Queen's Park Picks 2025

For the tenth year in a row, the OAA’s Queen’s Park Picks (QP Picks) program invited Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to nominate their favourite buildings or other structures from their ridings to be showcased as part of an annual celebration of architecture. Earlier this year, 55 Queen’s Park Picks submissions were received from 36 MPPs across the province and from all political parties. Of those, the nine projects below were selected by a jury of architects to comprise the 2025 QP Picks which, are celebrated at a special reception held at Queen's Park in Toronto. This year, the event will be held on Tuesday, October 21, and will include remarks from Attorney General Doug Downey, the NDP’s Kristyn Wong-Tam, the Liberals’ Lucille Collard, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, and OAA Immediate Past-President Settimo Vilardi.

This year’s theme, “Reshaping Communities,” inspired province-wide nominations, with MPPs from across all political parties suggesting exemplary places that have significantly impacted their constituents. The theme aligns with the 2025 OAA Conference's focus and reflects the Association's commitment to regulating the practice of architecture to protect the public interest. It also highlights the essential role of adaptability in design, urging the profession to create sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world.

Scroll down to learn more about the new selections or click here to see the full list, including other QP Picks from previous years.

Image collage of 2025 Queen's Park Picks projects

The OAA and MPPs Celebrate Ontario Architecture with Queen's Park Picks

The OAA reveals the 2025 selections for its annual Queen’s Park Picks (QP Picks) program—a collaboration with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) across the province who share a passion for our built environment in all its many forms.

Click here.

2025 Selections

Each year, the selection process is a painstaking deliberation by the Policy Advisory Coordination Team (PACT) committee members at the Ontario Association of Architects. While not all nominations can be featured here, the OAA appreciates the dedicated MPPs who, each year, take the time to share this part of their communities with all of us. You can also see previous Queen’s Park Picks by clicking here.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Location: Guelph, Ontario
Completed: 1876–1888 (original), 2015 (Basilica restorations and renovations), 2020 (rectory restorations and renovations)
Architects: Joseph Connolly (1876–1888), Larkin Architect Limited (2013–2020 renovation)
Nominated by: Mike Schreiner, MPP (Guelph)

Calvin Park Library

Location: Kingston, Ontario
Completed: 2009
Architects: Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.
Nominated by: Ted Hsu, MPP (Kingston and the Islands)

Canada Southern Railway Station (CASO)
Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Completed: 1873 (original), 2006–2008 (renovation and adaptive reuse)
Architect: Edgar Berryman (1873), A+Link Architecture Inc. (2008 renovation)
Nominated by: Hon. Rob Flack, MPP (Elgin–Middlesex–London)

Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Centre
Location: Georgina, Ontario
Completed: 2024
Architect: Perkins+Will Canada Inc.
Nominated by: Ernie Hardeman, MPP (Oxford)
Mabelle Park and The Belle
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Completed: 2024
Architect: LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.
Nominated by: Lee Fairclough, MPP (Etobicoke–Lakeshore)

Neil Campbell Rowing Centre
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Completed: 2022
Architect: MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. (MJMA)
Nominated by: Jennie Stevens, MPP (St. Catharines)

Schreiber Discovery Centre

Location: Schreiber, Ontario
Completed: 2020
Architect: Number Ten Architectural Group - Ontario, Architects
Nominated by: Lise Vaugeois, MPP (Thunder Bay–Superior North)

The Westdale Theatre

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Completed: 1935 (original), 2017 (renovation)
Architect: William James Walsh (original), Toms + McNally Design Inc. (2017 renovation)
Nominated by: Sandy Shaw, MPP (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas)
The Village
Location: North Bay, Ontario
Completed: 2018
Architect: Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.
Nominated by: Hon. Vic Fedeli, MPP (Nipissing)

2025 Queen's Park Picks

View of the basilica's prominent architecture standing on a hill, featuring its stone facade and twin towers.

