Congratulations to all of the Clean, Green & Beautiful Award winners! Thank you for building in cleaner and greener ways, and helping make our City more beautiful.

Learn more about these awards presented through the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

2022 Clean, Green & Beautiful Award

Sponsored by: City of Thunder Bay

Winner: EcoSuperior Environmental Programs


2021 Clean, Green & Beautiful Award

Sponsored by: City of Thunder Bay

Winner: Lakehead District School Board


2020 Clean, Green & Beautiful Award

Presented to: Take a Hike + Take 2 Boutique

 

2019 Clean, Green & Beautiful Award

Presented to: St. Joseph’s Care Group

Learn more about St. Joesph's Care Group's Clean Green & Beautiful Award 

 Lillie Street is a quiet residential street where you will find the St. Joseph’s Care Group community: Sister Margaret Smith Centre, Sister Leila Greco Apartments and Hogarth Riverview Manor. Even in the earliest stages they ensured that everyone involved recognized the importance of designing and constructing buildings that harmonized with the very fabric of the community. It was important that the buildings were sustainable and minimized impact to the environment now, and for future generations. 


Some highlights include heat recovery units to recirculate warm air, swales to control and collect runoff from the roof and drains, high efficiency filters for cleaner air, recirculation pumps to maintain hot water temperatures, and heating and cooling controls to maintain temperatures within areas. 

Improvements to the gardens at Hogarth Riverview Manor allow residents to participate in a vibrant horticultural therapy program led by volunteer master gardeners, which occurs throughout the year. Public and client spaces in all buildings feature a broad selection of local artwork. The Sister Margaret Smith Centre interior courtyards are home to healing gardens and meeting spaces that give clients the freedom to be outdoors and maintain their confidentiality. The improvements completed in this community have truly enriched the lives of those who live here.

 

Photo Gallery: SJCG will appear here on the public site.

2019 Award runner up

Honourable mention to Eco Depot Waste Diversion Inc. runner up for the 2019 Clean, Green and Beautiful Award.

2017 & 2018

*No awards were presented in 2017 and 2018; however, we are pleased to once again offer this Award in 2019 and into the future through our partnership with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce at the Business Excellence Awards.

2016 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

Watch the 2016 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards Video

Gold Award - Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse

Opened in 2014, the modern 255,000-square-foot Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse brought the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice together under one roof. The Infrastructure Ontario project was undertaken by the Plenary Justice Thunder Bay consortium, which included Bird Design-Build Construction, Adamson Associates Architects and Johnson Controls.

The facility is a six-storey building, with one level of parking below grade and an enclosed mechanical penthouse on the seventh level. It accommodates an estimated 250 personnel in 15 courtrooms and 4 conference/settlement rooms.

The courthouse was designed to achieve LEED® Silver certification. The green-design elements include a glazed atrium that brings natural light deep into the building, as well as a focus on energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a healthy indoor environment and green housekeeping practices.

Highlights

  • Ontario's first Aboriginal Conference Settlement Suite, designed to give First Nations, Inuit and Métis people a stronger voice in the justice process
  • Barrier-free access to courtrooms, infrared hearing assistance, and barrier-free witness stands and jury boxes
  • Ample natural lighting throughout from glass envelope
  • All low-flow and censored plumbing fixtures throughout building
  • 75 new trees planted around site in the low-maintenance designed gardens that feature local species
  • Unique cultural designs in the rounded concrete wrap of the exterior, and local art installations

Bronze Award - Generator Insights, Strategy, Creative

The firm, Generator Insights, Strategy, Creative, put a great deal of thought into planning its new space, incorporating ergonomic solutions and accessibility. The company moved to a space that is 1,000-square-feet smaller than its previous office, but is more efficient in its design. Large windows, glass walls, energy-efficient lighting and a small urban forest surrounding the building make Generator's office more interactive with open and inviting spaces both inside and out.

Companies used in the re-design and construction were Open Mind Interiors, BlueFin Management and Martti Granholm Construction.

Highlights

  • Front entrance foliage and new exterior signage incorporated into the landscaping
  • Naturally lit boardroom and office space, maximizing daylight
  • New bike racks installed
  • Environmentally-friendly modular office partitions and furniture

Bronze Award - Northern Credit Union

Built in the mid-1950s, the Northern Credit Union Building was most recently transformed from an office supply store to a bank. The original masonry chimney was conserved and repaired. Repainting of exterior materials significantly reduced the use of new materials. All products used for the interior, including carpet, linoleum, tiling and cabinetry, were environmentally friendly. Building owner Tom Jones Construction was the contractor and FORM Architecture Engineering completed the design.

