Good design is important.

Whether it’s a building, landscaping or parkland, an artful public display – even how the news is presented on the printed or virtual page – engaging, thoughtful, impactful design makes a world of difference.

People recognize and appreciate that how something is designed and displayed can attract the eye, engage the senses, maybe even help tell a story.

As we reported last week on our front page, three Niagara-on-the-Lake projects were singled out for recognition by the region’s Niagara Biennial Design Awards.

In all, 11 projects around the region were honoured and more than a quarter of the awards went to NOTL entries. That’s quite a batting average.

In this case, though, it’s not so much about competing as it is about recognizing excellence.

The Gardens at the Pillar & Post (the so-called “Monet Gardens” of NOTL) have been commended innumerable times by us and the wider community, and they received a much-deserved award in the landscape architecture category.

The Gardens, which are open to the public, are used for hotel events and receptions, of course, but include a winter skating rink, seating areas and places for contemplation and relaxation.

The foresight and vision of the Pillar & Post to create this oasis is exemplary.

Spirit in Niagara Distillery on Lakeshore Road was singled out for excellence in architecture.

As company president Arnie Lepp proudly pointed out, this labour of love included not only inspiration from 1800s limestone homes of Queenston Road, it incorporated many sustainable practices, right down to recycled vintage furniture from Habitat for Humanity.

The third NOTL venture honoured was the museum’s masterful Poppy Project, in the outdoor art category.

Organized by the museum and driven by the efforts of dozens of Poppy Brigade volunteers, the display featured thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies that were hung from outside the old Court House and the museum on Castlereagh Street.

The flowing red flowers were a triumph of thoughtful and engaging design, aimed at marking Remembrance Day while ensuring that the community never forgets the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedoms.

The poppy displays had a huge impact on the public consciousness.

These three projects brought honour and recognition to NOTL and to those who made them a reality.

We congratulate and thank them for a job well done.