Toronto, ON – The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) celebrates World Architecture Day in 2023 with its reveal of the selections in 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. A special online exhibition launched on Tuesday, October 3 highlights the nine outstanding buildings chosen this year.
World Architecture Day traditionally takes place on the first Monday of October. However, in observance of both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and the provincial government motion cancelling its sitting on October 2, the OAA instead unveiled the 2023 Queen's Park Picks online today at www.oaa.on.ca/QPP.
This year’s theme, chosen by the International Union of Architects (UIA) Council, is "Architecture for Resilient Communities.” Appropriately, numerous QP Picks buildings incorporate elements of enduring durability, climate action, and adaptability as principles.
Whether heritage projects or more recent construction, these buildings represent a design philosophy that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gain and recognizes the crucial role of architecture in addressing challenges and place-making within communities.
Earlier this year, the OAA invited all Ontario MPPs to reflect on the province’s unique architectural legacy and nominate a favourite building within their riding. Submissions were received from 44 MPPs representing regions across the province, as well as all political parties. Of these, the following nine projects have been selected by a jury of architects to comprise the 2023 QP Picks:
Brooklin Community Centre and Library in Whitby
Architect: Perkins+Will Canada Inc.
Nominated by MPP Lorne Coe (Whitby)
Eenchokay Birchstick School in Pikangikum First Nation
Architect: Number Ten Architectural Group
Nominated by MPP Sol Mamakwa (Kiiwetinoong)
Hospice Peterborough in Peterborough
Architect: Lett Architects
Nominated by MPP Dave Smith (Peterborough—Kawartha)
Kingston City Hall in Kingston
Architect: George Browne
Architects of Renovation: Harry P. Smith and Neil MacLennan (1971), Alexander Wilson Architect Inc. (2001)
Nominated by MPP Ted Hsu (Kingston and the Islands)
Kirkfield Lift Lock in Kirkfield
Engineer: Richard Birdsall Rogers
Architects of Renovation: In2Space (interior design)
Nominated by MPP Laurie Scott (Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock)
Old Strathroy Post Office in Strathroy
Architect: Thomas Fuller
Nominated by Monte McNaughton (former MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex)
Prosserman Jewish Community Centre in Toronto
Architect: IBI Group (now Arcadis)
Nominated by the Hon. Michael Kerzner (York Centre)
The Public Service Alliance of Canada Building in Ottawa
Architects: Schoeler & Heaton Architects Inc.
Nominated by MPP Joel Harden (Ottawa Centre)
Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research in Toronto
Architects: Architects Alliance with Behnisch Architekten
Nominated by MPP Jessica Bell (University–Rosedale)
“Our annual Queen's Park Picks program is a testament to Ontario architecture, both in the present and in the past,” says Settimo Vilardi, president of the OAA’s governing Council. “This year, as we celebrate virtually, it is heartening to see our MPPs nominating such a thoughtful range of buildings that not only showcase form and function in different ways, but also embody sustainability and adaptability. We are happy to continue collaborating with members of the provincial government in highlighting the importance of architecture in the everyday lives of Ontarians.”
For more on the buildings chosen this year, as well as to see previous selections, visit oaa.on.ca/QPP or follow the OAA at @oaarchitects on Twitter/X and Instagram.
Further Information
OAA President Settimo Vilardi and others may be available for phone or email interviews. Additional information and high-resolution photos are also available. Please contact Erik Missio, OAA Communications Manager, at 416-449-6898, ext. 241.
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. Recently, the OAA defined a five-year Strategic Plan to guide the Association’s actions and initiatives. Visit www.oaa.on.ca to learn more.