Highlights

  • New yard, landscaping features and trees replaces original asphalt surfaced front yard
  • Large window expanse allowing for increased energy efficiency
  • LED lighting
  • PVC-free carpeting with 11% pre-consumer recycled content
  • Formaldehyde-free wood cabinetry and millwork throughout the interior renovation

Public Spaces Award - The Centennial Botanical Conservatory Pollinator Gardens

The Centennial Botanical Conservatory Pollinator Gardens support the strategic recommendations of the Thunder Bay + Area Food Strategy by increasing the physical presence of urban agriculture through visible demonstration sites and engaging citizens in urban agriculture activities.

The project includes the installation of four Pollinator Gardens with interpretive signage across the City including Hillcrest Park, Vickers Park, the International Friendship Gardens and the Centennial Botanical Conservatory. The project also includes Honey Bee colonies at the Conservatory.

Bees are an essential part of our ecosystem and critical in pollinating fruits and vegetables. One third of the food we eat would be unavailable without bees. As honeybees face increasing threats from parasites, disease and pesticide use, safe bee-friendly spaces become ever more important for their survival.

Since the summer of 2014, visitors have been able to view functioning beehives set up on the west side of the Conservatory grounds. These hives contain young colonies just getting started and were placed by beekeepers Rudy and Lois Kuchta, members of the Thunder Bay Beekeepers Association.

2015 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

Watch the 2015 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards Video

Bronze Award - 410 Victoria Avenue, Roy Apartments

This 21-unit Roy Apartments building is of significant heritage interest with preserved architectural features, natural daylighting and modern updates. The building's façade was repaired and restored. The large window openings were kept and, rather than reducing window size, large energy-efficient windows were installed in order to maximize natural daylight and views for residents. During new roof construction, large skylights were repaired, rather than closed off, to maintain additional daylight.

The display of historical images (of the building, its occupants, location, and previous uses/owner) serves as an education tool to promote the heritage value of the property. The downtown location enables convenient public transportation and amenities within walking distance. Indoor bicycle parking and storage are also provided.

During reconstruction, about 60% of existing building materials were preserved and/or reused. Though the Ontario Building Code did not require new insulation, new roof and wall insulation were added to improve thermal comfort and save energy, and new energy-efficient fixtures were installed.

Habib Architects Inc. designed and completed the project with contributions from D and D Maintenance, Thermal Mechanical Systems and Prezio Electric.

Public Spaces Award - Fort William First Nation's Mount McKay Pow Wow Grounds

The Mount McKay Pow Wow Grounds hold a significant history for the Fort William First Nation, dating back to the early 1930s as a gathering space to celebrate and share culture and heritage. The innovative wooden circular structured design mirrors the traditional medicine wheel with four entry points at each of the cardinal points and semi-circular bleachers with a seating capacity for 560 people. The raised centre arbour is a focal point with a sacred fire pit and poured concrete foundation to accommodate a drum circle. The design includes a partially covered Elders area, dedicated accessible seating areas, a patterned cement walkway stamped with designs by a local artist around the perimeter, and open views to the grounds outside and the natural mountain backdrop.

The circular wooden structure is a new and defined space developed specifically around Pow Wow activities and includes space for drumming and dancing. The entire arena structure was designed with wood. The dimensional lumber used was Forest Steward Council (FSC) cut. The pressure-treated wood was treated with a MicroPro preservative system, which is the first treated wood process to be certified under Scientific Certifications Systems Environmental preferred products (EPP). The project also considered Storm Water Management and the grounds were raised to avoid water accumulation problems and drainage off the site.

Oshki-Aki LP engineering firm (a partnership between Fort William First Nation and True Grit Consulting Ltd.) headed up this project. FORM Architecture Engineering was selected as the Architects. Also contributing to the project was AG Engineering as the Electrical Engineer, and RML Contracting.

Gold Standard Achievement - Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Station 7

Habib Architects Inc. was recognized for designing Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Station 7 to the Gold Clean, Green & Beautiful standard. The facility features integrated design process incorporated sustainable features, programming requirements and alignment with the City's Urban Design Guidelines, Energy Management Plan and Storm Water Management Strategy in an architecturally appealing facility.

Highlights

  • Expanses of natural lighting in the vehicle storage area
  • Building materials with a recycled component
  • Increased levels of insulation
  • Recycling of construction waste
  • Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, sealants and adhesives
  • Energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems all tied to a web-based building automation system
  • Projected to use 45% less energy than a similar base building

2014 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

Watch the 2014 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards Video

Gold Award - True Grit Consulting Ltd.

The True Grit offices in Innova Park incorporated wood and natural, sustainable materials throughout the design. The interior environment provides a creative and collaborative workspace with open workstations and glazed office partitions allowing an abundance of natural daylighting. The space was designed with demountable partitions to accommodate flexibility and adaptability for the addition of future staff. The slab-on-grade heating provides radiant in-floor heating to maximize thermal comfort, and the building envelope is designed to exceed the new energy codes.

