News, Events, Products
The RAIC Conference on Architecture returns May 5–8, 2026, in Vancouver, bringing together architects, designers, and allied professionals from across Canada for one of the most comprehensive and consequential gatherings in the country. While advance registration has now closed, a limited number of day passes will be released, offering a final opportunity to participate in this national event.
At its core, the conference is about relevance. The profession is navigating rapid change, from climate imperatives and housing pressures to evolving procurement models and digital transformation. The RAIC has designed a program that meets this moment directly, grounding big-picture thinking in practical application. Attendees can expect more than 45 hours of continuing education, carefully curated to reflect the realities of practice in Canada today. Technical sessions explore topics such as life cycle assessment, building performance, and emerging delivery models. At the same time, broader conversations examine the role of architects in addressing housing supply, advancing climate action, and contributing to a stronger culture of design in Canada. This dual focus ensures that participants leave not only informed but equipped to act.
A defining feature of the 2026 conference is its emphasis on knowledge sharing across disciplines. The Industry Showcase on May 6 offers a concentrated afternoon of rapid, 15-minute sessions, connecting attendees directly with leading-edge products, systems, and innovations. It is the only scheduled programming that afternoon, creating a dedicated space for exchange between practitioners and industry partners.
A featured keynote session on May 7 will bring together leading thinkers in a moderated conversation exploring architecture’s role in shaping cities and responding to contemporary challenges. This format encourages a more dynamic exchange of ideas, moving beyond presentation toward meaningful discussion. Equally important is what happens outside the formal sessions. Informal gatherings throughout the week and events such as the Studio Crawl and architectural tours invite attendees into Vancouver’s architectural community, offering a behind-the-scenes look at local practice and projects.
The RAIC is offering a Conference on Demand bundle. This includes a minimum of 35 recorded sessions, available shortly after the event. For full conference pass holders, this content is included.
With advance registration now closed and only a limited number of day passes to be released, the opportunity to be part of this national conversation is narrowing. For those looking to stay current, connected, and engaged in the future of architecture in Canada, the 2026 conference remains a timely and compelling opportunity.
CHBA Net Zero Training programsCanada's building codes are evolving, and smart businesses know that preparation is key to avoiding costly mistakes. Now is the time to upskill your team and stay ahead of the curve. CHBA's Net Zero Training programs are designed to help builders, renovators, and industry professionals deliver homes that are the ultimate in comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. chba.ca/net-zero-training
Systemair Introduces Next-Generation Topvex SR and TR Air Handling Units for High-Performance Buildings Systemair, a leading global supplier of high-quality ventilation, heating, and cooling products and systems, has updated its Topvex SR and Topvex TR air handling units to bring a new level of efficiency, flexibility, and control to commercial ventilation. Prioritizing energy performance and healthy indoor environments, the new Topvex models deliver high-efficiency rotary heat recovery, a compact footprint, factory-integrated controls, and a broad airflow range, making them a strong match for offices, schools, mixed-use residential projects, and other commercial spaces. Information: rick.caldwell@systemair.net
Construction Specialties modernizes school façadeThe Hippo mascot on the front façade of the Hutto High School's recent modernization was achieved using the BetterBuilt Studio™ by Construction Specialties. The design team transformed an original concept into a dynamic installation using custom vertical perforated sunshades. The Hippo logo is visible from all angles, thanks to the aligned 3,400 square feet of 20ft-tall, perforated fins, carefully angled and spaced, and wrapped in a custom terracotta colour to match the school’s architecture. c-sgroup.com/category/betterbuilt-studio
Architects in Canada and European Union (EU) countries now benefit from a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), which removes barriers for those looking to work in one or another of these jurisdictions. The MRA, in force since December 18, 2025, recognizes the equivalency of architecture training and professional experience in the countries concerned and ensures faster access to licensure for architects seeking to export their skills. Instead of having to return to school or write an examination, they need only fulfil a set of harmonized criteria. Applications for work visas and permits must be made separately, through the usual government channels in the host countries. Information: Nadine Kanaan, ROAC Secretariat for the Canada–European Union MRA mra-ca-eu@roac.ca.
