Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has announced the winners of its 2026 Design Excellence Awards and Service Awards, recognizing projects, practices and individuals that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and community impact.

The awards will be celebrated next month at the OAA Conference, Collaboration Powering Innovation, in the Waterloo Region.

The biennial Design Excellence Awards program highlights the work of Ontario architectural practices across a wide range of sectors and geographies. This year’s winners include projects spanning community centres, housing, academic and cultural facilities, and public spaces.

A jury selected 10 winning projects from 96 submissions, narrowing the field to 20 finalists. Entries were evaluated based on creativity, context, sustainability, good design and business practices, and long-term legacy. All submissions were also required to include Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metrics, reflecting the OAA’s emphasis on environmentally responsible design.

“The 2026 Design Excellence Awards showcase exciting examples of the quality work being performed by members of Ontario’s architecture profession, as well as the clear impact our built spaces can have on our communities,” said OAA president Lara McKendrick. “By mandating the submission of Energy Use Intensity metrics for all candidates, the OAA is pleased to actively advance climate stability and ensure sustainable design remains a core priority for the profession.”

The public can vote for a People’s Choice Award from among the winners, with online voting open until April 22.

The 2026 Design Excellence Award winners are:

• Angle of Repose (Algonquin Highlands, Ont.) by Reasonable Projects Inc.
• Beaverton Heights Modular Transitional Housing (Beaverton, Ont.) by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
• Carmen Corbasson Community Centre (Mississauga, Ont.) by Diamond Schmitt Architects
• Kìwekì Point (Ottawa, Ont.) by Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. and Patkau Architects Inc.
• Koffler Scientific Reserve (Toronto, Ont.) by Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
• Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, University of Toronto (Toronto, Ont.) by Weiss/Manfredi and Teeple Architects
• The Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum (Burnaby, B.C.) by Hariri Pontarini Architects and Iredale Architecture
• Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Headquarters (Toronto, Ont.) by Bucholz McEvoy Architects Ltd. and ZAS Architects Inc.
• Toronto Public Library – Bridlewood Branch (Toronto, Ont.) by Ken Fukushima Architecture in association with David Fujiwara Architect

The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in Ontario in the public interest and uses its awards program to promote the role of architecture in shaping communities across the province.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) marked its 75th anniversary during its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday (April 8), an event highlighted by robust financial results, industry awards, and a special proclamation from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

The meeting, held at the Saint Elias Banquet Centre, brought together builders, developers, renovators, and industry partners for what GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf described as the largest AGM in recent history.

Mayor Sutcliffe opened his address by praising the association’s tremendous growth, noting that its membership has increased by 67 per cent since 2021. To honour the association’s long-standing impact on the city, Sutcliffe officially proclaimed April 8, as “Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association Day”.

“About 26% of all new multi-residential housing in Ontario is being built right here in Ottawa,” Sutcliffe said. “More than a quarter of all multi-residential is happening here in Ottawa, even though we represent 7% of the population in the province.”

Sutcliffe also emphasized the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness and speeding up housing initiatives. The city has passed a motion to accelerate the construction of 550 supportive housing units, reducing the target timeline from 10 years to five years. Additionally, Sutcliffe shared that Ottawa is the first city in Canada to reach an agreement in principle with the new federal agency, Build Canada Homes, to construct 3,000 housing units, the majority of which will be affordable.

On the financial front, GOHBA is reporting its fifth consecutive year of financial growth and security. For the fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2025, the association posted an operating net surplus of just over $168,000. This was driven almost exclusively by the success of GOHBA’s special events, which generated nearly $463,000 in net revenue.

The approved 2026 budget projects a stable membership base of 453 members and will hold membership fees at the same level as 2025. Recognizing the rapid growth of its event programming, the association has also invested in expanding its staff complement with a new permanent head of events.

The AGM also served as an occasion to honour members who have made exceptional contributions to the industry and the broader community, with over 30 nominations received this year.

The 2026 GOHBA Award winners are:

All-Star New Member Contributor: Mike Dambra from Dambra Flooring was honoured for his exceptional dedication and meaningful contributions within his first two years of involvement.

Philanthropy Award: Jenny Chen was recognized for her leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to inclusion that has strengthened both the industry and the community.

Outstanding Company Contribution: Reliance Holmes Heating and Cooling received the award for going above and beyond in advancing the industry, supporting employees, and demonstrating social responsibility.

Pillar of the Community: Candy King from Urbandale Construction was celebrated for her steadfast leadership and lasting impact over 22 years of building major Ottawa communities.

Visionary Leadership Award: Rosaline Hill, Principal Architect, Senior Planner, Development Consultant at RJH Architecture and Planning, was honoured for her significant impact in advocacy and residential infill, driving practical, solution-oriented improvements across the industry and the city.

