These Mississauga Urban Design Awards winners helped shape city’s lakeshore area

As Mississauga gets ready to once again find the best in architecture and design that the city has to offer, officials are taking a look back at previous Urban Design Awards winners that helped shape Mississauga’s lakeshore communities.

Call for submissions for the 2023 Mississauga Urban Design Awards, which are themed “The Next Big Thing,” will open in November. More details will be revealed in the next few weeks.

After all entries are received, a jury of members from the design community and one Mississauga city councillor will select the winners next fall.

The Mississauga awards event began in 1981 and is the longest-running awards program of its kind in Ontario. 

Held every other year, the Urban Design Awards aim to inspire and celebrate design leaders who help raise the quality of life for residents by shaping Mississauga’s diverse cityscape, City of Mississauga officials say. 

“The awards are a great opportunity to recognize the designers, architects, developers and builders who have played a critical role in our efforts to build a world-class city. These private and public spaces beautify our city and provide much-needed greenspaces, public art and facilities for businesses and residents to enjoy,” Mayor Bonnie Crombie said last year as the 2021 Urban Design Awards were presented.

In selecting winners in various categories, the jury evaluates entries on a citywide and community scale, taking into account living green, innovation, context, execution and healthy development elements.

“Whether submissions win an award or not, each project goes to develop our community and helps to bring us to where Mississauga is today,” City officials say.

While they await 2023 entries, Mississauga officials are taking a look back on “a few unique winners that focused on community building in the Lakeshore area.”

The Log Cabin at Bradley Museum.

The Log Cabin at Bradley Museum was rebuilt in 2007, but the components of its structure date back far before that. The cabin, originally built in the mid-19th century, was moved to Port Credit in 1967 as the local Rover Crew’s Centennial Project.

It was used by the Rovers and the 4th Port Credit Scouts for many years, but then fell into disrepair. In 2002, the Friends of the Museums of Mississauga’s Log Cabin Task Force saved the building from demolition as they completed fundraising and planning which saw the cabin relocated to the Bradley Museum site.

The Log Cabin opened to the public at that location in December 2007 and in 2008 received an Award of Excellence in the Urban Design Awards.

Bradley Museum is located at 1620 Orr Rd.

The Straw Bale House in Mississauga. (Photos: City of Mississauga)

The Straw Bale House, located at 977 Meadow Wood Rd., is as unique as it is interesting, Mississauga officials say.

This structure received an Award of Merit in 2007.

“As you may have guessed from its name, straw was used in its construction. With concrete and wood foundation, the walls of the first floor are made from straw covered in stucco–the straw selected for its low toxicity and high insulating properties,” officials note. “The home embodies a sense of community, as it was designed for co-habitation with three suites and a common gathering area, and it was built with the help of community volunteers.”

In receiving the Award of Merit, the bale house was credited for its innovation, creativity and environmental stewardship.

Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park, meanwhile, won an Award of Excellence in 2013, largely for its visitor-friendly layout

“Nothing says community like public outdoor spaces, and the lake views are an added bonus,” officials said. “Lakeside Park offers Mississaugans a place to enjoy being outside year-round. With picnic areas, a playground, spray pad and an off-leash dog park, this park offers a great way to celebrate nature and connect with our neighbours.”

In choosing Lakeside Park as an award winner, jurors commended the park’s layout, noting the design both draws visitors to the centre of the park space while also taking advantage of beautiful vistas and lookout points.

“Kudos were also given to inherent safety features, and interactive elements connecting features within the park,” officials noted.

Lakeside Park is located at 2268 Lakeshore Rd. W.