Limberlost Place: Vegetated roof crowns first-of-its-kind mass timber buildingLimberlost Place, a new addition to George Brown College’s Waterfront Campus in Toronto, is a ten-storey, low-carbon building that will feature ecological innovation across its entire life cycle. The flat portions of the roof consist of a 150 mm (6 in.) deep biodiverse vegetated roof by LiveRoof® Ontario. The 19 different plant species, chosen in collaboration with the landscape architect, were provided in 11 different plant mixes. The two roofs together make up 697 sq. m (7,500 sq. ft.). Read more … https://sabmagazine.com/case-studies/.
Bigfoot Door appointed as North American wholesale distributor of Schüco Systems Bigfoot Door, a Mississauga-based family-owned manufacturer in the fenestration industry for over 45 years, has been appointed as the wholesale distributor of Schüco aluminum window and door systems across North America. Bigfoot Door has 15+ years of experience with Schüco systems, and will strengthen and expand the Schüco fabrication partner network across North America, ensuring fabricators have access to Schüco premium systems, technical expertise, and training. https://bigfootdoor.com/
Maritime Geothermal Ltd., the Petitcodiac, New Brunswick manufacturer of the Nordic® brand of geothermal and air-source heat pumps, has received $1.64 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to expand its factory to 45,000 square feet. nordicghp.com
Selected listings from the SABMag Directory of Sustainable Products and Services for Sustainable, High-Performance Building
475 High Performance Building Supply – A trusted source for building envelope knowledge and materials: airsealing, wood fiber board insulation, Lamilux skylights, Brink heat recovery ventilation, and more. Plus, download free Smart Enclosure guides today!
ACO Systems – Every product within the ACO system chain safely controls water as it passes along the chain to ensure that it can be ecologically and economically reused in a viable way.
Arriscraft – 75 years of manufacturing superior stone that delivers the aesthetic and performance qualities of quarried stone.
Bigfoot Door – A premier fabricator manufacturer of high-end aluminum window and door systems and distributor of Schüco systems meeting NFRC and North American fenestration standards.
Corbec – Galvanize Better: The leader in delivering the highest standards of quality control and assurance; and publishing with CSA the first EPDs in Canada for Galvanized Steel and the first EPD in North America for Galvanized Rebar.
Engineered Assemblies – Building envelope solutions for architects and owners across North America with world-class lightweight façade materials and substructure assemblies. Experts in rear-ventilated rainscreen systems.
International Timberframes – Our Wood100® DLT is a 100% wood, no glue product, stacked and cross laminated DLT panels are made in Golden, BC.
LiveRoof – The premier pre-vegetated roof system using regionally grown modules with vegetation specifically selected and tested for your climate by our horticultural professionals.
Make Way Environmental Technologies/GRAF – The number 1 source for environmentally friendly sewage and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Radiantlink – An integral part of the Blanket of Warmth affordable infloor heating system to mitigate mould in First Nations homes.
Radon Environmental – Radon mitigation solutions for commercial and residential builds, including Radon Guard™ ventilation-insulation structural panels and Radon Block™ barrier membrane.
Roth – Roth North America provides premier water cisterns, rainwater harvesting tanks, septic tanks with high stability and 100% watertight.
Thames Brick – A trusted source for Clay Face Brick, Thin Brick and Paving Brick, including LEED qualifying products, that meet the challenges of the Canadian architectural and designer marketplace.
Tremco CPG Inc. – Offering a wide range of building materials engineered to endure harsh environmental conditions and comply with or exceed rigorous building codes and performance standards.
Wishbone Site Furnishings – A leader in the development and manufacture of municipal grade outdoor furniture. Using recycled plastics and metals, Wishbone products speak innovation through design that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.