WHAT'S NEW FOR THE 2026 - 43rd HOUSING DESIGN AWARDS

We are excited to introduce several updates for 2026 designed to enhance the submission experience and continue elevating the prestige of the program.

UPDATED PRICING STRUCTURE:

Submission Fees - This year submission fees have been streamlined, with each entry priced at $175, inclusive of all design-related fees. Co-submitter fees are also set at $175 per co-submitter. All submission payments must be completed at the time of entry to successfully submit your project(s).

Finalist Fees - This year all finalist fees will be $175 for both the primary submitter and each co-submitter. Once notified as a finalist, primary submitters will be required to log back into their account to complete all finalist fee payments. All finalist fees must be paid in full prior to October 1, 2026 in order to be eligible for award recognition.

Please note that the primary submitter is responsible for all co-submitter fees, including coordinating and collecting payment directly. This change allows GOHBA staff to focus on delivering a seamless and successful awards program.

ENHANCED SUBMISSION EXPERIENCE:

The Green Form has been fully integrated into the submission process and is no longer required as a separate upload. It is now embedded within the category questions using multiple-choice responses, making the process more efficient and user-friendly based on feedback from past participants and judges.

NEW CATEGORY ADDED:

We are proud to introduce a Landscaping Category for 2026, reflecting the continued growth and importance of the landscaping sector within our membership.

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD:

The People's Choice Award will once again feature finalists from the Special Achievement Awards. All projects selected as finalists within these SAA categories will automatically be entered for public voting.

UPDATED VOTING EXPERIENCE

While GOHBA will not have a presence at the Fall Home Show this year, voting will still be available in person at the All Things Home booth, proudly returning as the sponsor of the People's Choice Award. For 2026, we have moved all voting to an online format, with access also available at the All Things Home booth for added convenience and engagement.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Projects eligible for the 2026 awards must have been completed between April 1, 2023 and July 1, 2026. All categories require projects to be located within 150 km of Parliament Hill on the Ontario side. Any projects outside of this radius, including Gatineau and all Quebec projects, must be entered into the “Anywhere in the World” category.

SAVE THE DATE:

Awards will be presented in person at the 43rd Housing Design Awards Gala on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Rogers Centre Ottawa, where winners will be announced in a truly unforgettable evening of celebration.