Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has announced the nine winning projects for its annual Queen’s Park Picks (QPP) program. The initiative, now in its ninth year, invites Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to nominate their favourite architectural works within their ridings.
This year’s theme was “Housing,” reflecting the OAA’s focus on housing affordability and sustainability.
From a pool of 32 submissions from 29 MPPs, a jury of architects selected nine projects showcasing a diverse range of housing typologies and design approaches. The winning projects across Ontario announced on Wednesday (Oct. 23) represent heritage projects and more recent construction.
- Carlington Community Health Centre in Ottawa, nominated by MPP Joel Harden (Ottawa Centre) and MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West—Nepean)
- Mikinàk Ottawa Community Housing also in Ottawa, nominated by MPP Lucille Collard (Ottawa—Vanier)
- Bain Apartments Co-Operative (formerly Riverdale Courts) in Toronto (Architects: Eden Smith and Sons (1913), F.H. Marani (1923); Nominated by MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto—Danforth))
- Casey House in Toronto (Architect: Hariri Pontarini Architects; Nominated by MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre))
- Harvey Woods Lofts in Woodstock (Architects: Invizij Architects Inc.; Nominated by MPP Ernie Hardeman (Oxford))
- The Kensington Apartments in Kingston (Architect: John Power and Sons (1876); Architects of Renovation: Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd. (2017); Nominated by MPP Ted Hsu (Kingston and the Islands))
- Sagatay in Toronto (Architect: Hilditch Architect Inc.; Nominated by MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto—St. Paul’s))
- Suswin Village in North Bay (Architect: Larocque Elder Architects, Architectes Inc.; Nominated by the Hon. Victor Fedeli (Nipissing))
- Ulster House in Toronto (Architect: LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.; Nominated by MPP Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale))
The QPP program highlights the importance of architecture in creating vibrant communities and enhancing the quality of life for Ontarians. The OAA’s Policy Advisory Coordination Team (PACT) selected the winning projects based on their design excellence, sustainability, and community focus.
“This year’s focus on housing underscores our commitment to sustainability and community-centric design,” said Settimo Vilardi, president of the OAA’s governing council. “It is inspiring to witness MPPs across all parties recognizing buildings that not only blend form and function but also nurture thriving communities.”
