Milton Town Hall
This unique design achieves an exciting and graceful balance of heritage and modern architecture.
The new two-storey addition is connected by a glass link to the existing historic Town Hall. Creating a visual separation between the link and the new addition is a stone wall that rises five feet higher than the rest of the building.
Central to this theme is the enhancement and formalization of the existing arrival to the building, through a transparent, transitional glass gateway. The structure of the Atrium is located in the current entrance to the historic building, as a significant expression of its activities and interests of its users. The gateway naturally flows out onto the public courtyard to form an invisible transition.
Throughout the planning, design, and construction process, +VG Architects worked closely with staff, stakeholders, and the community, by leading a process based upon meaningful consultation.
The interior allows for flexibility in planning and future change. The design incorporates a healthy workplace, through generous spaces, inviting materials, natural light, and natural ventilation brought together in an imaginative and creative manner.
Generous windows, skylights, atrium spaces, and stairs offer staff and visitors access to daylight and views, thus creating welcoming environments with a friendly, non-institutional feeling.
CLIENT
Town of Milton
COMPLETED
2009
SIZE
50,000 ft²
SERVICES
Expansion
AWARDS
2010 Public Works Project of the Year
Ontario Public Works Association
Halton Provincial Offenses Office
As the winner of a design-build competition, +VG Architects designed a POA Courthouse for the City of Burlington that was reflective of the landscape of Halton Region.
The north portion of the building is made of limestone to represent the escarpment to the north, and the south glass portion is meant to represent Lake Ontario south of the city. The landscape is further reflected within the use of repurposed telephone poles around the glass portion of the building.
While effectively giving the building an institutional feel, they are also reminiscent of the forestry of the region before urbanization and agriculture developed. The glass is highly reflective in hopes that it will almost double the look of the poles, to reinforce the environmental aspects of the region within the design. Deliverables included:
- Landscaping that was also in connection to the agrarian path. It is meant to look somewhat like an orchard or farm field, with linear organization and spatial definition. The natural environment is echoed in the design through the selection of landscape materials; tree species were selected to reflect the Carolinian typology of the region.
- Enhancements to courthouse functionality and barrier-free accessibility. Among these enhancements were the size and configuration of washrooms and holding cells for barrier-free accessibility. We included a barrier-free courthouse on the ground floor level along with a related barrier-free retiring room for a Justice of the Peace.
- The glass section, facing south, contains all the staff office areas and justice retiring rooms. The people working in these areas benefit from the abundance of natural light provided by the glass wall. The stone section, facing north, contains the police and security functions of the Courthouse as well as access to the Justice of the Peace secure parking garage, the Sally Port and incoming service rooms.
- Products and materials chosen were low maintenance and provide long-term durability. As an example, we chose to use a porcelain ceramic tile throughout the public lobby and washroom areas for these reasons. The colour scheme we chose is primarily natural, neutral colours warmed with traditional colour accents, intended to emphasize the calm and dignified proceedings that characterize the courthouse functions.
LOCATION
Burlington, Ontario
COMPLETED
2019
SIZE
34,000 ft²
SERVICES
New Construction
PRESS
Burlington POA Courthouse development helps municipalities build costly facilities
Canadian Architect
Hamilton POA Courthouse
+VG Architects served as the Prime Consultant, in association with Invizij Architects, to deliver all consulting services required for the design and construction of this renovation and energy modernization project which was performed through a Construction Management model.
The project includes the integration of a heating and cooling retrofit through the Hamilton Utility Corporation (“HUC”) designed independently by H.H. Angus and Associates Consulting Engineers. The design conforms to the City’s Barrier Free Design Guidelines.
The Art Deco building was previously occupied by McMaster University as a tenant. The project intent was to convert the heritage building to provide a functional space for the Provincial Offences Administration (POA) offices, as well as all necessary courtrooms and ancillary spaces for both staff and the public, and additional administrative offices for the Ontario Municipal Board and City of Hamilton staff, and to accommodate future growth.
