Is Hamilton’s architecture most representative of the best design Ontario has to offer?

According to a snap poll of Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) conducted by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) in December, it could be.

As part of its annual celebration of architecture, the OAA asked MPPs to identify their favourite buildings in their ridings. The association then narrowed down the list of 40 submissions it received to eight projects that it felt best highlight Ontario’s diversity of architecture.

Three of the eight projects that made the OAA’s final list—its QP Picks—were located in Hamilton. According to the OAA, those Steel City buildings that made the final list “all represent very different takes on the built form in both aesthetic and function.”

Hamilton projects include: Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre (nominated by MPP Monique Taylor), Waterdown Public Library (nominated by MPP Donna Skelly), and Westinghouse HQ (nominated by MPP Andrea Horwath).

Two Toronto buildings made the list. MPP Tom Rakocevic nominated York University’s new Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence for its unique façade and student-centric approach to spatial design (student facilities are located at the main entrance of the building, while staff offices are located in the central core).

Meanwhile, MPP Chris Glover nominated Ontario Place. The site’s high-tech megastructure and landscape includes modular pods and 90 acres of manmade lagoons and islands as well as the Cinesphere, a triodetic-dome structure housing the world’s first permanent Imax movie theatre.

In Guelph, The Metalworks—an ambitious 600-unit residential redevelopment located in one of the most significant local historic sites—was nominated by MPP Mike Schreiner. The eight-acre project is still under construction.

In Markham, the new Aaniin Community Centre and Library was nominated by MPP Logan Kanapathi. The facility brings together several programs, spaces and activities to create a vibrant hub under an expressive wood roof. It includes an aquatics centre, rock climbing wall, maker space, creation studios, digital training rooms, children’s play space, a sensory room designed with autistic children in mind and a sports centre with a gymnasium and indoor track.

Finally, Ottawa MPP Joel Harden nominated the Corktown Footbridge for its capacity for bringing together communities east and west of the Rideau Canal, and creating a greater sense of local space.

“This year’s selection of eight very different projects—from provincial landmarks to exciting new places for learning, living and playing—show how architecture helps create creates a sense of place, while also celebrating the culture and community of where they are built,” says OAA president Kathleen Kurtin. “It was great to speak with the MPPs about some of their favourite buildings and share some of the stories behind those projects.”