OAA President’s Dinner + Cowan Recreation Centre Tour

OAA President’s Dinner + Cowan Recreation Centre Tour

October 22, 2026 | Kitchener

Join us for the GVSA Annual President’s Dinner at the Cambridge Mill, an evening bringing together our architectural community for a project tour, presentation, dinner, and the annual address from the OAA President.

REGISTRATION CLOSES OCTOBER 16, 2026 AT 11:59PM

Cowan Recreation Centre Tour + Presentation

4:00 PM - Arrival

4:15 - 6:30 PM - Tour + Presentation

7:15 PM - Dinner, Drinks and OAA President's address

We’ll begin the evening with a tour of the Cowan Recreation Centre, followed by a presentation from the architects behind this landmark new community facility, Unity Design Studio.

Joining us from Unity Design Studio will be:

Michael Gallant - Principal

Bill Let - Principal

Andrew Dietrich - Senior Project Lead

The team will take us behind the design and delivery of one of the City of Kitchener’s most ambitious civic projects, including its approach to recreation, sustainability, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and net-zero carbon design.

Annual President’s Dinner + OAA President’s Address

Following the tour, we’ll head to our Annual President’s Dinner at the Cambridge Mill, where we will welcome OAA President Lara McKendrick, along with OAA delegates, for the President’s Address and an evening with our local architectural society.

Learn More About the Cowan Recreation Centre

The Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex is a model for future-ready civic infrastructure. At 189,600 square feet, it stands as the largest community project ever undertaken by the City of Kitchener and the first to pursue net-zero carbon certification under the Canada Green Building Council’s ZCB Standard v3 – Design.

Unity Design Studio is leading the architectural vision for this Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) initiative, working in close partnership with the City and project team from early concept through construction. Rooted in LEAN methodology, the process is designed to reduce waste, streamline collaboration, and deliver lasting value.

The complex will house a full aquatic centre, elevated FIFA-sized soccer pitch, indoor walking and running track, cricket batting cage, and athlete amenities, creating a vibrant, inclusive environment for multi-generational recreation. Designed with accessibility and flexibility at its core, the facility is expected to welcome over 380,000 visitors annually.

Sustainability features include geothermal heating and cooling, a rooftop solar array, and a high-performance building envelope, all aligned with the City’s ambitious climate action goals. By bringing together environmental responsibility and community wellness, the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex demonstrates what’s possible when civic infrastructure is designed for impact, resilience, and future generations.

Dinner at the Cambridge Mill:

Please plan to arrive at 7:15pm, the evening begins with cocktails in the falls room ahead of dinner service.

Parking

Complimentary on-site parking is available in Cambridge Mill’s private lot, with the entrance off Water Street North, near Parkhill Road. Please follow signage into the Mill from the lot.

At the bar

One Drink Ticket is provided per guest in the Falls Room:

• Rye, Rum, Vodka, Gin, Scotch & Bourbon

• Imported & Domestic Beer

• Red & White Wine

• Coffee, Tea, Fresh Juices & Soft Drinks

Dinner is a three course meal consisting of the following choices;

Freshly Baked Artisan Breads to Start - subject to seasonal change

Appetizer - Select One

• Caesar Salad, Smoked Bacon, Aged Parmesan, Herb & Garlic Crouton

• Seasonal Inspired Salad, Fresh Local Ingredients

• Seasonal Inspired Soup, Lemon & Herb Garlic Butter

Main - Select Three, for the table

• Pan Seared Chicken Breast, Lemon & Tarragon Vinaigrette

• Organic Canadian Salmon, Lemon & Herb Garlic Butter

• Seasonal Inspired Vegetarian Pasta

All entrées accompanied by roasted garlic & herb mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Dessert - Select One

• Chocolate Mousse, Seasonal Accompaniments

• Mascarpone Cheesecake, Seasonal Accompaniments

• Cream Puff, Seasonal Accompaniments

• Seasonal Sorbet, Fresh Fruit & White Chocolate Crumble

Coffee and a selection of Tealeaves tea to close the evening