The 23rd annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence (NALE) winners were announced Aug. 11 during a special gala at Delta Hotels St. John’s in Newfoundland. The event brought together about 130 industry members from across the country, representing a broad cross-section of the horticultural trades.
The NALE celebrates Canadian companies and communities that demonstrate excellence, innovation and professionalism across the landscape industry. Each province nominates members from its provincial Awards of Excellence, with the top projects competing nationally. The awards recognize excellence in commercial and residential landscape construction, commercial and residential landscape maintenance and landscape design.
The 2026 NALE also recognized outstanding achievement in the use of plants, green innovation and landscape features, along with community-focused awards recognizing the role of horticulture and green spaces in creating healthier, more resilient communities.
Congratulations to the following 2026 NALE winners for their outstanding contributions to the Canadian landscape industry:
Caterpillar Award for Residential Landscape Construction
Winner: The Great Canadian Landscaping Company
Homage to Akker, Bowen Island, B.C.
Working with designer Thomas Kyle, Great Canadian Landscaping Company enhanced a historic waterfront estate while preserving its natural character. Stone stairways, custom terraces, local plantings and moss gardens were integrated into existing bedrock, creating a landscape that feels inseparable from its surroundings.
Caterpillar Award for Commercial Landscape Construction
Winner: Urban Garden
The Bentley Rooftop Terrace, Toronto, Ont.
Urban Garden transformed the Bentley condominium’s rooftop into an outdoor amenity space, coordinating crane lifts, road closures, soil installation and custom fabrication from a 300-square-foot staging area. Curved planters, pergolas, a waterfall, fire feature, lighting and drought-tolerant plantings complete the space.
HortProtect Award for Residential Landscape Maintenance
Winner: Rockscape
Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.
Following nearly three seasons of construction, Rockscape transitioned to comprehensive ongoing maintenance, including seasonal cleanups and weekly visits. Careful pruning, weeding and attention to detail preserve the property’s clean, natural appearance.
Home Depot Award for Commercial Landscape Maintenance
Winner: Para Space Landscaping Inc.
Avila & Bauhinia, North Vancouver, B.C.
After about 20 seasons of maintenance, Para Space has adapted the landscape to changing site conditions, replacing declining lawns with perennial beds and adjusting irrigation and maintenance practices to address increasingly strict watering restrictions.
Intrigue Media Award for Landscape Design
Winner: Vaast Design
Camp Canook, Muskoka, Ont.
Native plantings, local granite and preserved bedrock and hemlocks help the landscape blend into its Muskoka setting. A network of pathways connects cottages, cabins, gathering spaces, a spa and beach, while close construction coordination ensured the finished landscape reflected the original design.
Outstanding Achievement Award for Use of Plants
Winner: Rockscape
Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.
Rockscape demonstrated exceptional horticultural judgment, balancing seasonal interest, texture and form with plant health and the ongoing care required to sustain the design over time.
Outstanding Achievement Award for Green Innovation
Winner: Canadian Rockies Landscape Corporation
Off-Grid Oasis, Cranbrook, B.C.
The project demonstrates how water, energy and habitat can work together on a remote, fully off-grid property. Streams, ponds, wetlands, permeable paving and living roofs manage runoff, while efficient irrigation, rain sensors, low-voltage lighting, local materials and native plantings reduce environmental impact.
Outstanding Achievement Award for Landscape Feature
Winner: Visionscapes
The Modern Luxe Landscape, Calgary, Alta.
The project’s defining feature combines a custom outdoor fireplace, precision stonework and layered lighting, demonstrating how craftsmanship and design can strengthen an entire landscape.
Caterpillar Green for Life Community Award
Winner: Trees for Halton Hills
65,000 Tree Challenge
The award recognizes Trees for Halton Hills’ ambitious goal of planting one tree for every resident of Halton Hills within five years. The initiative brings together residents, volunteers, schools, businesses and community partners to expand the town’s tree canopy, improve air quality, support biodiversity and build climate resilience.
Green My City Award
Winner: 250 Wing, RCAFA Inc.
Phase 2 of the Pennfield Ridge Air Force Memorial Arboretum, Pennfield Ridge, N.B.
Led by volunteers, the project expands a living memorial honouring 70 Commonwealth aviators who died while training at the former Second World War air base. Phase 2 includes native tree plantings, improved accessibility, interpretive features and enhanced wildlife habitat.
2026 Communities in Bloom Award of Distinction
Winner: Town of Yarmouth, N.S.
Yarmouth’s Communities in Bloom program brings municipal staff, volunteers, businesses and residents together to improve public spaces, streetscapes and gardens. Its sustained efforts in heritage preservation, environmental action, urban forestry and community beautification have helped foster civic pride throughout the town.
2026 Grand Award of Achievement
Winner: Rockscape
Lake Joseph Residence, Muskoka, Ont.
This award represents the highest level of recognition at the NALE. It is reserved for a project that earns a perfect score from the national judging panel. Rockscape’s Lake Joseph Residence is the first project to receive the award in the 23-year history of the awards program.
See more on these award-winning projects and other nominees on the CNLA YouTube channel at youtube.com/CNLA/videos.
