Join us to celebrate bold, award-winning student vision that reimagine the Ottawa River Waterway as a vibrant public gathering space.  

Through this year’s Waterway Design Challenge, student designers, artists and visionaries explored the relationship between water, culture and place. The initiative invited imaginative, water-based installations that engage the public and honour the Ottawa River’s cultural significance, whether by highlighting history, fostering social connection or promoting sustainability. 

A record‑breaking 41 teams from schools across Canada submitted proposals this year. After careful deliberation, the jury is pleased to present the winning design.  This project is conceptually daring, thoughtfully developed, contextually responsive and well positioned to meet the challenges of the moment. 

What is the Design Challenge?

The Design Challenge is an annual ideas competition for students from across Canada. Participants were invited to develop innovative planning and design ideas for a selected area in the National Capital Region. 

Date and location

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 

5:30 pm to 7 pm 

Doors will open at 5 pm for an informal reception with light refreshments.

The Urbanism Lab award ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm.

Royal Canadian Geographical Society 

50 Sussex Drive, Ottawa Ontario, K1M 2K1

How to get there

Urbanism Lab attendees are encouraged to use public transportation (OC Transpo Route 9) or may use street parking. 

Parking is limited at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. If you park on nearby streets, please check posted signs for restrictions. 

Meet the jury

A jury of interdisciplinary planning, urbanism, landscape architecture, design and site management professionals reviewed the submissions and selected the winners.

  • Julien Chartier
  • Allison Eagen
  • Stephanie Fortin
  • Mathieu Grondin
  • Nathalie Roy-Patenaude
  • Brooke Zacharuk
  • Kelly McRae
  • Andrew Sacret

Learn more about members of the jury.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible, and simultaneous interpretation in both official languages will be offered. We strive to host inclusive and accessible events. If you need accommodation, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Good to know

Sessions are free and bilingual with simultaneous interpretation. 

Register today

Space is limited, so register today! 

Stay informed

If you are interested in receiving information about future Urbanism Lab events, please sign up for the newsletter. 

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