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Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

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View of the basilica's prominent architecture standing on a hill. Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

Original stone foundation walls uncovered in the basement, revealing the historic structure's roots.

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Images by Shai Gil, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

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Original stone foundation walls uncovered in the basement. Image by Shai Gil, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

Restored interiors of the basilica, showcasing stone walls, archways, and modern lighting elements.

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Images by Shai Gil, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

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Restored interiors of the basilica. Images by Shai Gil, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

The modern silver-clad and glass addition to the rectory, with the basilica's Gothic architecture visible in the background.

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Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

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The silver-grey addition to the rectory with the basilica in the background. Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Location: Guelph, Ontario
Completed: 1876–1888 (original), 2015 (Basilica restorations and renovations), 2020 (rectory restorations and renovations)
Architect: Joseph Connolly (1876–1888), Larkin Architect Limited (2013–2020 renovation)
Nominated by: Mike Schreiner, MPP (Guelph)

When people picture Guelph, they often picture the Basilica of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It’s in the skyline, the postcards, wedding photos, and even the zoning bylaw. From almost every direction, this National Historic Site sits quietly atop Catholic Hill—an anchor of identity as much as architecture.

South-facing view of a modern library with warm interior lighting, large windows, and a mix of brick and stone cladding at dusk.

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Image by Ben Rahn/A-Frame, courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

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View of the library as seen from the south. Image by Ben Rahn/A-Frame, courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

Left: A light-filled interior with modern armchairs, warm materials, and large windows. Right: View of a protected courtyard with wooden pergola, greenery, and outdoor seating.

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Images by Ben Rahn/A-Frame, courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

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Left: a living-room-like interior, filled with natural light and warm materials. Right: view of the protected courtyard. Images by Ben Rahn/A-Frame, courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

Historic photograph of Kingston's Crystal Palace, featuring intricate Victorian architecture, a central tower, and snow-covered surroundings.

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Image courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

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Historic image of Kingston's crystal palace, which was once located nearby. Image courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

Evening view of the library showcasing a blend of glass, brick, and limestone, with warm interior lighting and a landscape in the foreground.

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Image by Ben Rahn/A-Frame, courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

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View of the library shows the choreography of glass, brick, and limestone. Image by Ben Rahn/A-Frame, courtesy of Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.

Calvin Park Library

Location: Kingston, Ontario
Completed: 2009
Architect: Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.
Nominated by: Ted Hsu, MPP (Kingston and the Islands)

Located at a crossroads of co-ops, subdivisions, and apartment buildings in Kingston’s west end, the Calvin Park Library reimagines what a neighbourhood branch can be: not just a place for books, but also a public living room. With natural light, ample seating, and flexible spaces, it offers reason to linger, and a place where people from all walks of life feel welcome.

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View of the CASO station showcasing its length and size, with red brick walls, arched windows, and a historic architectural style.

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Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

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View of CASO station showing its length and size. Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

Interior space of the CASO station before renovation, featuring worn wooden floors, tall arched windows, and aged walls. It was popular for weddings and events despite its rough condition.

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Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

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An interior space before the renovation, which proved popular for weddings and events despite its rough state. Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

Restored section of the CASO station's exterior, which was used as a prototype to restore the rest of the building.

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Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

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A restored section of the exterior, which was used as a prototype to restore the rest of the building. Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

Renovated interior space of the CASO station, featuring wooden floors, teal trim, ornate columns, and updated lighting, bringing back colour and depth.

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Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

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A renovated space brings back colour, depth, and updated lighting. Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

A group of volunteers gather around a workbench in a workshop, showcasing the collaborative effort behind the CASO station's restoration.

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Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

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Some of the many volunteers who worked on the building. Image courtesy of A+Link Architecture Inc.

