Open Collections

Neudorf, Julianna

This graduate project examines the revitalization of Frame Lake in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories through the creative and critical lens of landscape architecture. The lake, located centrally within the city, has long been contaminated with arsenic and other pollutants, in large part due to its proximity to abandoned gold mines. The contamination of the lake has resulted in it being unsafe for activities such as fishing, swimming, wading, and berry and plant picking. The project will investigate the history of Yellowknife and potential of phytoremediation, a process that utilizes plants to clean up a contaminated environment, as a solution for restoring the ecological integrity and life of the lake to its past provision and future potential for both human and non-human use. The project will also consider the values of and cultural significance to local residents and the Yellowknives Dene. Through this examination, the project aims to not only remediate the lake but also to reframe the way we understand and value ecological assets in the north. A phased approach was taken to implement the design of the public spaces around the lake. This was done to ensure both people and native wildlife will be able to enjoy Frame Lake throughout the project implementation. Phase zero is ongoing with seasonal infrastructure employed during the long winter months in Yellowknife when Frame Lake is frozen. Phase one will occur from years 0-5, phase two from years 5-15, and phase three after 15 years of remediation when Arsenic levels should be lowered substantially, and people can once again use Frame Lake for water-based activities.

Text

University of British Columbia. LARC 598

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0432240

Applied Science, Faculty of; Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/