The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (Architecture Canada) says "No"
to the International Union of Architects in Montréal and "Yes" to the
American Institute of Architects in Toronto: a decision that must be
overturned

MONTREAL, Oct. 22 /CNW Telbec/ - Architecture Canada, in closed meetings yesterday in Halifax, declined an important project for Montréal in 2017.  The Québec order of architects (Ordre des architectes du Québec) had formally requested that Architecture Canada depose a bid in their name for the 2017 UIA Congress.

The Congress, part of a greater project expected to have significant spin-offs for the region, was rejected by Architecture Canada, who will instead invite the American Institute of Architects to have their 2-day congress in Toronto in 2017. The Montréal project was turned down despite meeting Architecture Canada's stated requirements: a series of guarantees supplied by various partner organizations. Given the project's support throughout the country, the decision came as a surprise.

Québec delegates were shocked by what was perceived as the condescending attitude of certain members of Architecture Canada's Board regarding the Montréal 2017 project; representatives from the Québec Order, were not permitted to present the project in person. The partiality of the organization and its president, Mr. Randy Dhar, have been put into question following increasingly restrictive demands for guarantees, which were met in vain.

We are formally asking that Architecture Canada review their decision before December 17, 2010, the deadline for bid applications for the 2017 UIA Congress. Further comments and fallout from this decision will follow.

For further information:

Clarah Germain
514-585-2922
[email protected]

Mr. André Bourassa, the president of the Quebec Order of Architects in Halifax: 1 [phone]
Architecture Canada: [phone]