The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has officially named the Beaverton Heights transitional housing project as one of the ten winners of the Design Excellence Award for 2026. Designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects for the Region of Durham, the project was selected from nearly 100 submissions across the province. The jury of experts praised the development not only for its innovative modular construction but also for setting a “transformative precedent” in how municipalities can respond to the homelessness crisis with dignity and environmental responsibility.
Innovation Through Modular Design
Located in the small community of Beaverton, the project was designed to house 47 of the Durham Region’s most vulnerable citizens. The architects utilized a modular build approach that allowed for rapid and economical delivery without sacrificing quality.
Key features that contributed to the Design Excellence Award include:
-
Contextual Integration: The design incorporates pitched roofs and a warm wood palette, allowing the structure to blend seamlessly with its rural residential environment.
-
Sustainability: The building features a high-performance envelope, fully electrified systems, and rooftop solar panels, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
-
Supportive Infrastructure: Beyond housing, the site serves as a community hub where residents receive 24-hour medical care from nurses, counsellors, and personal support workers.
From Legal Battle to Provincial Honor
The road to this Design Excellence Award was far from smooth. In 2022, the project was at the center of a fierce jurisdictional battle between the Region of Durham and the Township of Brock. Following petitions from local residents, Brock passed a by-law to block all modular construction, leading to an indefinite delay. The Region eventually sued its own lower-tier municipality, arguing the by-law constituted “people-zoning.”
An agreement was eventually reached that allowed the project to proceed with several concessions, including enhanced local policing and 24-hour on-site security. Today, the project stands as a testament to the idea that high-quality architecture can bridge the gap between municipal needs and community concerns.
A Legacy of Architectural Quality
This is not the first time the Beaverton project has been recognized; it previously earned a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence during its design stage. Association President Lara McKendrick noted that this year’s winners—who will be honored at a conference in Cambridge on May 14—showcase the “clear impact our built spaces can have on our communities.”
For the Durham Region, the success of Beaverton Heights provides a blueprint for future supportive housing projects in Oshawa, Whitby, and Pickering. By prioritizing sustainability and dignified care, the project proves that addressing homelessness does not require a compromise on design quality or neighborhood character.
