Call for Submissions Opens for the 2027 National Urban Design Awards
OTTAWA, September 1, 2026 – The places that define Canada’s communities don’t happen by chance—they are shaped through visionary urban design. Today, Canada’s search for the nation’s most inspiring urban design projects begins. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) are pleased to launch the call for submissions for the 2027 National Urban Design Awards.
Presented every two years, the National Urban Design Awards are Canada’s premier recognition program for excellence in urban design. The awards celebrate the collaborative achievements of architects, planners, landscape architects, municipalities, clients, Indigenous communities, and multidisciplinary teams whose work is creating healthier, more resilient, inclusive, and vibrant places for Canadians.
As communities respond to housing needs, climate resilience, reconciliation, mobility, economic development, and the creation of exceptional public spaces, thoughtful urban design has never been more important. The National Urban Design Awards recognize projects that demonstrate how design excellence can transform neighbourhoods, strengthen communities, enhance quality of life, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
From waterfront revitalizations and complete communities to innovative civic spaces and Indigenous-led public realm projects, National Urban Design Award recipients have helped shape some of Canada’s most celebrated places. The 2027 awards will continue this legacy by recognizing projects that demonstrate the transformative power of urban design and inspire communities across the country.
A Unique National Program
The National Urban Design Awards are unique in Canada. Through a two-tiered program, participating municipalities first recognize outstanding projects within their communities before forwarding selected recipients for national consideration. This collaborative process celebrates local leadership while showcasing the very best examples of Canadian urban design on the national stage.
Why Submit?
Recognition through the National Urban Design Awards is more than receiving an award—it is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and inspire communities across Canada.
Successful projects receive national recognition from Canada’s leading organizations representing architecture, planning, and landscape architecture. Award recipients are promoted through national communications, digital media, publications, and industry networks, providing valuable exposure for project teams, municipalities, clients, and collaborators.
If your project has transformed a neighbourhood, created an exceptional public space, advanced sustainability, strengthened community connections, or demonstrated innovation in city-building, we encourage you to share your success.
President’s Messages
Johanna Hurme, FRAIC
President, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
“The quality of our cities is measured not only by how they look or perform, but by how they make people feel, connect, and belong. The National Urban Design Awards recognize the power of design to turn complex urban challenges into generous, inclusive, and enduring places. These projects demonstrate that thoughtful design is one of the most consequential investments we can make in Canada’s future.”
Lesley Cabott RPP, FCIP, ICD D
President, Canadian Institute of Planners
“Most Canadians are unaware of the significant influence urban design plays in shaping the character of our communities. The National Urban Design Awards provide an opportunity to bring the work of professional planners, architects, and landscape architects to the forefront and inform and inspire about the ways they work together to create livable, resilient places that truly reflect the people and cultures of those who live there.”
Michael Magnan, AALA, CSLA
President, Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
“The boundaries between architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and urban design are often drawn by professions, not by places. The National Urban Design Awards recognize projects that transcend those boundaries, demonstrating how integrated design thinking can create more enduring, resilient, and meaningful urban environments for Canadians.”
Together, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, the Canadian Institute of Planners, and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects invite municipalities and project teams from across Canada to submit their most inspiring urban design projects. By celebrating excellence today, we help shape stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for tomorrow.
Award Information
Projects are eligible in six award categories, with up to twelve National Urban Design Awards presented in 2027.
Submission Deadline: January 11, 2027, at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Applicants must submit their work through the RAIC’s online awards platform. Submission deadlines are firm, and late submissions cannot be accepted.
Complete Terms of Reference, eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, participating municipalities, and previous recipients are available here.
The RAIC, CIP, and CSLA are committed to an awards program that reflects the diversity of Canada’s communities and encourage submissions from eligible municipalities, organizations, firms, project teams, and individuals whose work demonstrates excellence in urban design.
About the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization dedicated to representing architects and architecture since 1907. The RAIC is the only national voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada focused on providing Canada’s architectural community with the tools, resources, and education to elevate their practice.
The RAIC is committed to showcasing how design enhances quality of life, while advocating for important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
About the Canadian Institute of Planners
The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) works on behalf of over 10,000 diverse planning professionals and has served as the voice of Canada’s planning community since 1919. Planners safeguard the health and well-being of urban and rural communities by addressing the use of land, resources, facilities, and services with consideration to physical, economic, and social efficiency.
About the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) is a non-profit, national members-based professional organization. It is dedicated to advancing the art, the science and the practice of landscape architecture. On behalf of over 3,200 landscape architects and landscape architecture students, the CSLA:
- promotes and increases awareness of the profession in Canada;
- advocates for issues which affect the profession, such as urban design and renewal, sustainable development, natural and cultural heritage, reconciliation, equity, restoration of healthy landscapes, health and climate change;
- elevates the profession of landscape architecture by celebrating the achievements of landscape architects;
- upholds the integrity of landscape architecture by providing professional development opportunities and professional tools and resources; and
- encourages the growth of the profession by accrediting landscape architecture programs and supporting research and education.
For Media Inquiries
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
communications@raic.org
Canadian Institute of Planners
communications@cip-icu.ca
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
awards@csla-aapc.ca