From Transit Lines to National Parks, Rick Bogaert Contributed Significantly to How Canadians Move Through Their Communities

Local landscape architect to be honoured at 2026 OALA Conference and Awards Ceremony in Kitchener following a career spanning more than four decades

Rick Bogaert, OALA-Retired, and a selection of projects from throughout his career, including the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, the Singing Sands Comfort Station and Visitor Centre at Bruce Peninsula National Park, Forfar Park Stormwater Pond Planting in Kitchener, Waterloo Region’s LRT and the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

KITCHENER, Ontario, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2026 Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) Conference & Awards will bring landscape architects from across Ontario to Kitchener-Waterloo from October 1–3 for a program of speakers, sessions, tours and awards at the Crowne Plaza.

This year’s theme, JOY: The Power and Purpose of Place, reimagines the familiar idea of “live, work, play” by exploring how thoughtful design can make every day public spaces more enjoyable places to be.

“Good design should look at the challenges of a site without losing sight of the people who will use it,” said OALA President Aaron Hirota. “It’s about solving the constraints of the site without overlooking the human side of design.”

After four decades of work on major infrastructure, transportation, parks and institutional projects, Rick Bogaert will be honoured with the OALA Emeritus Member Award at the Association’s annual Awards Ceremony on October 2.

Presented to Retired Members, the award honours significant contributions to landscape architecture and OALA during their career.

Bogaert’s portfolio includes Waterloo and Hamilton light rail transit systems, London’s bus rapid transit system, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, Bruce Peninsula National Park and Rouge National Urban Park.

“It means a lot to have this work recognized by people who understand what goes into making these projects happen,” said Bogaert. “I’m very grateful to OALA for the honour.”

Bogaert became a full member of OALA in 1990 and retired from professional practice in 2024. He began his career in Ontario, spent more than a decade in senior landscape architecture roles in Michigan, and returned to Canada in 2011. He is now based in the Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo area.

“The profession is recognizing Rick for a body of work that has consistently brought together environmental responsibility, sustainable design and careful site planning, and for his commitment to sharing his experience and knowledge with others in the profession,” said Hirota.

Bogaert earned a Landscape Design Diploma from Fanshawe College in 1980 and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph in 1984. He later returned to the university as an educator, serving as an Adjunct Professor from 2016 to 2019 and spent two decades guest lecturing in professional practice.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been sharing what I’ve learned with young professionals entering the field,” said Bogaert. “Professional practice is about understanding what is necessary to carry an idea from concept through approvals and coordination, and ultimately get it built.”

The complete list of 2026 OALA Honours and Awards recipients is as follows:

The OALA Emeritus Member designation, recognizing retired members for significant contributions to the profession and the Association:

• Richard Bogaert
• Linda Irvine

The OALA Pinnacle Award, recognizing an outstanding body of work and achievement in landscape architecture:

• Peter Fletcher Smith
  

The OALA Honorary Member Award, recognizing non-landscape architects who have made a significant contribution to the profession:

• David Antolin
• Christopher Glaisek
• MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon
  

The OALA Public Practice Award, for exemplary service in public sector landscape architecture:

• Jyoti Pathak
  

The David Erb Memorial Award, for outstanding volunteer contributions to the Association and profession:

• Zara Brown
• Matt Perotto

The OALA Award for Community Service to the Environment, recognizing commitment to public engagement and education on the importance of native plants and public green spaces:

• Reep Green Solutions
  

The OALA Research and Innovation Award, for innovative work advancing the practice of landscape architecture:

• Virginia Burt
• Nina-Marie Lister
• Mark Schollen
  

For more information, please contact:
Howard Brown, President
Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs
howard@brown-cohen.com | 416-844-1180

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

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