Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has announced the 20 finalists for its 2026 Design Excellence Awards, showcasing a diverse range of projects from net-zero research centers to innovative housing solutions.
Selected by a jury of design experts from a pool of 96 eligible submissions, the finalists represent a broad spectrum of building types, including community centres, revitalized academic facilities, and transformative public spaces. The shortlist includes projects ranging from Passive House-certified residences to large-scale urban infrastructure.
“The biennial OAA Design Excellence Awards program offers Ontario practices the opportunity to display the transformative influence of architecture,” the OAA stated in a release, noting the program’s role in promoting public appreciation for the profession’s impact.
To qualify, submissions required the disclosure of Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metrics. The OAA noted this requirement reflects its commitment to advancing climate action and ensuring sustainable, resilient design remains a central component of successful architecture.
The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are:
225 Brunswick (Toronto) – Suulin Architects Inc. (now Suulin Inc.)
Angle of Repose (Algonquin Highlands) – Reasonable Projects Inc.
Beaverton Heights Modular Transitional Housing (Beaverton) – Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
Belfountain House (Belfountain) – UUFIE Inc.
Carmen Corbasson Community Centre (Mississauga) – Diamond Schmitt Architects
Hazel McCallion Central Library (Mississauga) – RDH Architects Inc.
Kiweki Point (Ottawa) – Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. (Prime Consultant and Landscape Architect) and Patkau Architects Inc. (Architect)
Koffler Scientific Reserve (Toronto) – Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
Landscape of Landmark Quality, University of Toronto (Toronto) – KPMB Architects | Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc.
Niagara Falls Exchange (Niagara Falls) – DTAH Architects Limited
Red Lane Housing (Toronto) – Steven Fong Architect (now Steven Fong Architecture Inc.) in collaboration with ONE:1 Designs
Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, University of Toronto (Toronto) – Weiss/Manfredi Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism (Design Architect) and Teeple Architects (Architect of Record; now Teeple Architects Canada Inc.)
The Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum (Burnaby, B.C.) – Hariri Pontarini Architects (Design Architect) and Iredale Architecture (Architect of Record)
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Headquarters (Toronto) – Bucholz McEvoy Architects Ltd. and ZAS Architects Inc.
Toronto Public Library – Bridlewood Branch (Toronto) – Ken Fukushima Architecture in association with David Fujiwara Architect
UBC MacLeod Buildicng Renewal (Vancouver, B.C.) – Teeple Architects (Design Architect; now Teeple Architects Canada Inc.) and Prosenium Architecture + Interiors (Architect of Record)
Ulster House (Toronto) – LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.
Union Station Revitalization (Toronto) – NORR Architects & Engineers Ltd. in collaboration with EVOQ Architecture (Heritage Architect)
University of Windsor Law Transformation (Windsor) – Diamond Schmitt Architects in association with Di Maio Design Associates | Architects Inc.
Ziibiing – Indigenous Landscape at Taddle Creek (Toronto) – Brook McIlroy Inc.
The 10 ultimate winners will be announced in April. They will be honored during the 2026 OAA Conference held in the Waterloo Region this May.
The conference will also see the presentation of the Michael V. and Wanda Plachta Award, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture, and the People’s Choice Award. Additionally, the OAA will announce recipients for the Best Emerging Practice, Medal of Service, and Lifetime Design Achievement Award next month.
