Award of Excellence: Urban Infill (Low Rise)
Bayswater
This lot was subdivided into three narrow floor plates that are interlocked, giving a more flexible and open layout to the three, three-storey townhomes built on it. Large glass windows on the front and back facades allow for natural light to carry throughout the entirety of the main level. Using the entire width of the lot, the front yard setbacks were maintained and allowed for landscaping creating a stunning street presence.
Although modern in design, the project does not compromise the traditional streetscape or harmony of the existing neighbourhood. The townhomes achieve this by remaining true to both the height and setbacks of neighbouring homes. The mature tree canopy was conserved throughout the project, which offers natural sun shading and provides privacy for residents.
Project Team:
- Christopher Simmonds; Christopher Simmonds Architect
- Daniel Dickie; Iris Custom Homes
- Doug Gray; D.B. Gray Engineering Inc.
- Jason Vriend; VRIEND Engineering
Award of Excellence: Urban Infill (Mid to High Rise)
Senate of Canada Building
One of the most important cultural and historic landmarks in Ottawa, the former train station has undergone a ten-year restoration and is now the interim home to the Senate of Canada.
The project defines a contemporary language of new volumes and insertions on the exterior, which are informed by the classical language of the original building. The new exterior east addition not only resolves a long incomplete and abandoned elevation but now provides a completed terminus to the view corridor along Mackenzie Drive.
The redefined forecourt now acts as both ceremonial and public entrance to the Senate and includes the relocated sculpture of the Famous Five, extending the civic presence of the building into the broader urban and social fabric of the City.
Project Team:
- Donald Schmitt; Diamond Schmitt Architects
- Martin Davidson; Diamond Schmitt Architects
- Ralph Wiesbrock; KWC Architects
- Jan Kubanek; ERA Architects
- Lisa Nicol; John G. Cooke & Associates
- John Hillier; DTAH
- Andrew Pratt; Crossey Engineering
- Duane Waite; Crossey Engineering
- Francois Roupinian; Light Emotion
- Mark Reid; PCL
Award of Excellence: Public Places and Civic Spaces; Award of Excellence: Urban Elements
Flora Footbridge
Flora Footbridge spans 125m over the Rideau Canal between Fifth Avenue and Clegg Street, bringing together the neighbourhoods of Old Ottawa East, the Glebe and Old Ottawa South.
The crossing is designed to be universally accessible, acting not only as a functional pathway, but also as a “place for people” that promotes social interaction and is safe for all.
The bridge profile is expressed as a clean white ”ribbon” within the setting, while a delicate, veil-like aluminum railing floats beyond the deck edge. An understated lighting scheme utilizes concealed LED fixtures in the handrail, as well as below deck accent lighting to illuminate the V-frames, providing pleasing reflections in the water by night. The landscape design exhibits a strong contemporary quality while respecting and supporting the iconic heritage setting.
Project Team:
- Mark Langridge, Architect; DTAH
- Peter Fletcher Smith, Landscape Architect; DTAH
- Michel Vachon, Lead Bridge Engineer; WSP
- Matt Julian, Project Bridge Engineer; WSP
- Pat Hill, Lead Civil Engineer; WSP
- Paul Boken, Lighting Designer; Mulvey & Banani Lighting Inc.
- Richard Moore; City of Ottawa
- Stephen Forestell; City of Ottawa
- Colin Simpson; City of Ottawa
Award of Excellence: Visions and Master plans
Capital Illumination Plan 2017 - 2027

The Capital Illumination Plan 2017-2027, is the first plan of its kind in Canada, outlining a strategy for illuminating and showcasing the nighttime landscape of the National Capital Region’s core area, comprised of the downtown sectors of the City of Ottawa and la Ville de Gatineau.
The Plan aims to enhance the natural and cultural character of the Capital while ensuring the highest standards of excellence in urban, landscape, and architectural design. The Plan supports these goals through a unique and innovative strategy addressing an emerging field at the intersection of urban planning, urban design, engineering, landscape architecture, and architecture.
Project Team:
- National Capital Commission; Long Range Planning and Transportation team led by Lucie Bureau
- Judith Balland; Lumipraxis stratègie lumière
- Jonathan Loschmann; WSP
- Gérald Lajeunesse
- Alain Guilhot Lumière
Award of Excellence: Community Initiatives; Award of Merit: Urban Elements; People’s Choice Award
The Gather-Ring
The Gather-Ring is a symbolic ‘Canada 150’ offering of cultural exchange, storytelling, discourse and contemplation.
It is firmly rooted and portaged on a base made from a metaphoric and mythic Mother Tree that is over 1000 years old. This red cedar base, with its burned-on-the-boards growth rings, contains and portages, as a metaphoric canoe, our inclusive collective history, memories, stories, and dreams. At its sapling center, a polished Canadian black granite circle, highly reflective of the activities above, simultaneously evokes even deeper time and history within its depth.
The Dream Catcher canopy pattern is derived by dividing the outer ring into 13 equal segments, symbolic of both the 13 cycles of Grandmother Moon, as well as Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. At night, subtle LED lighting is projected onto this swirling interplay with a sequence of dark-blue, red, yellow and white colours associated with the Cardinal Directions and symbolic of human diversity.
Project Team:
- Manuel A. Báez with Canadian Heritage, Art in the Capital Program; Manuel Báez Studio
- Charlynne Lafontaine; Loretta Studios and Gallery
- Elder Claudette Commanda; Kitigan Zibi Anishnaabeg First Nation
- Elder Verna McGregor; Kitigan Zibi Anishnaabeg First Nation
- Aniq Chaudhry, Josh Eckert, Sami Karimi, and Guillermo Bourget Morales; Project Team
- Tim Priddle; The WoodSource
- Martin Conboy; Martin Conboy Lighting Design
- Scott Funnell; WSP
- Jason Gibson; Gibson Timber-Frames
- Stephane C. Dugre; GoodFellow Inc.
- Goran Bjedov; Richie’s Welding
Award of Excellence: Student Projects
Power, Pulp, Paper and Print: Revealing the Industrial History of Hull Landing

