City recognizes Ottawa’s best in urban design

Eight projects were recognized as Ottawa’s best in urban design at an awards gala on Thursday, November 6 at Jean Pigott Place. Presented every two years, the 2025 the Ottawa Urban Design Awards recognized exceptional projects completed between 2023 and 2025.

Urban Infill: Forest Explorers Learning Centre - Award of Excellence

Awards were presented from five categories:

• Urban Infill, (low-rise and mid to high-rise), for a building or group of buildings, of high architectural standard, that achieves quality urban spaces and enhances the urban fabric of the neighbourhood
• Public Places and Civic Spaces, for spaces that feature sustainability while enhancing the accessible public realm
• Urban Elements, for design elements that contribute to the unique character of the neighbourhood at a human scale
• Visions and Master Plans, a forward-looking category for inspiring ideas and guiding plans for the future
• Student Projects, for theoretical or studio projects submitted by university students

A full list of winners can be found on ottawa.ca.

Urban Infill: Zibi Block 207 – Award of Merit Public Places and City Spaces: Kìwekì Point – Award of Excellence Public Places and City Spaces: Westboro Beach - Award of Merit Public Places and City Spaces: Cathedral Hill Retirement Residence - Award of Merit Urban Element: StacktX – Award of Excellence Urban Element: Still in Motion – Award of Merit Student projects: La Clairière: Award of Merit