The highly anticipated green space plans were released from The Region of Waterloo’s Transportation and Environmental Services and provide a view of what 2020 in the David Johnston Research and Technology Park will look like.
Already home to natural outdoor escapes, The David Johnson Research and Technology Park and its tenants have been patiently waiting for the newest professionally kept green space. The planned green space located between The Cora Group’s evolv1 and The Research and Technology Park’s iON stop is owned by the Region of Waterloo – who have decided upon a final plan in consideration of the park’s partners and community members.
The plans released show promise of levels of greenery with different types of trees and shrubs. The green space will also include additional bike racks for visitors of the RT Park and iON users.
Plans for the green space between evolv1 and the Research and Technology iON stop – from The Region of Waterloo
Phase one in completing the green space has been underway since November. You may have noticed some action if you’ve visited evolv1 or rode the iON to the RT Park stop, work such as earthwork, storm sewer installation or electrical. The next Phase is cosmetic with sidewalks coming in May and Landscape completion in June.
This new green space is also the “backyard” of evolv1, Canada’s First Design Certified Zero-Carbon building. The views from the green space will include a vast solar array covering evolv1’s parking lot and The RT Park iON Stop – views both new to Waterloo and a visual representation of the city stepping in to a new era.
Research and Technology Park iON stop with evolv1 in the background – space between to become planned green space
With tenants of evolv1 being experts in fields like technology, culture, sustainable initiatives and innovation – the new “backyard” is sure to be utilized as an extension of their already unique and modern office space.
A lively place – Plans for a café is underway to liven up the lower level space of the already bright and inviting evolv1 atrium, with its 3 story tall living wall and collaborative workspace, The Cora Hub. The café will have two entryways, one from within evolv1 connected to The Cora Hub and one entryway from the green space area. There is also the potential for an outdoor patio, connected to the café and overlooking the new green space.
Although located within evolv1, The Cora Groups café space is being prepared with all RT Park members in mind, especially Cora’s tenant’s Accelerator Centre, Agfa, Borealis Ai, EY,Huawei, SSIMWAVE, Sustainable Waterloo Region, Stantec, TextNow, The University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier Univeristy.
The Research and Technology park community currently enjoys walking trails through Columbia Lake, small ponds, volleyball and soccer areas, and green spaces where pop up beer garden and private business picnics and events are held. This additional professionally groomed green space is another step in the right direction for the park, with the work of The Region Of Waterloo.
Plans for the RT Park continue to progress, with promise of an ever-expanding community that connects research professionals, universities, Waterloo’s new technology businesses, global companies and sustainable initiatives making it a jewel of Waterloo. If you’re interested in staying up to date on park news, there is a newsletter with monthly updates for community members and those interested in bringing their business to the internationally recognized park and watching it grow!
Plans for the David Johnston Research and Technology Park
