievement and provision of scholarships; [more info] and
• Fund student and professional landscape architecture projects and initiatives through the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation. [more info]

Since it was founded in 1934, the CSLA has increased awareness and appreciation of landscape architecture and the vitality of the profession in Canada and throughout the world. The Society is dedicated to continue to further its mission in advancing the art, the science and the business of landscape architecture.

Membership in the CSLA is obtained by joining a provincial or territorial component association. Advanced education, professional work experience and in some cases passing a professional entrance exam are the requirements to become a member of a component association. Please contact the association in your province or territory for further details on how to become a member:

A Brief History of the CSLA

The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects was founded in 1934. By this time, landscape architects had been active in all major centres across Canada, particularly in the design and planning of parks, open spaces, public institutions, roadways, neighbourhoods and communities. Landscape architect Frederick Todd, for example, was instrumental in the early 1900s in the design of Mount Royal Park in Montreal and the design of Ottawa's scenic driveways and urban green spaces. Later he designed the neighbourhood of Mount Royal in Montreal. Following World War II, landscape architects became involved in the design and planning of new communities, national and provincial parks, tourism facilities, institutions and corporate sites. Landscape architects played lead roles in the design of Expo 67 in Montreal.

In the mid-1960's, professional programs in landscape architecture were initiated at the Universities of Guelph, Manitoba, and Toronto. A few years later, programs were established at the University of British Columbia and the University of Montreal, and a program in landscape architectural technology was initiated at Ryerson Polytechnical University.

Demand for the services of landscape architects has grown steadily in Canada over the past two decades. Landscape architects today are engaged in the design, planning and management of urban, rural and natural environments in all Canadian provinces and territories and in many countries worldwide. Canadian landscape architects are well-regarded for their creativity, their sensitivity and their practicality in all aspects of professional practice.

For more information about the CSLA please visit the following links: