Seeking information about Canadian landscape architect Carl Borgstrom

Carl Arvid Borgstrom immigrated to Canada from his native Sweden shortly after World War I and soon became one of the profession’s most prolific and respected designers. In 1934 Borgstrom, together with eight other prominent Ontario-area designers, founded the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA). His best-known works include the winning entry in the 1928 Northwest City of Hamilton Entrance Competition and the subsequent commission to design and supervise construction of a large alpine garden, the precursor to and centrepiece of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Other influential projects include the alignment and planting designs for Queen Elizabeth and Ivy Lea Highways, thought to be Canada’s first true scenic parkways. Unfortunately, few of Borgstrom’s drawings and records exist in the public realm, and the CSLA is anxious to find and archive this material before it is lost forever.

Do you have any additional information about Carl Borgstrom, especially the locations of his works and any related drawings?

If so, please contact:
Alexander Topps FCSLA, OALA
643 King Street
PO Box 1217
Niagara on the Lake, ON
toppsalex@gmail.com