Toronto, ON – The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) will mark World Architecture Day virtually in 2022 with its annual Queen’s Park Picks (QP Picks) program—a collaborative celebration with MPPs across the province who share their passion for local architecture. Each year, a special exhibition at Queen’s Park highlights a selection of outstanding buildings. However, following the adjournment of the legislature, the OAA will be presenting the 2022 Queen’s Park Picks online at www.oaa.on.ca/QPP.

An emerging theme from this year’s QP Picks is community, with numerous buildings playing important roles as spaces where people gather. As public health restrictions continue to ease and members of the public find themselves sharing spaces once again, the important role of community-centred buildings has come to the fore. This year, nominations highlighted some of the province’s most beloved gathering spaces.

Prior to World Architecture Day on the first Monday in October, the OAA invites Ontario MPPs to reflect on the province’s unique architectural legacy and nominate a favourite building within their riding. This year, submissions were received from MPPs from all regions across the province, with nominations by members of all parties.

Nine projects have been selected by a jury of architects for this year’s Queen’s Park Picks online exhibit, which showcases the diversity of architecture in Ontario. The buildings chosen were:

• Abilities Centre in Whitby
  Architect: B+H Architects Corp.
  Nominated by MPP Lorne Coe
  
  

• Adawe Bridge in Ottawa
  Architect: Stantec Architecture Ltd.
  Nominated by MPP Lucille Collard
  
  

• Franklin Carmichael Art Centre Building in Toronto (Etobicoke)
  Architect: unknown
  Nominated by Premier Doug Ford
  
  

• Jeremiah McKay Kabayshewekamik in Sioux Lookout
  Architect: ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design in association with Manasc Isaac Architects (now Reimagine)
  Nominated by MPP Sol Mamakwa
  
  

• Place des Arts in Sudbury
  Architects: Moriyama & Teshima Architects in joint venture with Bélanger Salach Architecture (formerly Yallowega Belanger Salach Architecture)  
  Nominated by MPP Jamie West”
  
  

• Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church in Guelph
  Architect: Evhen Gren
  Nominated by MPP Mike Schreiner
  
  

• Union Station in Toronto
  Architects: Ross and MacDonald, Hugh Jones (Assistant Chief Architect, Canadian Pacific Railway) and John M. Lyle Architect
  Architects of Renovation (2022): NORR Architects & Engineers Limited, EVOQ Architecture Inc., Zeidler Architecture, PARTISANS (interior), IBI Group (second platform)
  Nominated by MPP Chris Glover
  
  

• Victoria County Gaol in Lindsay
  Architect: Cumberland and Storm
  Nominated by MPP Laurie Scott
  
  

• Victoria Hall (Brockville City Hall) in Brockville
  Architect: Henry H. Horsey
  Architect of Renovation: O. E. Liston
  Nominated by MPP Steve Clark

Foregrounding the positive impact of the built environment remains a central focus of the OAA’s mission in regulating the province’s architecture profession to protect the public interest. It enjoys a long-standing, collaborative relationship with the provincial government and highly values their mutual investment in meeting the needs of Ontarians.

“I am so thrilled that year after year, our Members of Provincial Parliament join us in recognizing the marvelous examples of Ontario architecture found in all parts of our province,” notes OAA President Susan Speigel. “We must continue to respect and revere these beautiful places that form a crucial part of our social fabric.”

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 and Instagram.

Further Information
OAA President Susan Speigel and others may be available for phone or email interviews. Additional information and high-resolution photos may also be 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. This year, the OAA defined a new five-year Strategic Plan to guide the Association’s actions and initiatives. Visit www.oaa.on.ca to learn more.

About World Architecture Day
Created by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in 1985, World Architecture Day is celebrated on the first Monday of October in parallel with UN World Habitat Day.