City of Vaughan hosts 2022 Urban Design Awards at city hall

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 30, 2023
Brian Capitao

The City of Vaughan held the 2022 Vaughan Urban Design Awards to recognize development initiatives that showcased excellence in urban design, landscape architecture, public art and environmental stewardship within the community.

The event took place on Jan. 25 at city hall, after the public was asked to submit projects for consideration between May and September. A jury of design industry professionals judged qualified entries on the following criteria: significance, city scale, community scale, urban elements, sustainability design, accessibility, compatibility, innovation and creativity, and execution.

“There is a spirit to our city that is unique and undeniable, and through initiatives like the City of Vaughan’s Urban Design Awards, we can recognize remarkable physical structures, well-planned public spaces and how thoughtful urban design can provide a meaningful experience,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca.

During the special ceremony, six awards were presented within two different categories. The Award of Excellence was given to the PwC -- YMCA Tower. The Award of Merit went to: Assembly Park; Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; Maple Library Reading Garden; PwC -- YMCA Tower, SmartVMC Bus Terminal, Transit City and PXL Gallery -- Block (joint award); and the Sisti Centre.

Every five years, the City of Vaughan invites urban designers, architects, landscape architects, planners, engineers, developers, contractors, landowners, and the general public to submit entries for the Vaughan Urban Design Awards. Since its inception in 2008, more than 36 projects have been awarded.