On May 12, the OAA’s governing Council met at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo in the leadup to the Association’s Conference, Collaboration Powering Innovation. (To learn more about the events of this year’s Conference, you can check out photo galleries and write-ups in a special recap to be posted shortly on the OAA Website.)

The meeting included various updates from the chairs of OAA Committees and Association executive, the sharing of three-month financial statements, news on recent Regulatory Organizations of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) meetings, and a few other items as explored below.

The full agenda, minutes, and meeting package for this and past meetings can be found on the OAA Website.

OpenBuilding’s OBJECTIVE Energy and Carbon Modelling Software

In keeping with its ongoing focus on advancing climate action within the profession to better serve the public interest, the OAA has been financially supporting the continued development of total energy use intensity (TEUI) calculators since 2021.

These tools leverage a widely used and easily understood metric, allowing anyone to quickly calculate a building’s energy performance, which then supports strategic decisions to improve energy efficiency and lower carbon outputs. As well, the OAA’s biennial Design Excellence Awards require TEUI metrics for eligibility, and practices can use the free calculators to support their submissions when consultant fees or time-consuming calculations would otherwise be barriers to participation.

To date, there have been four iterations of the TEUI calculator and the OAA has allocated approximately $50,000 toward the development, hosting, and promotion of these tools that are accessible through the OAA Website.

In early 2026, the OAA’s Policy Advisory Coordination Team (PACT) received a funding request of $50,000 from Architect Andy Thomson and the team at OpenBuilding to support the next iteration of the TEUI calculation tool, OBJECTIVE Energy and Carbon Modelling Software. PACT engaged the OAA’s Communications and Public Education Committee (CPEC) to assist in the evaluation, given the latter’s experience in regularly adjudicating funding requests through the Public Awareness Funding and Society Project Funding programs. Both Committees met virtually in mid-March 2026 to hear a brief presentation about the software, and shared their feedback with Council.

At the May meeting, Council agreed to fund OBJECTIVE in the requested amount, subject to further discussion about free access to the professional version for OAA members.

Alternatives to Conference in 2027

The OAA is taking a pause from its Conference next year, using the opportunity to re-evaluate the business case for the event (in terms of programming and format) given recent lower attendance numbers, rising event costs, recognition of the time and financial commitment required by attendees, and the increase in other available options for members to gain continuing education (e.g. weekly OAA webinars). The idea is to use 2027 as a pilot to examine alternative possibilities to meet the objectives of the Conference before returning to a traditional event the following year. These include:

- programs and activities celebrating the achievements of the profession including Design Excellence Awards, OAA Service Awards, SHIFT Challenge, recognition of Honorary Members, and past-Councillor appreciation;

- social interaction and focused opportunities for face-to-face networking with both peers in the profession and other experts and thought leaders, as well as the sharing of ideas and information;

- education and training through the OAA’s ConEd Advisory Group-curated roster of sessions and experiential learning opportunities featuring diverse, knowledgeable, and talented speakers, as well as product experts in the Sponsors Lounge; and

- raising the appreciation and awareness of architecture.

At the Council meeting, as well as at a meeting of the Local Architectural Society Chairs held later the same day, there was much preliminary discussion on alternative activities to address those same objectives throughout 2027. There are also plans to review the current format of Conference in comparison to similar events. (Consideration will also be given as to how best to address the relationships that have developed over the years with Conference sponsors, and how they may still be engaged for 2027.

Update on the Renew+Refresh Landscape Project

The design concept selected in the 2024 OAA Landscape Design Competition has been updated by the Ja Architecture Studio team. The following revitalization priorities are reflected in the evolution of the final design:

- re-naturalization of the entire OAA Headquarters site, reflecting its location adjacent to the Don River watershed (all existing sod will be removed and replaced with plant materials specific to a native wet/dry meadow landscape);

- a more welcoming and accessible pedestrian entry experience along a gently sloped bridge from the public sidewalk; and

- onsite water management using bio-retention cells to capture storm water outfall from the entry drive and parking areas.

Additional details shared include:

- alternative product choices for the pedestrian entry decking remain under consideration pending tender results;

- the work will include new lighting for the concrete entry wall to be retained, as well as the front door area to enhance the nighttime arrival and departure experience;

- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and building permit approval applications have been submitted and the application to transportation services for the street allowance work has been approved; and

- current feedback indicates results generally consistent with the updated budget framework previously approved. (Scope adjustments are under consideration in response to feedback from the trades and Somerville Construction.)

More information on the landscape project will be shared in the weeks to come.

Next Council Meeting

The next Council meeting will take place at the OAA’s Toronto Headquarters on Thursday, June 25. For those interested in attending the open session virtually, contact the Association’s Tina Carfa to learn more.