Read all about it in the latest edition of Landscape Paysage
THERE IS NOTHING more compelling to write about a leader than when you say they have been made an honorary member of the organization they are heading. This tribute at the 2025 CSLA Congress in Ottawa says so much about CSLA’s retiring executive director, Michelle Legault.
In discussing this farewell to Michelle, who has so ably served the CSLA for the past 14 years, we realized a traditional career retrospective could easily eat up half the magazine. So, we decided to let the people who know her best provide personal memories of collaborating with her to guide the CSLA through a tremendously successful period of growth for landscape architects and landscape architecture in Canada. Thank you, farewell and enjoy your family and retirement, Michelle! (Although, since you are still onboard with the LACF, we know you won’t be that far away!)
“The stage was set for a CSLA Board meeting with a prepared table (pens, water, paper, agenda) along with breakfast (including coffee and tea!) on the sideboard. She walked through the room with a big smile: pert, petite, perfectly coiffed with a colourful scarf tied just so around her neck. Professional. It was my first time meeting Michelle Legault, and my confidence in the CSLA’s future was elevated as the meeting progressed. We have been well looked after and met the challenges of a growing profession with aplomb. Michelle lived up to my and the CSLA’s expectations over the years she has worked with us, and beyond.” | Carol Craig, CLSA President 2014–15
“Thanks to Michelle, I was able to do leadership rather than operational tasks. Having a full-time executive director (combined with Michelle!!), allowed the board to shift from dealing with trivial things that keep an organization healthy, to bigger things that allow growth. Starting with her sifting through our archives, already possessing the right level of extroversion for landscape architects, and combined with her emotional intelligence, a beautiful outcome is that Michelle knows us. We’re lucky she interacted with us in a way that showed commitment and heart and made us feel included and special. I hope she feels the reward of being involved with people who appreciate her to the ends of the earth and back. Saying she left us better off would be an extreme understatement. Our presidents and boards have led the CSLA through an amazing 14 years of organizational growth. I can confidently say Michelle’s presence was a huge factor in our success. She’s leaving us completely re-shaped, organizationally vibrant and ready for the next phase of growth. I hope it was a great job for her to have.” | Peter Briggs, CSLA President 2013–14
“I had the pleasure of hosting Michelle at my home last summer when she was in Montréal for a meeting with AAPQ…. I organized a dinner at home with Peter and Ellen Jacobs, Ron and Sachi Williams, Danièle Routaboule, Malaka Ackaoui (my wife and partner) and myself. We had a wonderful time, with 250 years of practice in LA around the table – many great discussions! Michelle was so happy, she said the picture we took would become a piece of the CSLA’s historical anthology! Her work is more than a job; she always goes beyond what is expected, and her personal skills, politeness and real interest in people made her more than our executive director…. She became our friend!” | Vincent Asselin, CSLA President 2017–18
“What has always struck me is the deeply human touch Michelle brings to everything she does. She has a gift for seeing those who haven’t yet found their voice and for making space for them to be heard and to contribute. Beyond everything she has given to the CSLA, I am grateful most of all for her friendship.” | Hope Parnham, CSLA Manager, Advocacy and Strategic Affairs, CSLA President 2020-21
bob sommers catherine berrisOpen photo in lightbox
2 L-R Bob Sommers, Catherine Berris, Michelle’s husband Robert Corneau, Michelle, Ryan Wakshinski + Matthew Mills 2 RYAN WAKSHINSKI
“Like every landscape architect, Michelle saw the full palette before her and shaped the CSLA into a united, modern organization proving that when we work from a shared vision, we can create something greater than ourselves and lift the whole profession together.” | Bob Somers, CSLA President 2023–24
“I remember a letter we received about a sensitive topic involving important content and diverse perspectives. Michelle sent it to me as president, and I had no idea how to respond. We then had a conversation during which Michelle said, ‘the history is “x,” the current situation is “y,” and I think we should respond by doing “z.” It was, of course, perfect.’” | Catherine Berris, CSLA President 2024–25
“Working closely with Michelle over the last five years, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from her and will always value her leadership. She leads with empathy and genuine care for people, and her passion for the profession shows up in everything she does. She also has a rare ability to keep the board aligned and focused on what really matters – no small feat. And through it all, Michelle never loses the human side of leadership – hugs included!” | Michael Magnan, CLSA President 2026–27
“Michelle often jokes that the CSLA is her ‘baby,’ and in many ways, she has cared for it with the dedication, patience and commitment of a parent, including occasionally having to wrangle a few toddlers along the way (myself included!). That care shows in what the CSLA has become. Having worked alongside her for many of the past 14 years, I feel fortunate to have witnessed firsthand the growth of our ‘association of professionals’ into a truly ‘professional association.’ Her legacy will continue to shape the CSLA for years to come. Thank you, Michelle, for everything you have done for landscape architecture and for all of us who have had the privilege of working with you. Bravo!” | Matthew Mills, CSLA President 2025–26
“One of Michelle’s strongest qualities is her ability to remain calm during challenging times. Her jovial nature is infectious, and she always displayed a smile no matter what the issue the CSLA might be facing.” | Robert Norman, CSLA President 2015–16
“Michelle is the epitome of fierce competence delivered with poise and elegance. My best memories of Michelle (other than laughing out loud and celebrating after a job well done!) are from board and committee meetings. When a sensitive topic was being debated, and the passionate group of CSLA volunteers would try to come up with ideas, dissect everything, assess from 16 different angles, etc., the meetings could run away from us. At that moment, invariably, Michelle would raise her hand and say: ‘May I make a suggestion?’ Every time, I remember sitting back with a smile on my face because I knew that Michelle’s suggestion, like waving a magic wand, not only would consider and incorporate the ‘greatest hits’ of the discussion but also include a clear and responsible path to take forward. Every. Single. Time.” | Nastaran Moradinejad, CSLA President, 2018–19
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with and know Michelle. She is highly efficient, incredibly supportive, unflappable, organized and unassuming. She always comes with solutions and has consistently had the best interests of the CSLA at heart, all done with a twinkle in her eye and a tremendous sense of humour. I consider myself tremendously lucky to be able to continue to work with Michelle as she takes on a role supporting the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation board.” | Gordon Smith, CSLA President 2016-17
“When I was approached to put my name forward for the CSLA president, my first question was to find out if Michelle would be in the executive director role. I know this was the same question that others before me and after me asked. I worked with Michelle as a volunteer and a colleague, but I gained a friend and trusted advisor who continues to bring joy to my life. Aren’t we fortunate that this has been the experience of so many in our profession, just for having the chance to know her?” | Chris Grosset, CSLA President 2022–23
“I have never seen anyone as skillful at facilitating meeting discussion to achieve a solid outcome and workable actions going forward as Michelle. Her steadfast, thoughtful approach and cheerful attitude (with a delightful giggle) have gone a long way to bolster CSLA members and to build our national profile over the years. I will always treasure participating in the glamorous Governor General’s Medal party together at Rideau Hall. Life comes as a series of journeys, Michelle. Enjoy your next exciting journey!” | Carolyn Woodland, CSLA President 2021–22