Last night, architects, artists, storytellers, and more gathered to celebrate the 47th annual Heritage Toronto Awards, hosted in The Carlu, an appropriately historic event venue in Downtown Toronto. This year’s awards jovially marked the return of the event in an in-person capacity after two years of virtual awards, and once again provided the important opportunity to honour the work of individuals and organizations working hard to reflect on and advance the heritage of this city.  

The Heritage Toronto jury had the difficult task of selecting winners from a list of 44 nominations across three categories: the Book Award, the Public History Award, and the Built Heritage awards, which recognize a winner from each of the three subcategories: Crafts and Trades, Adaptive Reuse, and Heritage Planning and Architecture. After highlighting the nominees for the built heritage awards on UrbanToronto at the end of August, we are excited to share this year's winners. 

Crafts and Trades

The winner of the Crafts and Trades Award was Massey Hall. The project, led by GBCA Architects and KPMB Architects, sought the revitalization of the iconic music venue through different methods of restoration and modernization, while seamlessly incorporating a significant new build extension. The defining heritage elements, as detailed by a thorough heritage strategy, were restored to their original forms, the acoustics of the space were recalibrated, and updated sound technology was installed.

Looking southwest across Victoria Street to the restored and expanded Massey Hall, image by Scott Norsworthy

Adaptive Reuse

The winner of the Adaptive Reuse Award was the Waterworks Building. One of the premier examples of Art Deco architecture in the City of Toronto, the 1933-built Waterworks Building was the subject of a redevelopment designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects for MOD Developments and Woodcliffe Properties. A residential mid-rise was constructed above the heritage building, while the existing structure was reimagined in clever ways, like the conversion of the original mechanical shop to a food hall. 

View of the redeveloped Waterworks Building from Richmond Street facing south, image by Steven Evans

Heritage Planning and Architecture

The winner of the Heritage Planning and Architecture Award was the Oculus Pavilion. Since its construction in 1959, the once proud structure that was a physical representation of the design ideals of the Space Age had fallen into a state of disrepair. With the direction of Giaimo Architects, the concrete pavilion was given a second life, and restored to its original stature, once again becoming an inviting space for community performances or art shows, with new concrete benches adding extra seating to the surrounding area. 

The restored Oculus Pavilion in South Humber Park, image courtesy of ACO Toronto, Giaimo, Double Space Photography

Heritage Toronto also handed out awards for Books, Public History, and a People's Choice Award. You can read more about all of the awards here.

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UrbanToronto has a research service, UrbanToronto Pro, that provides comprehensive data on construction projects in the Greater Toronto Area—from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.