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Port Union Community Build

by ERA Architects

The Culture of Outports program has just concluded its third year of “community build” projects in Trinity Bay North, Newfoundland. The project uses planning and design thinking to bring new ideas and energy to outport communities experiencing economic and social change post-fisheries.

This year ERAers Andrew Pruss, Alana Young, Shelley Ludman, Douglas de Gannes, traveled with Ryerson students Madeleine Craig, Ryan Giuricich, Mitchell May, Elijah Sabadlan, and Karl Sarkis to the Trinity Bay North communities of Catalina, Little Catalina, Melrose, and Port Union.

The team proposed design interventions in all four communities, and succeeded in constructing a project to completion in Port Union. The Port Union design is known as Foundation Square, and is located at the central waterfront location in town.

The Square includes a new boardwalk connection to the existing shoreline walk, an arch framing the view of the harbour, seating for rest and dining, and a fire pit to gather by at night. It is intended as a landmark, meeting place, picnic area, and playground.

Throughout the process, it was amazing to see so many residents of all four communities, from children to elders, collaborating to achieve something meaningful together. Thank you to the people of Trinity Bay North for welcoming us into your communities, and making this project a great success. We wish you well and look forward to continuing initiatives!

For more on the history of Port Union, and lots of information and images documenting our two-week residency, please see the Culture of Outports website.

Recent Press: Globe & Mail, CBC Radio, CBC News Online, Ryerson News

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