The True Grit offices were completed in 2012, designed by FORM Architecture Engineering, with contributions from other local engineering firms, and built by Tom Jones Corporation.

Highlights

  • 10,000-square-foot facility with ability to add another floor
  • Artistic sculptured wave drywall welcomes users to the main reception area
  • High-thermal performance of building envelope
  • Bike amenities at entrances
  • Light sensors for illumination and extensive glazing bring natural light wells to bring light into central spaces
  • Low-chemical finishes to combat environmental sensitivities
  • Green guard and high recycled content building materials
  • Landscaped grounds and staff patio area
  • Storm water management plan

Bronze Award - Waverley Park Towers Envelope Upgrade

Constructed in 1970, Waverley Park Towers condominiums required extensive envelope upgrades due to water infiltration and lack of insulation. FORM Architecture Engineering provided the exterior design and material selection for the new building exterior, windows and balcony railings. Williams Engineering of Calgary completed the building envelope design.

The new exterior has increased the property value, and has significantly reduced heating and cooling costs. The building's energy efficiency has increased by 25%.

Public Spaces Award - Hydro One Current River Greenway Lookout

The Current River Greenway Lookout project, which began in 1999, was a Hydro One investment to recognize the area's designation in 2000 as a Forestry Capital of Canada for the new Millennium. The lookout further complements the urban forest and creates a more ecologically sound and aesthetically pleasing greenway for the community.

Highlights

  • Trail improvements to link Birch Point to the Bluffs and Centennial Park
  • Thunder Bay Field Naturalists Blue Bird Recovery Program habitat enhancements
  • Scenic observation deck and access ramps
  • Post and rail fencing
  • Landscaping restoration
  • Slope protection
  • Interpretative signage on Hydro One's Integrated Forestry Management program to educate visitors about maintaining green space

Gold Level Status - Mountain View/St. Patrick's Cemetery Administration Building

The Mountain View/St. Patrick's Cemetery Administration Building design respects the presence of existing plots while enhancing the services and connection with the cemetery lands, historical plots and the war memorial. Materials were chosen for their tie to local natural materials and elements as well as their durability. The exterior stone veneer and zinc colour metal finishes pick up on the distant mountain's texture and colours. Coloured panes of glass to the east mimic a stained glass window, alluding to the presence of the St. Patrick's cemetery plots.

The environmentally friendly and innovative design of this new Mountain View Cemetery office is designed to achieve the Gold Level of the City of Thunder Bay's Clean, Green Beautiful policy. Completed in 2013, FORM Architecture Engineering designed the building, with contributions from other local engineering and landscaping firms, and RML Contracting Ltd. built the facility.

Highlights

  • Natural daylight in every occupied room to minimize artificial lighting
  • Windows along public access routes have obscure glass to maintain staff and client privacy
  • Sensored light fixtures
  • High thermal performance building envelope
  • Recycled content of construction materials, where possible
  • Extensive landscaped green space around building
  • Landscaped reflection garden for visitors
  • Storm water management plan

2012 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

Diamond Award - District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board

The amalgamated District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) offices incorporated wood and natural, sustainable materials throughout the design - even in the building's structure - and capitalized on natural light and solar energy.

The DSSAB offices opened in 2012, and were designed by FORM Architecture Engineering, with contributions from other local engineering firms, and built by Finnway General Contractors.

Highlights

  • 54,800-square-foot, three-storey wood-frame facility
  • Public art installation, River Song by Artist Joseph Fredric, welcomes users to the main reception area
  • Candidate for LEED Gold certification due to energy and environmental design
  • High thermal performance of building envelope
  • Bike amenities at both entrances
  • Light sensors for illumination and natural light wells to bring light into central spaces
  • Low volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes to combat environmental sensitivities
  • Photovoltaic panels, or solar cell, use alternative energy

Gold Award - Regional Education Alliance for Community Health (REACH) Building, Confederation College

The Regional Education Alliance for Community Health (REACH) facility at Confederation College used innovative fire suppression techniques to allow for three-storey height, non-combustible, timber tree structures as the structural centerpiece in the atrium. The building maximizes natural light to use less electricity and features sustainable flooring products. The Atrium features an Aboriginal art display depicting the Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers that includes local photography. FORM Architecture Engineering designed REACH with contributions from other local and provincial engineering firms.