Lifetime Achievement: Paul Scissons received this prestigious honour for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing professional renovation, notably through his work strengthening member engagement with Ottawa Renovates magazine for more than a decade.

Closing the formal business, Board chair Serge Desjardins reflected on the association’s recent successes, which included advocating for one of the largest housing tax breaks in recent history.

“Together, we have a responsibility to ensure that Ottawa remains a vibrant city where housing development meets the needs of our residents,” Desjardins said. Moving into 2026, the board plans to continue prioritizing member engagement, strategic planning, policy advocacy, and community impact.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is looking to expand its eastern Ontario operations, launching a recruitment drive for a new provincial representative based in its Ottawa member centre.

The position, based out of the union’s office at 38 Antares Dr. in Nepean, will see the successful candidate take on a multifaceted role as a lead advocate for employees in CLAC-unionized workplaces across the region.

According to the job posting, the provincial representative will be responsible for the full spectrum of labour relations, including collective bargaining, grievance handling, and the training of workplace stewards.

Unlike traditional trade unions, CLAC operates on a “wall-to-wall” multi-sector model, meaning the new representative will likely oversee diverse bargaining units ranging from construction and maintenance to healthcare and service sectors.

The role carries significant legal and administrative weight. Key duties include enforcing employment rights, navigating the Labour Relations Board (LRB) application process, and conducting all facets of collective agreement negotiations—from collecting member proposals to presenting final contracts for ratification.

CLAC, which remains independent of the Canadian Labour Congress, emphasizes a “partnership model” of labour relations. The organization notes that the provincial representative is expected to resolve workplace issues with a view toward reducing conflict and promoting stability on the job site.

The union is seeking candidates with a firm grasp of labour and employment law, as well as an “intimate familiarity” with provincial labour legislation and arbitral jurisprudence.

The hiring process for the Ottawa post reflects the union’s rigorous standard for field staff; new hires typically undergo a year-long probationary period featuring regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure they can handle what the union describes as the “rough and tumble” of labour relations.

In addition to member advocacy, the representative will also be tasked with “solidarity work,” aimed at expanding CLAC’s presence in the Ottawa area through local initiatives and the organizing of new groups of workers.

Qualified applicants are expected to have strong public speaking skills and the ability to address media inquiries regarding union policy.

Interested parties can find more information or apply through the union’s career portal at clac.ca.

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In a move designed to protect the financial viability of new housing projects, Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee has approved a framework that implements “inclusionary zoning” while setting the initial requirement for affordable units at zero per cent.

The decision allows the city to check a box required for federal funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) without immediately imposing new costs on developers that city staff warn could stall construction during an ongoing housing crisis.

Under the new framework, developers of large residential projects near major transit stations will eventually be required to set aside a portion of units as affordable. However, a mid-2025 housing market assessment for Ottawa concluded that current conditions make such mandates economically unfeasible.

“While the intent of the policy is to ensure that affordable units are being constructed near transit, the costs associated with inclusionary zoning are borne by increasing costs on market units,” a city release stated following the meeting. “In the context of high housing costs, inclusionary zoning could have the unintended consequence of rendering some transit-oriented developments unviable.”

By establishing the framework with a zero-per-cent “set-aside rate,” the city creates the legal infrastructure to mandate affordable units in the future without triggering an immediate slowdown in the current market.

The move was welcomed by industry advocates who have long argued that inclusionary zoning functions as a “tax on development” that ultimately raises prices for the other 90 to 95 per cent of units in a building.

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) has consistently urged the city to avoid policies that compromise project feasibility. Executive Director Jason Burggraaf has previously noted that “transformative changes” are needed to hit housing targets, emphasizing that “Ottawa has the opportunity to be an example of progressive leadership” by focusing on supply rather than adding regulatory hurdles.

The committee also moved to streamline the development process by making the Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) reporting more flexible. The committee approved removing the requirement for an associated UDRP report as part of a “completed” development application. Instead, recommendations will be posted online during the formal review process, a change aimed at preventing design discussions from delaying the start of the application clock.

Key technical details of the approved inclusionary zoning framework include:

• Affordability definition: Aligns with provincial standards—the lesser of average market rent or shelter costs for middle-income households for rentals, and 90 per cent of average market purchase price for ownership.
• Duration: Units must remain affordable for at least 25 years.
• Next Steps: The city plans to conduct a fresh housing market assessment and updated needs analysis by the second quarter of 2028 before considering an increase to the set-aside rate. Detailed implementation guidelines are expected by mid-2027.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is praising a landmark federal-provincial agreement aimed at cutting development charges (DCs) and speeding up home construction, calling it a “critical” step toward more affordable housing.

“RESCON commends Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford for working together on these vital initiatives as they will boost the residential construction sector and make new homes more affordable,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall.

