OAA Announces MPPs’ Favourite Housing-Related Architecture at Queen’s Park

Toronto, ON – The L’Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), which regulates architecture in the province, has unveiled this year’s nine Queen’s Park Picks (QPP) projects. This initiative invites Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to highlight their favourite architectural gems from their ridings, showcasing exceptional buildings and structures in celebration of architecture in Ontario.

This year’s theme for nominees was “Housing,” with MPPs from across all political parties suggesting exemplary places in which Ontarians live, thrive, heal, or find comfort. The theme not only echoes the 2024 OAA Conference, focus on housing, but also reflects the Association’s outreach efforts in regulating the architecture profession to protect the public interest. Whether heritage projects or more recent construction, these buildings represent a design philosophy that prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term gain, offering Ontarians a place to call home.

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. Thirty-two submissions were received from 29 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 2024 QP Picks:

Bain Apartments Co-Operative

(formerly Riverdale Courts)
In Toronto
Architects: Eden Smith and Sons (1913), F.H. Marani (1923)
Nominated by MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto—Danforth)

Carlington Community Health Centre

In Ottawa
Architect: CSV Consultants Inc. Architects
Renovation Architect: James Edwards Architect and Frank Fentiman Architect (1992)
Nominated by MPP Joel Harden (Ottawa Centre) & MPP Chandra Pasma (Ottawa West—Nepean)

Casey House

In Toronto
Architect: Hariri Pontarini Architects
Nominated by MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre)

Harvey Woods Lofts

In Woodstock
Architects: Invizij Architects Inc.
Nominated by MPP Ernie Hardeman (Oxford)

The Kensington Apartments

© krista jahnke photography

In Kingston
Architect: John Power and Sons (1876)
Architects of Renovation: Shoalts and Zaback Architects Ltd. (2017)
Nominated by MPP Ted Hsu (Kingston and the Islands)

Mikinàk Ottawa Community Housing

In Ottawa
Architect: Arcadis Architects (Canada) Inc.
Nominated by MPP Lucille Collard (Ottawa—Vanier)

Sagatay

In Toronto
Architect: Hilditch Architect Inc.
Nominated by MPP Jill Andrew (Toronto—St. Paul’s)

Suswin Village

In North Bay
Architect: Larocque Elder Architects, Architectes Inc.
Nominated by the Hon. Victor Fedeli (Nipissing)

Ulster House

In Toronto
Architect: LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.
Nominated by MPP Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale)

Now in its ninth year, 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, the program fosters a deeper appreciation for the vital role that architecture plays in shaping Ontario’s communities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

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

“Each year, the Queen’s Park Picks program reaffirms the transformative power of architecture in Ontario,” says Settimo Vilardi, president of the OAA’s governing Council. “This year’s focus on housing underscores our commitment to sustainability and community-centric design. It is inspiring to witness MPPs across all parties recognizing buildings that not only blend form and function but also nurture thriving communities. Our collaboration with provincial leaders continues to spotlight the pivotal role architecture plays in enriching the lives of Ontarians and shaping resilient, vibrant communities for future generations.”