On March 5, the Association’s governing board of directors, OAA Council, met at the Toronto headquarters, with some Councillors and other attendees joining virtually through Zoom. The meeting included various updates from the chairs of OAA Committees and Association executive, the sharing of annual reports from the Local Architecture Societies, and a few other items as explored below.
The full agenda, minutes, and meeting package for this and past meetings can be found on the OAA Website.
Audited Statements
The draft 2025 Audited Financial Statements, previously reviewed by the OAA’s Finance & Audit Committee, were approved by Council. They will now be published as part of the supplementary material for the Association’s Annual General Meeting of Members (AGM), which will be held virtually in April. The documents cover the fiscal year that ended November 30, 2025.
The OAA’s auditors, BDO LLP, indicated that the “financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the non-consolidated financial position of the Association … and its non-consolidated results of operations and its non-consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.”
Honorary Membership Nomination
Waterloo University architecture professor Rick Haldenby was nominated by Council for consideration as an Honorary Member of the OAA. This status is offered to someone who has given valuable and distinguished service to the architectural profession or has scrupulously upheld the objects of the Association. Members will vote on his election as part of the AGM.
Haldenby, who received the Order of Canada for his contributions to the advancement of architectural education, as well as his efforts to preserve industrial and mid-century buildings, is a fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and former chair of the Council of Canadian University Schools of Architecture (CCUSA).
Pro-Demnity Items
Pro-Demnity Insurance Company provides Ontario’s architectural practices with professional liability insurance in accordance with the Architects Act. While a wholly owned subsidiary of the OAA, Pro-Demnity operates independently with a separate board of directors. At the Council meeting, Susan Speigel and Natasha Krickhan were appointed interlocking directors for respective two- and one-year terms, effective March 30. As well, Council passed the motion that OAA President Lara McKendrick will vote in the affirmative at Pro-Demnity’s forthcoming annual meeting of the shareholder regarding the reappointment of BDO Canada as its auditor and J.S. Cheng as its actuary for 2026.
New Councillor, Clayton Payer
Ottawa Architect Clayton Payer has been appointed to serve as Councillor for the Province of Ontario Electoral District, fulfilling a seat vacancy. The OAA, on behalf of the architecture profession and the public it serves, thanks all those who submitted their names for consideration in selecting this important role.
Investment Policy and Engagement of Investment Manager
A new Council Policy regarding investment has been approved and is now available on the OAA Website. Prior to review by Council, the policy was developed through research regarding investment best practices for certain sizes and types of organizations, discussion with the OAA’s auditor, and review of investment policies sourced from other non-for-profit organizations and regulators, as well as that of Pro-Demnity Insurance Co.
Council also approved a draft RFP, with minor amendments, for the engagement of an external Investment Manager. The RFP will soon be issued to a list of individuals/companies that will be identified by the Finance & Audit Committee as candidates. In accordance with the OAA’s established processes and procedures regarding the engagement of external consultants, the committee will undertake the selection process and bring a recommendation to the May 12 Council meeting.
Updates to Practice Tip on Residential Clients
Council endorsed the revisions made by the Practice Resource Committee (PRC) for OAA Practice Tip PT.12 Residential Clients (Small Projects), which will soon be posted in the Practice Advisory Knowledge Base.
Various calls to the Association’s Practice Hotline had indicated the previous version of PT.12 was being referenced, but that the content needed to be refresh to reflect changes to the Ontario New Home Warranty Program, be inclusive of Licensed Technologists, and update references to OAA contacts as well as changes in general practice.
The OAA’s Practice Tips, while written primarily for Architects and Licensed Technologists, are also a resource for clients, lawyers, and other industry professionals. They are meant to be concise and follow a consistent structure and tone.
Member Deputation
OAA member Rafid Kustou was present to make a deputation—as part of the OAA’s policy for accessibility, openness, and transparency, members at large may request to make such presentations before Council to allow for the possibility of further consideration.
Next Council Meeting
The next Council meeting will take place at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Waterloo on Tuesday, May 12 prior to the OAA Conference. For those interested in attending the open session virtually, contact the Association’s Tina Carfa to learn more.