The federal and Ontario governments announced Monday that each will invest $4.4 billion over the next 10 years in housing-related infrastructure. In addition, development charges levied by municipalities—which can add up to $200,000 to the cost of a home—will be cut in half for three years. The move is designed to reduce the tax burden on new homeowners and stimulate stalled projects.

A report prepared for RESCON shows that taxes, fees, and levies now account for 36 per cent of the purchase price of a new home. In the Greater Toronto Area, DCs alone can add over $150,000 to the cost of a typical family home. Over the past 25 years, DCs in Toronto have risen more than 5,000 per cent, far outpacing inflation.

“Development charges have been on a trajectory that is unsustainable and economically counterproductive,” Lyall said. “They significantly hike the price of a new home. Middle-income families are increasingly priced out of home ownership. The measures taken today by the province and the feds will help move the needle.”

The new federal-provincial deal also includes support for major transit and rail projects, including the Waterfront East Transit line in Toronto, expansion of GO Transit service through freight-owned corridors in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and planning for the Alto high-speed rail initiative connecting Toronto and Quebec City. Priority projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, such as the Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Scarborough Subway Extension, Yonge North Subway Extension, and Hamilton LRT, will also receive federal contribution agreements.

Alongside the funding announcement, Ontario introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, legislation designed to reduce bureaucratic red tape and streamline approvals for residential construction, including faster site plan approvals.

“As Housing Minister Rob Flack noted, delays add to the cost of housing. Simplifying planning and approval tools will help get the shovels for much-needed housing in the ground quicker,” Lyall said.

He added that recent measures—including the federal and provincial DC reductions and last week’s removal of HST on newly built homes—could substantially lower costs for consumers and lift the industry at a critical time.

The Ford government had originally set a goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031 but has since softened that target. The new measures aim to give municipalities, builders, and governments the tools to accelerate construction and improve housing affordability for first-time buyers and young families.

“Homebuilding has stalled and the outlook for the industry is grim,” Lyall said. “The measures announced today by the two governments are a positive development for buyers and the industry. Addressing the housing crisis requires all levels of government to work toward the common goal of making new homes more affordable and speeding up construction.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa chapter is inviting industry professionals to go behind the scenes of high-performance door manufacturing during an upcoming technical seminar and facility tour.

The event, titled “Sound Matters: Acoustic Performance & AMBICO Facility Tour,” will take place on Oct. 16 at the AMBICO Limited headquarters at 1120 Cummings Ave. The session is designed to provide architects, engineers, and specifiers with a deep dive into the technical requirements of acoustic openings and the manufacturing processes that support them.

The afternoon will begin with a technical presentation focused on the science of sound control in the built environment. According to the event organizers, the session will cover critical topics such as Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings, the impact of perimeter sealing systems on acoustic integrity, and how to properly specify door assemblies for sensitive environments like healthcare facilities, recording studios, and government buildings.

Following the seminar, attendees will be guided through AMBICO’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

“This is a truly exciting time at AMBICO,” the company said in a recent statement regarding its ongoing growth. “As we enter our 70th year of family-owned operations, we continue to purposely invest in our future… not only in state-of-the-art machinery—new press brakes and process improvements—but also in a top-tier management team.”

The tour portion of the event will offer a firsthand look at how specialized products—including blast-resistant, fire-rated, and acoustic doors—are engineered and fabricated. Experts will be on hand to demonstrate the precision required to meet rigorous international standards such as ASTM and ANSI.

The event is scheduled to run from noon (lunch provided) to 4:00 p.m. EST. Registration is required, and tickets are available through the CSC Ottawa Chapter’s Eventbrite page. Participants may be eligible for continuing education credits, as the technical content aligns with the professional development requirements of several architectural and engineering associations.

For more information and to register, visit the CSC Ottawa Eventbrite listing.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) will launch a Construction for Canadians Tour, an 11-episode national docuseries designed to give Canadians a behind-the-scenes look at the country’s housing and infrastructure projects.

Filming begins in June and will span 12 weeks, visiting 21 active and recently completed construction sites across 10 provinces. The tour will feature local elected officials, industry leaders, and construction professionals, highlighting the planning, technology, and skilled trades that make major projects possible.

“Canada has set bold goals for housing and infrastructure delivery,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “While construction is central to the homes, roads, hospitals and public infrastructure Canadians rely on every day, much of the work that goes into delivering these projects happens out of sight. This series is about opening the door and showing Canadians the incredible effort, coordination and skilled talent required to build our country.”

The series will address common misconceptions about construction and demonstrate the complexity and expertise needed to deliver critical infrastructure. The tour will also provide opportunities for direct engagement at worksites and candid conversations en route.

