North Bay’s Suswin Village on Cassells St. has been recognized for architectural excellence in the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) "Queen’s Park Picks Housing Showcase."
The OAA regulates architecture in the province and unveiled this year’s nine Queen’s Park Picks projects today. This initiative invites MPPs to highlight their favourite architectural "gems" from their ridings, showcasing exceptional buildings and structures in celebration of architecture in Ontario.
Suswin Village held its grand opening in the summer of 2023. There are offices for staff, and all types of amenities such as laundry, and computers, and with the Indigenous Friendship Centre right across the street on Cassells, plenty of resources and programs designed to help residents get back on their feet and off the street.
See: Suswin Village provides safe ‘nest’ for North Bay’s vulnerable
And: Project unveiled to combat indigenous homelessness
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.
"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," says a news release.
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. Suswin Village was nominated by Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.
Nine projects have been selected by a jury of architects for this year’s Queen’s Park Picks online exhibit, including the Suswin Village
Developed by Larocque Elder Architects, Suswin Village is the first housing project in Canada built and managed by a Friendship Centre, organizations dedicated to supporting urban First Nations, Metis and Inuit People pursuing Mno Bimaadiziwin (a good life).
"The North Bay development offers transitional housing with a focus on cultural roots and community support. Designed with Indigenous values in mind, it features geothermal heating and spaces for traditional practices underscoring the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. By respecting the immediate environment and drawing on local inspiration, the community facility provides residents with a quality community space that is both sustainable, functional, and informed by context.
'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," says the release.
"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."
For more on the buildings chosen this year, as well as to see previous selections, click here.
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