For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, June 18, 2026 - The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and the Canada Council for the Arts are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture.
The biennial awards recognize and celebrate outstanding design in recently completed built projects of any size, type and geographical location by Canadian architects. The competition continues a tradition initiated by the Massey Medals in 1950, providing an important source of understanding of the nature of Canadian architecture and the regional, cultural, and historic forces expressed in the built environment. Outstanding design considers exemplary approaches to sustainability, and the support and advancement of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The 11 winning projects from across the country represent a variety of building types and sizes—from a residential home to a park to a fire station.
The following are the 2026 recipients:
900 Saint-Jacques, Montreal, Quebec – Chevalier Morales architectes and Brian Eldsen Burrows Architecte – Le Groupe Architex
Ace Hotel Toronto, Toronto, Ontario – Shim-Sutcliffe Architects & Atelier Ace
Arbour House, Victoria, British Columbia – Patkau Architects
Hilltop Cottage, New Brunswick – MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects
Kìwekì Point, Ottawa, Ontario – Patkau Architects
Muscowpetung Powwow Arbour, Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, Saskatchewan, Oxbow Architecture with Richard Kroeker
O-day’min Park Pavilion, Edmonton, Alberta – gh3*
Parkade of the Future, Calgary, Alberta – 5468796 Architecture & Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning
Ulster House, Toronto, Ontario – LGA Architectural Partners
Veil House, Winnipeg, Manitoba – 5468796 Architecture
Windermere Fire Station #31, Edmonton, Alberta – gh3*
“Architecture shapes the everyday experience of Canadians and leaves a lasting legacy for future generations,” said Jonathan Bisson, FIRAC, President of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. “The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture honour projects that demonstrate not only exceptional design excellence, but also a deep commitment to the public good. This year’s recipients remind us that the most enduring architecture is measured not only by its form, but by its contribution to people, communities, and culture. Their work reflects a remarkable diversity of places, voices, and aspirations, while advancing a common vision of a built environment that is more inclusive, resilient, and connected to its context. The RAIC proudly congratulates the recipients and celebrates their leadership in showing how architecture can elevate everyday life and inspire confidence in our collective future.”
“My sincere congratulations go out to all those involved in the 11 remarkable projects by Canadian architectural teams selected to receive the 2026 Governor General’s Medals in Architecture,” said Michelle Chawla, Director and CEO, Canada Council for the Arts. “These works demonstrate the power of architecture to strengthen communities, enrich public life and shape the spaces where we live, gather and connect. We celebrate the creativity and distinction of the architectural teams whose contributions continue to leave a lasting impact across Canada.”
To learn more about this year’s medallists, the jury who selected them, and read their comments, click here.
About the Medals
The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture is jointly organized by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and Canada Council for the Arts. The RAIC organizes and administers the competition and Canada Council for the Arts selects and administers the peer assessment committee.
About the RAIC
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization dedicated to representing architects and architecture since 1907. The RAIC is the only national voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada focused on providing Canada’s architectural community with the tools, resources, and education to elevate their practice. The RAIC is committed to showcasing how design enhances quality of life, while advocating for important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s purpose is to create a better world for all by empowering Canada’s architectural community. Through our work, the organization envisions a strong architectural community that is valued and empowered to create change. The RAIC’s national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
About the Canada Council for the Arts
The Canada Council for the Arts mandate is to foster and promote the study and enjoyment of, and the production of works in, the arts. Through its grants, services, prizes, initiatives, and payments, the Canada Council supports a dynamic and diverse arts and literary scene. These activities generate a meaningful cultural, social and economic impact for over 2,000 communities in all parts of the country and beyond. The investments and leadership of the Council help advance public engagement in the arts from coast to coast to coast while also contributing to the international recognition of artists and arts organizations from Canada.
For more information:
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
communications@raic.org
Canada Council for the Arts
Communications and Engagement
media@canadacouncil.ca
613 566-4414