“The success of Canada’s construction sector depends on strong collaboration across the industry and with communities,” Gilbert added. “Construction is often misunderstood. People see the final result but not the planning, technology, skilled trades and teamwork required to get there.”

The announcement coincides with CCA’s annual conference, which brought together more than 500 Canadian construction leaders to discuss national priorities and cross-border collaboration amid evolving Canada-U.S. economic and infrastructure policies.

Full details of the Construction for Canadians Tour, including specific stops and filming locations, will be released in the coming weeks.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Ottawa Construction Association (OCA) is entering 2026 with new leadership at the helm, reporting a record-high membership and a solid financial foundation following a busy year of industry advocacy.

Dan Leduc of Soloway Wright LLP has been elected to assume the role of OCA chair for 2026, officially taking the gavel from 2025 chair Ken Crawford of C & M Electric. The leadership transition coincides with a historic shift in the association’s executive office. John DeVries has retired as president and general manager after leading the organization for nearly 28 years.

DeVries has been succeeded by Bill Ferreira, who joined the OCA following eight years of service at BuildForce Canada and previous experience with the Canadian Construction Association.

“I don’t have to tell you what a contribution he has made to this association, to our local industry and to the community at large in that period of time,” Crawford wrote of DeVries in the association’s 2025 annual report.

Ferreira steps into the executive director role of an association experiencing steady growth. The OCA closed 2025 with a record 1,190 member firms, having achieved a net gain of 20 new companies over the year. The diverse membership base now includes 370 trade contractors, 368 manufacturers, services and suppliers, 184 general contractors, 169 mechanical and electrical contractors, and 99 roadbuilders and heavy construction contractors.

Financially, the association remains on firm footing. According to the 2025 financial statements, the OCA generated total revenues of $3,226,560 against operating expenses of $3,103,059, resulting in an excess of revenues over expenses of $123,501. The association’s total net assets at the end of the year stood at a healthy $8,020,748.

The regional construction market also maintained its momentum. In 2025, the City of Ottawa issued 7,492 building permits valued at just over $3.25 billion. While this represents a four per cent decline from 2024, it marks the seventh consecutive year that permit values have exceeded the $3-billion threshold. Correspondingly, the OCA’s plansroom saw a nearly three per cent increase in activity, hosting 2,769 projects over the year.

The OCA also secured significant advocacy victories for its members in 2025. The association successfully pushed back against the City of Ottawa’s plan to sole-source a $15-million newcomer reception centre to Toronto-based BLT Construction using a pre-engineered “sprung structure”. Following public criticism from the OCA and the General Contractors Association of Ottawa regarding the city’s assumption that local industry lacked the capability to deliver the project, the city cancelled the contract.

Additionally, the OCA successfully lobbied the city to modify liquidated damages provisions on the $300-plus million Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment—ultimately awarded to EBC Inc.—eliminating unpredictable risks that went well beyond standard delay costs.

Beyond industry advocacy, the OCA continued its strong tradition of corporate philanthropy. In 2025, the association donated more than $113,000 to local charities. This included a record $50,000 donation to the Ottawa Food Bank, raised during a massive spring golf tournament that attracted an unprecedented 648 players across three local courses.

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Ottawa Construction News Staff Writer

City BuildHERS is preparing to host its latest industry event, “The Ripple Effect,” an evening designed to highlight the influence of women in shaping the built environment.

The event will take place on April 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Huguette Labelle Hall, located within the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret building.

Organizers say the gathering is built on connection and designed for change, offering participants a chance to explore how women’s voices are fundamentally impacting design, engineering, and construction.

“This will be one of the most beautiful and inspiring events that I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating on,” said Lauren Epp, who is managing event co-ordination for the program.

The initiative follows previous City BuildHERS efforts to foster professional development and relationship-building within the local industry, such as past programs focused on enhancing golf skills to facilitate business networking.

“The Ripple Effect” is being held in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and is supported by several industry leaders and organizations, including the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA). Key organizers and collaborators associated with the event include Jennifer Cross, Kristen Buter, and Trista Lynch-Black.

According to City BuildHERS, the evening is intended to provide strategic networking with a curated group of industry leaders. The goal is to facilitate new connections, project leads, and working opportunities for women across all sectors of the construction and design industries.

“This is your chance to gain insights from design, engineering, and construction innovators that will leave you inspired and empowered to lean into your career,” the organization stated in its event announcement.

The venue, Huguette Labelle Hall, is a heritage space within the historic Tabaret building, which dates back to the early 20th century (with the hall itself seeing significant use and recognition in its current form since circa 1971).

Tickets for the event are currently available for purchase online. For more information on City BuildHERS and their upcoming initiatives, interested participants can visit the organization’s registration page or follow their updates through industry channels.

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March 2026

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