Canada Southern Railway Station (CASO)

Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Completed: 1873 (original), 2006–2008 (renovation and adaptive reuse)
Architect: Edgar Berryman (1873), A+Link Architecture Inc. (2008 renovation)
Nominated by: Hon. Rob Flack, MPP (Elgin–Middlesex–London)

Some buildings are restored by mandate. Others by love and a sense of place. In St. Thomas, the revival of the Canada Southern Railway (CASO) Station was not only about heritage, but also about the power of community to come together, take ownership, and shape a future by preserving the past.

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A wooden path overtop lush green grass leads to the modern looking Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Centre

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Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

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View of the Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Centre. Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

Diagram showing the arrangement of labelled volumes, like

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Image courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

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Diagram showing the arrangement of volumes, like boathouses, around a central "Heart." Image courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

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Image courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

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Interior view of the "Heart" with a dark-blue ceiling inspired by the night sky. Image courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

Bright workshop with a large table, computers, and printer. People collaborate on projects.

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Image courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

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Community members use the maker space. Image courtesy of Perkins+Will Canada Inc.

Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Centre

Location: Georgina, Ontario
Completed: 2024
Architect: Perkins+Will Canada Inc.
Nominated by: Hon. Caroline Mulroney, MPP (York–Simcoe)

For years, the Town of Georgina lacked a true civic centre—a place to gather, play, learn, or simply be together. The new Multi-Use Recreation Centre (MURC) changes that. Located in the growing community of Keswick, it acts as a kind of indoor town square: one that welcomes all ages and seasons, and reflects the quiet confidence of a town coming into its own.

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Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of Larkin Architect Limited.

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View of Mabelle Park, with "The Belle" pavilion in the back and the greenspace in the foreground. Image by Doublespace Photography, courtesy of LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.

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Image by Doublespace Photography, courtesy of LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.

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The Belle" opens its doors to the stage during an event with a diverse crowd and white chairs.

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Image by Katrin Faridani

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One of many paper models of "The Belle" made by the community. Image by Katrin Faridani.

Mabelle Park and The Belle

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Completed: 2024
Architect: LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.
Nominated by: Lee Fairclough, MPP (Etobicoke–Lakeshore)

At the corner of Brock and Wellington Streets in Kingston’s historic downtown, you’d be forgiven for not immediately noticing a contemporary apartment building that was completed in 2017. Stitching together three historic buildings, the Kensington Apartments is a striking example of how historic preservation and increasing our housing supply can go hand in hand.

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The large, planar roof of the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre stretches out beyond the building to create generous overhangs.

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Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of MJMA.

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The large, planar roof of the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre stretches out beyond the building to create generous overhangs. Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of MJMA.

New concrete steps connect the rowing centre to the water, with a serene waterfront view.

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Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of MJMA.

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New concrete steps connect the rowing centre to the water. Image by Scott Norsworthy, courtesy of MJMA.

Diagram showing major components, including many mass timber elements and a rooftop solar panel array.

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Image courtesy of MJMA.

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Diagram showing major components, including many mass timber elements and a rooftop solar panel array. Image courtesy of MJMA.

Neil Campbell Rowing Centre

Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Comleted: 2022
Architect: MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. (MJMA)
Nominated by: Jennie Stevens, MPP (St. Catharines)

Set quietly on Henley Island in St. Catharines, the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre is both modest and unmistakable. Designed as a home for Canada’s most storied regatta, it balances deep community roots with striking architectural clarity.

Main view of the Schreiber Discovery Centre, showcasing its modern shelter with a timber and steel structure, set against a forested backdrop.

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Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

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Main view of the Schreiber Discovery Centre, as seen from Highway 17. Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

View from the Schreiber Discovery Centre looking out towards Highway 17, featuring a railway-inspired timber and steel ramp.

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Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

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Looking out towards the highway, with the centre's railway-inspired timber and steel ramp in view. Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

Interior of the Schreiber Discovery Centre, highlighting its wooden beams, steel supports, and railway-themed design elements.

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Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

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Interior view of the visitor centre. Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

Workers using cranes to move vintage railcars from the yard to their new location.

