As we look toward 2025, we want to take a few moments to reflect and honour the generosity that surrounds the holiday season. Many of our offices across the country were part of various fundraisers and donations, and A49 employees came together to help support our communities during a particularly stressful time of year.
On October 25th, Architecture49, in partnership with WSP celebrated the commencement of a landmark project that will revolutionize Brampton's transit system: the Cadetta Johnston Transit Facility. The groundbreaking ceremony held at the construction site on Cadetta Road marks the onset of a significant transformation towards more sustainable and efficient public transportation infrastructure.
This month, A49 finance department’s, Michael Wong is celebrating 40 years with the company. Michael has been working in a billing role for over 30 years of his 40-year tenure. Originally working with Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal in addition to Winnipeg. As the team has grown, Michael’s focus has shifted to Vancouver and Winnipeg.
Just this fall, A49’s Aaron Hirota was awarded the David Erb Memorial Award from the OALA. The award is intended for members who show “outstanding volunteerism” and who “contribute to furthering the goals and strategic plans of the OALA as well as, making a real difference to the OALA and its members.”
Environmental sustainability is no longer just a goal; it’s a responsibility. Sustainable Labs Canada, SLCan, is at the forefront of this mission, pioneering laboratory solutions for climate rehabilitation and energy reduction. SLCan is a not-for-profit Canadian organization that advocates for laboratory design that optimizes energy efficiency and responsibly manages resources.
Architecture49 (A49) champions accessible and inclusive laboratory design, emphasizing universal design principles at the Sustainable Labs Canada Annual Conference.
Over the summer, Victoria Ikede, from A49’s Toronto office, was asked to participate in a project called “Taking Stock: Voices of Women in Architecture in Canada”. The request came as part of an ongoing research project by Jennifer Esposito and Saskia Scarce from Toronto Metropolitan University, engaging storytelling as a means to amplify the voices of the next generation of designers.
Anwebiiwining or “a place where one rests”, a new Indigenous outdoor learning space at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, was unveiled on October 17th, marking a significant step towards supporting the College’s vision of Indigenous education.
Spending nearly 55 years with the same company offers a unique perspective on both the company’s growth and the industry’s evolution. This is certainly true for Jim Weselake from the A49 Winnipeg office, who is celebrating this remarkable milestone this fall. Reflecting on his journey, Jim attributes his enduring career to the engaging projects and the wonderful people he’s worked with over the years.
John Freitas’ notable 35-year career with Architecture49 is a testament to his dedication, expertise and passion for architecture. Starting early on, John quickly demonstrated his expertise and earned recognition not only for his technical skills but also for his leadership and mentorship capabilities.
Architecture49 showcases three new inspiring educational projects. Ebb and Flow First Nation School, Swift Waters School, and the Biigtingong Nishnaabeg School all demonstrate the team’s dedication to education and community.
As James Bridger reflects on his 30-year journey with Architecture49, he acknowledges that it's been a remarkable experience filled with both challenges and triumphs. James joined the company in September 1994, during a period of growth and change, when new talent and fresh energy were being infused into the office.
