Ontario Wood Works! recognizes outstanding wood construction projects
By STAFF REPORT
Construction InfrastructureA select group of Ontario’s leading architects, engineers and project teams recently received Wood Design Awards at the 13th annual Wood WORKS! celebration.
The awards program recognizes people and organizations that are advancing the use of wood in all types of construction across Ontario through design excellence, advocacy, and innovation.
Ontario Wood WORKS! handed out a dozen awards this year after receiving 102 nominations—the most it has ever had in one year.
Winning projects this year include Algonquin College’s new Perth Campus, a four-storey, 107,000-sq.-ft. retirement home, and a community centre in Richmond Hill whose wood design has contributed to the success of the facility and significant growth in recreation and leisure in the area.
“Wood design in Ontario is experiencing a renaissance,” said Marianne Berube, executive director of the Ontario Wood WORKS! “People understand and appreciate wood’s environmental benefits and, in many applications, designers and developers are also reporting significant time and cost savings.
“Around the world we’re seeing that it is a viable option for all types of construction including mid-rise buildings, sustainable urban densification, and even tall wood buildings.”