Toronto, ON – The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), which regulates architecture in the province, has revealed the nine projects comprising the 2025 Queen’s Park Picks. For the tenth year in a row, the OAA invited Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to nominate a building within their riding that highlights the community’s unique architectural heritage, celebrating the rich legacy of architecture in Ontario.

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.

By embracing forward-thinking and resilient design, our built environment can effectively respond to climate change, societal shifts, and the evolving needs of communities. From heritage restorations to modern builds, these projects embody a forward-thinking design philosophy rooted in sustainability and resilience, ensuring they meet the needs of Ontarians today and for generations to come.

Earlier this year, 55 Queen’s Park Picks submissions were received from 36 MPPs across the province. Of those, the following nine projects were selected by a jury of architects to comprise the 2025 QP Picks:

• Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Guelph
  Architect: Joseph Connolly
  Renovation Architect: Larkin Architect Ltd.
  Nominated by MPP Mike Schreiner (Guelph)
  
  
• Calvin Park Library in Kingston
  Architect: Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd.
  Nominated by MPP Ted Hsu (Kingston and the Islands)

• Canada Southern Railway Station (CASO) in St. Thomas
  Architect: Edgar Berryman
  Renovation Architect: A+Link Architecture Inc.
  Nominated by Hon. Rob Flack, MPP (Elgin–Middlesex–London)

• Georgina Multi-Use Recreation Centre in Georgina
  Architect: Perkins+Will Canada Inc.
  Nominated by Hon. Caroline Mulroney, MPP (York–Simcoe)

• Mabelle Park and The Belle in Toronto
  Architect: LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.
  Nominated by MPP Lee Fairclough (Etobicoke–Lakeshore)

• Neil Campbell Rowing Centre in St. Catharines
  Architect: MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Ltd. (MJMA)
  Nominated by MPP Jenny Stevens (St. Catharines)

• Schreiber Discovery Centre in Schreiber
  Architect: Number Ten Architectural Group – Ontario, Architects
  Nominated by MPP Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay–Superior North)

• The Village in North Bay
  Architect: Critchley Hill Architecture
  Nominated by the Hon. Victor Fedeli, MPP (Nipissing)

• The Westdale Theatre in Hamilton
  Architect: William James Walsh
  Renovation Architect: Toms + McNally Design Inc.
  Nominated by MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas)

The Queen’s Park Picks program serves as a vibrant platform to honour and promote outstanding architectural achievements within the province. By inviting MPPs to share architectural gems from their riding, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the vital role the architectural profession plays in shaping Ontario's communities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The OAA’s Policy Advisory Coordination Team (PACT) reviewed the nominations to create a shortlist of outstanding projects, all exemplifying thoughtful design philosophies that prioritize long-term sustainability and community place-making.

"Architecture has the power to shape how we live, connect, and thrive," says Ted Wilson, president of OAA Council, the Association’s governing board of directors. "This year’s Queen’s Park Picks celebrate projects that go beyond aesthetics, showcasing how thoughtful design can address pressing challenges like housing and climate resilience. It’s encouraging to see MPPs recognize the role architecture plays in building stronger, more sustainable communities across Ontario."

Tonight, on October 21, a celebration with MPPs and their staff will take place at Queen’s Park in Toronto. The event is scheduled to 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. During last year’s event, the OAA welcomed more than a quarter of MPPs in attendance, underscoring the program’s growing impact and reach. Public engagement will continue after the event through the OAA Website and social media.

For more on each of the buildings chosen this year, as well as to see previous selections, visit oaa.on.ca/QPP or follow the OAA at @oaarchitects on LinkedIn and Instagram.

OAA President Ted Wilson and others may be available for phone or email interviews. Additional information and high-resolution photos are also available. Contact Daniele Alcinii, OAA Communications Specialist, at 416-449-6898, ext. 306.

About the Ontario Association of Architects

The Ontario Association of Architects is a self-regulating organization under the Architects Act, a statute of the Government of Ontario. It is dedicated to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill, and proficiency of its members, and administering the Act, to serve and protect the public interest.