Work to protect and preserve the historic elements of the building was guided by City of Hamilton Heritage Resource Management. The majority of the work focused on the interior renovation of the facility, but some exterior work was required to comply with accessibility and police vehicular turning radius requirements.
LOCATION
Hamilton, Ontario
COMPLETED
2017
SIZE
112,000 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Energy Modernization
PRESS
+VG Architects restores midcentury-modern courthouse in Hamilton
Canadian Architect
Hamilton to open provincial offences administration in former Wentworth County Courthouse in August
Hamilton News
Hamilton’s ‘new’ provincial offences court balancing history with $32M renovation
Hamilton Spectator
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Community Health Centre, Guelph Office
The design of this new Satellite was based on a previously commissioned Space Needs Assessment delivered by +VG Architects.
The facility provides clinical services (immunization, sexual health, dental, etc.) teaching services (prenatal, breastfeeding, food handler, etc.) as well as administrative services (communications, human resources, etc.). +VG worked with an internal WDGPH committee to review the site and design the building to meet WDGPH specifications.
WDGPH intends that Shelldale Centre convey the message that this facility offers more than traditional services. This concept originates with the strong and positive reputation that the client has established with the other community service and health care providers within the multi-use building that Shelldale Centre is part of. The new facility was designed to impart a positive image to the community as safe, welcoming and comfortable, while operating in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
The accessibility needs of staff and clients were important components of the Owner’s criteria. The implementation of sustainable principles / practices was an important objective throughout the design and construction phases. The design met WDGPH’s requirements respecting the environmental, operational, life-cycle, quality and construction aspects of the project.
LOCATION
Guelph, Ontario
COMPLETED
2011
SIZE
5,000 ft²
SERVICES
New Construction
Garnet A. Williams Community Centre Renovation
The Garnet A. Williams Community Centre (GAWCC) is located in Thornhill, Vaughan and was constructed between 1982-84 with a subsequent fitness centre addition and comprises 125,000 square feet of program space including a pool, arena, gymnasium fitness centre, and activity/program rooms.
The facility was in need of a significant refresh as well as improvements to address major accessibly challenges. The split-level nature of the circulation created barriers for many users.
+VG Architects developed a design that proposed two new entrances: one for the community centre at the west end of the complex and a separate arena entrance at the east of the complex providing direct access to ice level. The project fully renovated the change room areas to provide gender neutral/family change room spaces, designed new glass enclosed program rooms that animated the circulations spaces of the building and a new system of gently sloping ramps to facilitate barrier-free access throughout the facility.
The project also involved a complete refresh of the pool deck, fitness room change rooms and a new splashpad in the adjacent York Hill Park integrated with the exterior pool deck and a new exterior ramp providing access from GAWCC to the park.
New change rooms were provided to serve the existing outdoor skating rink and the new splashpad. A new public elevator was introduced between the ice level of the arena and the viewing areas which also connected to the rest of the community centre.
Much of the original mechanical equipment was replaced including the cooling tower which was craned into place in the rooftop mechanical penthouse.
The completed project resulted in a “like new” experience for the community and a fully accessible and refreshed community asset.
LOCATION
Vaughan, Ontario
CLIENT
City of Vaughan
COMPLETED
2024
SIZE
125,000 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Addition
Kingston East Community Centre
The Kingston East Community Centre is designed as a state of the art recreational facility that features a full gym and running track, an EarlyON childcare facility, a fitness studio, a splash-pad, and a community kitchen.
The building is uniquely situated amongst existing recreational infrastructure to create a recreation hub for Kingston’s east-end community of Pittsburgh Township. The new facility was designed in compliance with all applicable municipal accessibility design standards and with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).The programming and facilities offered through the new facility promote inclusive and healthy living to the immediate community and beyond.