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Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

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Workers moving railcars from the yard to their new location. Image by Number TEN Architectural Group.

Schreiber Discovery Centre

Location: Schreiber, Ontario
Completed: 2020
Architect: Number Ten Architectural Group - Ontario, Architects
Nominated by: Lise Vaugeois, MPP (Thunder Bay–Superior North)

In the town of Schreiber—named after the chief engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR)—trains no longer stop. But thanks to a bold little building just off the Trans-Canada Highway, people still come to see the town’s rail heritage, reimagining the former railway stop for a new age.

Exterior view of the Westdale Theatre, displaying its new marquee and its integration with neighbouring storefronts, including a pizza place and a restaurant with outdoor seating.

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Image by Kurtis Chen.

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Exterior view of the theatre, its new marquee, and its relationship to its neighbouring storefronts. Image by Kurtis Chen.

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Image by Brian Henley, courtesy of Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives.

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Historic image of the theatre. Image by Brian Henley, courtesy of Hamilton Public Library Local History & Archives.

Interior view of the renovated Westdale Theatre, featuring its Art Deco design, ornate arch, and audience seated for a presentation.

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Image by Kurtis Chen.

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View of the renovated theatre. Image by Kurtis Chen.

Entrance to the Westdale Theatre, highlighting the original tilework uncovered during its restoration, framed by the theatre's classic architectural details.

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Image by Kurtis Chen.

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Entrance to the theatre with original tilework uncovered during restoration. Image by Kurtis Chen.

The Westdale Theatre

Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Completed: 1935 (original), 2017 (renovation)
Architect: William James Walsh (original), Toms + McNally Design Inc. (2017 renovation)
Nominated by: Sandy Shaw, MPP (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas)

In the oval-shaped downtown of one of Canada’s first planned communities, the Westdale theatre doesn’t shout for attention–its modest facade with a marquee and ticket booth is just wide enough to hint at what’s beyond. But behind all this modesty is a film-worthy story of community rallying together to continue the legacy of this local landmark.

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Aerial view of The Village, showcasing modern buildings with flat roofs, green spaces, parking lots, and a landscaped area featuring a red torii gate and rock garden.

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Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

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Aerial view of The Village. Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

Interior view of a bright, modern dental lab with multiple gray dental stations, each equipped with chairs, lights, and dental tools.

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Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

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Interior view of dental lab. Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

An upward view of the ceiling with a central octagonal skylight and white fabric panels, separated by illuminated wooden beams.

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Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

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Looking up at the ceiling of the Indigenous Education Centre. Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

An inviting classroom where a child and adult interact on the floor with wooden blocks and baskets, surrounded by child-friendly furniture, natural light, and educational materials.

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Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

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Students are trained in-situ with children in the Early Childhood Education Lab. Image courtesy of Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.

The Village

Location: North Bay, Ontario
Date of Completion: 2018
Architect: Critchley Hill Architecture Inc.
Nominated by: Hon. Vic Fedeli, MPP (Nipissing)

Familiar yet incredibly new, Ulster House is a self-initiated prototype for middle-density housing that provides condominium living for five families within the scale and form of a typical Toronto single-family lot.

These projects form our Queen’s Park Picks 2025 series. We hope you enjoyed learning more about them. Check out last year's series here or the full series on the blOAAg, or view the map below to learn more about great buildings across the province!

Queen's Park Picks - Past and Present

Spanning 10 years, the Queen’s Park Picks represent most regions in Ontario. The architecture is varied, ranging across multiple eras and styles of architecture. Some of the QP Picks were nominated because they were an MPP’s favourite building, some were important community or cultural landmarks, and some may simply have been a built space your local MPP wanted to know more about. Put together, they create a growing database of compelling examples of our province’s built environment.

You can click on them to learn more about the project, or expand the map by selecting the top right corner to get even more background. The 2025 selections are featured in yellow.