Highlights

  • Silver LEED candidate
  • Light sensors for illumination
  • High thermal performance building envelope
  • Recycled content on construction materials, where possible
  • Recycling facilities available throughout
  • Landscaped green space around building addition

Bronze Award - International Taiji Park

A volunteer initiative by the Peng You Taiji Quan Association, the International Taiji Park at Prince Arthur's Landing began as a dream for a space to practise Tai Chi in a superior location. The concept incorporated a strategically erected Moon Gate to provide a beautiful view of the Sleeping Giant and an entrance to a peaceful, serene destination for the community to practise the healthy activity and connect with natural surroundings. Walter Kuch of FORM Architecture Engineering designed the park and NST Contracting Ltd. built it.

Highlights

  • Care and maintenance of public spaces
  • Preservation of views, highlighting the Sleeping Giant
  • Creation of civic space
  • Landscaping continuous parks and open spaces

Diamond Level Status - City Projects

Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park, designed by Brook McIlroy, and brought to life by 23 contributing firms and contractors, created a network of natural and built environments that balance environmental, social and economic prosperity. The two key buildings incorporate a range of sustainable design measures, which are LEED Gold Status candidates. A variety of public art installations exist throughout the park.

Highlights

  • Buildings are LEED Gold status candidates
  • Photovoltaic, or solar cell, energy production
  • Passive heating/cooling
  • Green roofing
  • High-energy performance envelopes
  • Local materials and recycled content
  • Creation of ecologically rich wetland, fish habitat and naturalized shoreline
  • Cycling and pedestrian amenities
  • Public art to link the experience of place to cultural history
  • Creation of a medicine garden
  • Preservation of views

Superior North EMS's Headquarters on Junot Avenue - designed by Habib Architects with contributions from Enermodal Engineering, AG Engineering and Cuthbertson - also achieved Diamond Level Status. The facility was built to the LEED Gold certification and emphasizes energy efficiency, daylighting, green building materials, barrier-free design, site landscaping and preservation.

Highlights

  • Steel solar walls and solar roof
  • Use of recycled material, where possible
  • Energy-efficient electrical and mechanical equipment
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption by 46%
  • During construction, over 75% of waste diverted from landfill
  • Creation of cycling amenities
  • Preservation of natural surroundings and new landscaping
  • Installation of "Pulse" sculpture selection through public art competition

2011 Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

Diamond Award - Mary J.L. Black Branch Library

New and restored public art, as well as a focus on energy and environmental design, elevated the Mary J.L. Black Branch Library to the Diamond level. The Thunder Bay Public Library facility was designed by Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd., managed by SNC Lavalin and built by Aurora Construction.

Highlights

  • Artist Karen Kazmer's Cascade lighting feature hangs above the fireplace to inspire creativity
  • Ruby Owen's restored Thunderbird mosaic added to the library's entrance
  • Candidate for LEED Gold certification due to energy and environmental design
  • Low-flow water features
  • Bike racks and designated carpool spaces in the parking lot
  • Lights automatically dim when there is enough natural light to see
  • Occupancy sensors only turn on lights in offices and meeting rooms when someone is there
  • Biological diversity protected during the build
  • 337 tonnes of asphalt recycled during construction

Gold Award - Isabella Retirement Living

A sense of history was maintained in the design and construction of this facility. Designed by FORM Architecture and built by Gateway Contractors, Isabella Retirement Living is located where the Isabella Street School used to be. The facility was designed to fit into the neighbourhood by matching the look of surrounding homes and buildings. Cuthbertson Engineering, AG Engineering and Werner Schwar Landscape Architect also made significant contributions to the project.

Highlights

  • Isabella Street School's 103-year-old foundation stones were incorporated into the Isabella Retirement Living gardens
  • Red brick similar to Isabella Street School's
  • Entrance canopy is a replica of the school's entrance
  • Several street trees, plants and shrubs added to the landscape design
  • Outdoor patios contain flowers, and new trees were planted on the boulevards
  • Parking lot plugs conserve energy by only turning on every 20 minutes when the temperature is below -20 C
  • Employees remove recycling from seniors' suites during weekly housekeeping visits

Gold Award - McIntyre Building, Confederation College

A Living Wall is just one of the many Clean, Green & Beautiful features incorporated into the McIntyre Building addition and renovation at Confederation College. Plants grow within the wall to improve air quality and reduce the greenhouse gas effect. Air is drawn into the plants where it is cleaned, humidified and returned to the environment through the building's ventilation system. The addition was designed by FORM Architecture and built by Gateway Contractors. Cuthbertson Engineering, AG Engineering and Werner Schwar Landscape Architect also made significant contributions to the project.

Highlights

A beautiful, new Student Lounge with outdoor bench

Energy-efficient lighting

Improved streetscape with transit and cycling amenities

Accessible design throughout the building

Improved building signage for better way-finding

Exterior space landscaped to create unity with other buildings

Upgraded ventilation and control systems

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