In conjunction with the goal of enhancing the surrounding area, the Kingston East Community Centre contributes to the City of Kingston’s goal of reducing carbon emissions to become a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship at a city scale. The facility employs a geothermal field, solar infrastructure, high-performance building envelope, enhanced day-lighting strategies and LED lighting throughout to provide a total-carbon emission reduction of over 50%. A new stormwater management design was developed for the entire site in order to improve drainage and conform with the local conservation authority’s guidelines. New landscaping and plantings will improve the environmental quality of Grenadier park. The project aspires to be a learning tool to highlight the benefits of sustainable design to the community and act as an example for future community centres and public buildings for the City of Kingston.
LOCATION
Kingston, Ontario
CLIENT
City of Kingston
COMPLETED
2021
SIZE
20,500 ft²
SERVICES
New Construction
AWARDS
2023 Livable City Award
City of Kingston
PRESS
Kingston hands out Livable City Design Awards
Ontario Construction News
Winners Announced for Livable City Design Awards
Kingston Herald
Kingston East Community Centre, Kingston, Ontario
Canadian Architect
Kingston East Community Centre cuts the ribbon for ‘soft open’
Kingstonist
East Kingston’s new community centre set to open
The Kingston Whig Standard
City officials break ground on Kingston East Community Centre
The Whig
Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre Alterations & Expansion
+VG Architects served as Prime Consultant for the City of Kitchener’s Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre expansion—a transformative project that included a vibrant new addition, interior and site upgrades, and a reimagined splash pad.
From the outset, the design process was deeply rooted in community engagement. Through stakeholder meetings, surveys, and public sessions, residents helped shape a facility that reflects their needs and aspirations. Updates were shared via on-site displays and online platforms, ensuring transparency and excitement throughout.
The expansion introduces a dynamic façade with generous glazing that invites natural light and creates a welcoming presence. Inside, a bright central commons connects all areas, offering lounge space, computer stations, and playful zones with views into the gym and splash pad. Flexible access zones allow the library and community centre to operate independently after hours, maximizing usability.
A new double gym with a motorized divider anchors the addition, supporting everything from basketball to pickleball. Multi-purpose rooms adapt for art, dance, or workshops, while dedicated offices provide space for staff and volunteers. The design prioritizes accessibility, adaptability, and community connection—hallmarks of +VG’s approach.
By positioning the addition along the existing building’s front, the library remained open during construction. This thoughtful integration of old and new creates unique spaces and seamless circulation, ensuring the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre continues to thrive as a hub for learning, recreation, and community life.
LOCATION
Kitchener, Ontario
CLIENT
City of Kitchener
COMPLETED
2020
SIZE
12,760 ft² Renovation + 9,185 ft²
SERVICES
Renovation & Addition
York Regional Police Association (YRPA) New Office & Facility Clubhouse
The new office and clubhouse facility at 63 Eric T. Smith Way in Aurora offers YRPA and its members a new contemporary facility with office space for the association’s growing staff complement as well as additional rentable office spaces for suitable tenants. The facility also includes a new private member social space and a separate event space.
The two-storey building presents an elegant, contemporary expression upon approach. The first storey is clad in Eramosa limestone (quarried locally in Wiarton) with large storefront openings into the Credit Union space. The second floor is open and transparent with large expanses of glass accented by translucent glass and aluminum panels. All office areas are provided with operable windows to allow for natural ventilation during the spring and fall seasons. The north side of the building is crowned with a gently sloping standing seam metal roof interrupted by a two-storey entry lobby atrium of curtain wall glass. A continuous ribbon of clerestorey windows allow natural light into the north side tenant spaces.
The rear south facing façade is accented by a rhythm of stone piers with wood beams and soffits which define a continuous terrace that provides both open air trellis and covered outdoor spaces. The member terrace is punctuated at the west end by a stone clad fireplace. The terrace opens directly off the member dining and games rooms offering outdoor dining and lounge areas.
LOCATION
Aurora, Ontario
COMPLETED
2021
SIZE
35,962 ft²
SERVICES
New Construction
