The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) is hosting an anonymous Landscape Design Competition aimed at revitalizing the grounds of its Toronto headquarters as an extension of its Renew + Refresh initiative. In addition to showcasing design excellence, teams—led by OAA or Ontario Association of Landscape Architects (OALA) members—are asked to submit designs that create a welcoming and inclusive arrival experience, incorporate public art, promote sustainability and water use in the health of the environment, and embrace the Don River watershed context. Given the substantial societal impact of the built environment, the Association celebrates sensitive, responsible, and innovative design that supports resiliency and inclusivity. Ultimately, this competition is an opportunity to think about how we can take steps to heal our relationship with the land and its original caretakers.
The winning team will secure the contract for the redesign, emphasizing the significance of architecture and the allied arts in societal well-being.
Juries play a vital role in the design competition process. They bring a diverse range of experience and expertise to the critical task of rigorously evaluating the submissions provided by each participating design team and ultimately determining which are the most deserving of recognition and the award of the contract to implement the design work. The highly qualified jury selected for this competition includes three landscape architects, one architect (and past President of the OAA), and a lieutenant governor appointee to the OAA Governing Council.
Jury Member, Michelle Longlade, Lieutenant Governor-appointed member of the OAA’s governing Council
Michelle Longlade has served as a Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) appointee to the OAA since 2018. A retired educator and proud Metis, she traces her roots back to the Drummond Islanders who established themselves in Penetang.
In 2015, Michelle retired from her position as Director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation at the Ontario College of Teachers after more than 30 years of educational leadership experience in Ontario and other Canadian jurisdictions. Prior to her tenure at the Ontario College of Teachers, Michelle contributed significantly to bilingual education as a course director for the Ministry of Education and as the Bilingual Executive Director at the Qualifications Evaluation Council of Ontario. Previously, she worked as a consultant for French as a Second Language programs and has held roles both as a vice-principal and principal. Michelle also held the position of course director in primary-junior teacher education with York University’s Faculty of Education.
Michelle continues to be an active member of OAA Council as a public representative.
The chosen jury is scheduled to convene in early June to review all submissions. Following their evaluation, they will award a preferred candidate with the contract to carry out the project. Additionally, two submissions will be recognized with honourable mentions.
Final submissions for the Landscape Design Competition, which are due by May 16, will be showcased anonymously at the OAA Headquarters during Doors Open Toronto 2024 on May 25 and 26, and continuing to June 21. Guided tours of the building interior will be offered daily during the Doors Open event, offering visitors a unique glimpse into net-zero design solutions.