A re-envisioned E.B. Eddy Mill Site that highlights the history of “making” through uses such as workshops, studios, maker and artist residences as well as showcasing artifacts and historical points of reference.
Materials, design and educational waypoints are proposed to reveal the lost industrial history of the site and landscaping reveals the lost history by utilizing native plantings, such as Alvar and Riparian environments.
In this vision, the site is transformed into an established residential and commercial space with a lively public real that allows visitors and residents to experience the character of the riverfront which was so important to the area historically.
Project Team:
- Madelaine Snelgrove; Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism, Carleton University
Special Jury Award of Excellence
Visitor Welcome Centre on Parliament Hill


The entrance to the Visitor Welcome Centre is carefully set into the Vaux Wall, one of the most significant and valued heritage landscape features on Parliament Hill. With sweeping arches at both the entrance and exit, the stones of the Wall gracefully reveal a recessed façade of ornamental woven metal; its form is consistent with the heritage landscape palette, interpreted through a contemporary aesthetic. A new steel exterior guardrail, reminiscent of Parliament Hill's cast-ironwork, tops the extended Vaux Wall and forms a series of interweaving double-helices inspired by Gothic geometries.
Once through the entrance arch, the area opens into a generous, welcoming, and light-filled subterranean space. Visitors descend through a choreographed procession of compressed and expansive spaces leading to a bright and spacious reception.
Project Team:
- Diane Phillips; IBI Group
- Heather Semple; IBI Group
- Carol Phillips; Moriyama & Teshima Architects
- Greg Woltman; Adjeleian Allen Rubeli Ltd.
- Frédérick Dionne; Pageau Morel et associés inc.
Award of Merit: Urban Infill (Low Rise)
The Core
The strong, simple and clear architecture of this new office building in Barrhaven presents a positive contemporary image from the neighbouring highway, establishing a gateway building at the entrance to a mixed-use area.
Project Team:
- Christopher Simmonds Architect, Architect
- Lashley & Associates, Landscape Architect
- Cleland Jardine Engineering Ltd.
- Tomlinson Group, Owner & General Contractor
- Ottawa Business Interiors, Furniture & Furniture Layout
- TAL – CO, Construction Managers
Award of Merit: Urban Infill (Low Rise)
Canada's Four Corners Rehabilitation
This challenging conservation project ensured that the local identity of the urban core of Ottawa was maintained by giving the City back one of its hidden landmarks. The completion of this project reintegrated the historic exterior with the pedestrian scale of Sparks Street; reinforcing the existing street wall with the removal of the overhead protection. The restoration of the 1916 storefront windows reinstates pedestrian interaction and views, adding to the lively and historical public realm context of Sparks Street.
Project Team:
- Cristina Ureche-Trifu, Robert Martin; Robertson Martin Architects
- Chris Vopni, John Cooke; John G. Cooke and Associates
- Craig Sims
- Trevor Gillingwater
- PTAH
- Stantec
- Ellis Don
- Atwill-Morin
- Heritage Grade
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
Award of Merit: Urban Infill (Mid to High Rise)
Ottawa Art Gallery Expansion
The new Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) building creates a new civic and cultural destination for Ottawa and the region. The new gallery realizes a decade-long dream for a signature, stand-alone, state-of-the-art museum-standard space. For the first time in its history it is now visible in the city. The tight footprint and siting in the space between the heritage Ottawa Arts Court building, the University of Ottawa Black Box Theatre and the Le Germain Hotel/ArtHaus Condominiums tower inspired a vertical campus scheme, which in turn created previously unimagined opportunities for memorable and inspiring views and vistas of the downtown.
Project Team:
- Barry Padolsky Associates Inc.;
- KPMB Architects;
- Cleland Jardine Engineering Ltd.;
- Goodkey, Weedmark & Associates Ltd.;
- Gabriel MacKinnon; MCLD Inc.;
- Lashley + Associates;
- Delcan; Morrison Hershfield Ltd.;
- EBC Inc.;
- DevMcGill;
- Groupe Germain;
- Régis Côté et Associés;
- Pasquin St Jean et Associés;
- Dupras Ledoux Ingénieurs;
- Roche;
- Denis Massie, Architecte Paysagiste Inc.
Award of Merit: Urban Infill Mid-High Rise
University of Ottawa STEM Complex
Sitting as a landmark with “Les Yeux” facing the Rideau Canal, this complex stitches together the downtown campus public realm by defining a series of indoor and outdoor pedestrian routes.
Project Team:
- Safdar Abidi; Perkins and Will
- Andrew Frontini; Perkins and Will
- Matt Johnston; Perkins and Will
- Lashley & Associates
- PCL
Award of Merit: Public Places & Civic Spaces
Jim Tubman Chevrolet Sens Rink

