The YWCA is a light in Hamilton’s downtown, providing care services, transitional housing and community services to women and children. SDG is proud and honoured to have worked with the YWCA in revitalizing their MacNab streetscape, along with enlivening the facade of their historical building.
Our Partner and Senior Landscape Architect at SDG, Brad Smith, underscored the importance of this collaboration: “This project embodies the organization’s objective by addressing safety and loitering concerns while creating a welcoming streetscape that serves all users, including the unhoused population. It’s about design that uplifts communities and reflects the values of inclusion and dignity.”
The work completed to date embodied Phase 1 of the YWCA Streetscape Safety Initiative, which was focused on reducing loitering, improving staff, resident, and visitor comfort, while enriching the streetscape and facade of the building along MacNab Street South.
“Through thoughtful design, we can activate the streetscape with multi-functional zones, inclusive seating, and inviting greenery,” Smith added. “It’s about fostering connection and dignity while maintaining the safety and vibrancy of the area.”
This project is one of many examples defining how urban design can be deployed to address complex social issues with empathy and innovation. The YWCA Streetscape Safety Initiative serves as a model for community-focused design that will revive the essence of the place.
Phase 2 of this initiative is currently unfolding, and we are looking forward to further improving this community space.