The Lakeview Village Model was designed to tell hundreds of stories, while creating an immersive and interactive experience for learning about the project. Built by McCann Architectural Models, the model includes over 14,000 individually programmed and addressable lighting nodes, over 6,612 trees, 60 large vessels and 100 small watercraft vessels, including canoes, kayaks and paddle boats which serve to make up this 18 feet by 16 feet large model – all connected to an application and interactive display for visitors to explore. This is the most dynamic and interactive model in Canada. 

The Living Wall at the Discovery Centre is a diverse ecosystem with over 20 different plant species, and symbolizes the desire for us to connect with nature and other living things, also known as "Biophilia". Living walls have been proven to improve indoor air quality, increase humidity to provide a more comfortable indoor environment. The plants are arranged to receive the perfect amount of water and light, and the pattern and colours were inspired by the vision for "organic movement". 

The green roof at the Discovery Centre is a thriving ecosystem of over 1500 native plants from 30 different species. The roof is made of 100% recycled materials and provides an important refuge and habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies while enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and acting as a seed orchard for future green roof projects to help build more sustainable communities.

Native trees, shrubs and perennials have been planted throughout the site as part of the naturalization planting program that will be a key design component of the parks and open spaces within Lakeview Village. This, in combination with a series of benches crafted by Sawmill Sid from repurposed wood, help to create an environment where visitors can connect with nature. Gabion baskets on the exterior of the building bridge key components of the architecture with the landscape, while custom designed pavers add visual interest to the site and permeability.

The maple burl located outside the Discovery Centre is an example of Sawmill Sid’s ability and value in transforming what is often discarded timber into beautiful wood features, whether as milled wood or in its natural state. Estimated to be 250-450 years old, this burl was rescued from the fate of being wood chipped into mulch, and stands as a symbol of the importance of sustainable practices that are at the core of Lakeview Village. 

Sage Glass is an electrochromic glass that automatically tints in response to the sun or controlled commands. The Lakeview Village Discovery Centre has employed Sage Glass throughout the building to optimize daylight, reduce glare and manage heat – all while maintaining unobstructed views of the outdoors. A bird friendly glaze creates greater safety for migratory birds, and energy consumption is reduced to support and expand sustainability practices onsite.

Lakeview Village has actively worked to bring artists together to create various series of public art to animate the site and within the Discovery Centre. From 1,600 feet of linear hoarding, large sculptures such as The Light Within by Ryan Longo and Studio F Minus’ kinetic cloud sculpture on the grounds of the Discovery Centre, to four digital murals and a floral installation within the interior of the Discovery Centre, we strive to create opportunities for local artists have their voices and stories to be heard and shared at Lakeview Village.

The Lakeview Village Model was designed to tell hundreds of stories, while creating an immersive and interactive experience for learning about the project. Built by McCann Architectural Models, the model includes over 14,000 individually programmed and addressable lighting nodes, over 6,612 trees, 60 large vessels and 100 small watercraft vessels, including canoes, kayaks and paddle boats which serve to make up this 18 feet by 16 feet large model – all connected to an application and interactive display for visitors to explore. This is the most dynamic and interactive model in Canada.