This new open air, multipurpose community recreational facility includes a covered structure with angular full height chevron braces and a tapered reflective roof line intended to evoke images of skating on a fractured outdoor pond on a winter’s day. Its multi-coloured, dynamic lighting also signals the facility’s location within the wooded park at night, allowing it to best serve as a central gathering spot for park users.
Project Team:
- Keith Dickie; N45 Architecture Inc.
- Gerry Mallette; N45 Architecture Inc.
- Robert Matthews; N45 Architecture Inc.
- Neil Johnston; AAR
- Garry Vopni; AAR
- Marietta Rhuland; Ruhland & Associates Ltd.
- Rob Lefebvre; Goodkey, Weedmark & Associates Limited
- Richard Boivin; Goodkey, Weedmark & Associates Limited
- Sarah McLaughlin; Jp2g Consultants Inc.
- Roxanne Tubb; Jp2g Consultants Inc.
Award of Merit: Public Places & Civic Spaces
Rockcliffe Park Fieldhouse
Realized as a result of substantial community effort, this beautiful wood fieldhouse and sports pad has been happily received and extensively used by the community and the area schools. The building includes a small kitchen, bathrooms, an indoor gathering space, and indoor and outdoor seating.
Project Team:
- Jelle De Roeck; Linebox Studio
- Shawn Malhotra; Claridge Homes
- Lucien Haddad; NEUF Architects
- Louise Malhotra
Award of Merit: Visions and Master plans
Booth District Redevelopment

The master plan for the Booth Street District envisions a mixed-use space in the heart of the Preston/Carling neighbourhood that uses a vibrant and engaging public realm to create a distinct sense of place. With a fine-grained network of mid-block connections, walkways, and shared streets, the new public realm will tie together a unique mix of heritage and contemporary buildings. Booth District will establish a world-class model for developing heritage sites in creative new ways.
Project Team:
- Mary Jarvis; Canada Lands Company
- Craig Sklenar; Stantec
- Molly Smith; Stantec
- David Krajeafski; Stantec (Retired)
- Victoria Angel; ERA Architects Inc.
Award of Merit: Visions and Master plans
ByWard Market - Reclaiming City Streets for People

This proposal sets out a vision for the ByWard Market and seeks to understand the context of the ByWard Market as it exists today, where conflict occurs between the movement of people, cars and the needs of merchants, vendors and tourists. The master plan concludes with a series of renderings and design proposals for how to reclaim public space for people, create the mixed use density needed to add jobs, homes and commercial space and make a #betterbyward.
Project Team:
- Toon Dreessen; Architects DCA Inc.
- Lina Dreessen; Architects DCA Inc.
Award of Merit: Student Project
Black Box Theatre on Nepean Point

A proposed Black box theatre, amphitheatre, and park revitalization provide with new and unique ways to enjoy and experience Nepean point. The current condition of the existing outdoor theatre at the point has been deemed unsafe for use. The improved theatre program on the site will host an indoor 300-seat theatre with supporting facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre, and an open pavilion whose footprint speaks to the geology of Nepean Point.
Project Team:
- John Vieira; Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University
- Vedad Haghighi; Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University
Award of Merit: Student Project
Sesquicentennial Waves - Brewer Park Pool

Just like the ancient Roman baths, the vision for a new Brewer Park Pool facility is an elevated and playful civic space rooted in the principle of community engagement. The long span structure frames a vast shared area in which people come together to bathe, swim, dive, exercise, race, and play.
Project Team:
- Guillermo Bourget Morales; Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University
- Janine Debanne (Mentor); Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University
Award of Merit: Community Initiatives
Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden
Following soil risk management, this site was restored as the Nanny Goat Hill Community Garden, demonstrating that soils can be managed and repurposed for a community garden, and made accessible to differently abled people without removing existing trees.
Project Team:
- James Lennox; James B. Lennox & Associates
- Kevin Hicks; WOOD
- Denis Malouin; D&R Maintenance Solutions
- David Kiar; City of Ottawa, Environmental Remediation
- Joanne Moran; City of Ottawa
- Rick Hall; D&R Maintenance Solutions