Located in 14 communities across Ontario, the Local Architectural Societies are the regional chapters of the OAA, providing opportunities for dialogue between the OAA, local members of the architecture profession, and the public.

Twice a year, the OAA’s Communications and Public Education Committee (CPEC) awards financial support to the Societies for special initiatives that advance their efforts in engaging both OAA members and the public. This past April, the following projects were awarded Society Project Funding:

• Algoma Society, North Bay Society (NBSA), and the Northern Ontario Society of Architects (NOSA) were awarded funds to support Collab-North Sponsorships to help up to 15 Anglophone, Francophone, and Indigenous high school students (aged 15 to 17) from Northern Ontario participate in the 2026 Archi·North Summer Camp at the McEwen School of Architecture in Sudbury, offering them introductory skills in architecture;

• The Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA) will host Design for JOY led by Waterloo-based Paul Kalbfleisch. Bringing together architects, planners, and community leaders, these collaborative workshops focus on public play, cultural storytelling, and people-centred design to develop tools for shaping inclusive, engaging public spaces;

• The Hamilton Burlington Society of Architects (HBSA) will host a Continuing Education session with architect Dory Azar focused on how members of the profession can leverage social media platforms to showcase their work, engage with clients and peers, and enhance their professional presence;

• The London Society of Architects will present Nuit Blanche London 2026, transforming the pedestrian realm of the historic downtown core with installations and activations for all ages reflecting art, architecture, imagination, and culture;

• The Niagara Society of Architects will host a digital awards event to celebrate and promote local architecture;

• The Northwestern Ontario Society of Architects will be hosting a photography competition focused on architecture and design that incorporates a scavenger hunt element, encouraging participants to find select locations in the community and capture them on camera;

• The Trent Society of Architects in collaboration with the Urban Indigenous Working Group will explore the design of an Indigenous Gathering Arbour. Through a series of design charrettes, Indigenous knowledge holders, architects, designers, students, and community members will explore Indigenous design principles, relationships to land and water, and the cultural history of the territory.

• The Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) will direct funds to expand its popular Open Studio program as part of the annual Doors Open Toronto Festival. Open Studio provides the public a behind-the-scenes opportunity to access architecture studios all across the city and meet the people behind the buildings and spaces they regularly inhabit;

• The TSA will also host another Architecture Trivia Night, a popular and engaging interactive public event with questions themed around architecture;

• The Windsor Region Society of Architects (WRSA) will sponsor their local Jane’s Walk Festival celebrating the rich heritage, architecture, art and culture of the Windsor-Essex region through free, community-led walking tours and events; and

• WRSA will also partner with United Way Windsor-Essex for the On Track to Success program, a poverty reduction strategy that strives to alleviate barriers for children in low-income families through student sponsorships that foster improved access to post-secondary education opportunities.

Societies can also access funding for three consecutive years to support longer-term initiatives. This year, those funds were awarded to:

• The London Society of Architects (LSA) secured funding to support ongoing programming for Nuit Blanche London, transforming the pedestrian realm of the historic downtown core with installations and activations for all ages reflecting art, architecture, imagination, and culture;

• The North Bay Society of Architects (NBSA) secured funding to support their bursary program which allocates $1,500 for students pursuing a university degree in architecture and $1,000 for students pursuing a college diploma in an architectural field;

• The Ottawa Society of Architects (ORSA) will host Ottawa Architecture Week, an annual public festival of design and imagination: a week-long, publicly accessible program that invites residents, professionals, students, artists, and community partners to explore how architecture, urbanism, art, and design shape everyday life in Ottawa;

• The Windsor Region Society of Architects (WRSA) will continue their participation in the Windsor International Film Festival, raising awareness of the profession and relevant issues affecting our culture and communities by helping to select content focused on architecture; and

• WRSA will also direct funds to support their digital communications on online presence, allowing them to expand visibility of their activities in the community and increase engagement.

Learn more about how to join your Local Society.