This month, Toronto professionals in architecture, urban design, and academia have finalized their selection of locations across the city that showcase exceptional design, including a new public art category that recognized Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The Toronto Urban Design Awards occur biennially, with a panel of industry experts acknowledging standout projects in various categories such as small parks, master plans, and student initiatives. Celebrating its 35th year, the awards program includes 10 categories with 24 winners, encompassing both built and forthcoming projects from the past five years.
Among the honored sites are the Union Station revitalization, Leslie Lookout Park, The Spirit Garden at Nathan Phillips Square, and the Port Lands bridges. This year, over 100 submissions were received, according to Kristina Reinders, the program manager of Urban Design Programs and Strategies at the City of Toronto. Ossie Airewele, a juror and senior associate at BDP Quadrangle, emphasized the importance of projects that intuitively integrate with the cityscape, noting that excellence is evident when spaces feel harmonious and resonate with the panel.
The latest edition of the awards introduced a public art category, with Red Embers, created by Eladia Smoke of Smoke Architecture, winning the inaugural title. The installation features red banners on cedar posts symbolizing a memorial for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, highlighting the unity needed across all genders. Red Embers, showcasing Thunderbirds made of bones connected by copper wire, promotes inclusivity and societal diversity through well-thought-out design, as explained by Smoke.
Brock James, Partner at LGA Architectural Partners, was recognized for the design of the newly renovated Albert Campbell Library, which won in the public buildings category. James emphasized the renewal project’s ability to address aging infrastructure creatively, revealing and enhancing the building’s existing features. The 2025 Jury Report, presenting the awarded projects, is accessible on the city’s website, with the next awards ceremony scheduled for 2027.
