The Cecobois Awards of Excellence 2025 brought a breath of fresh air to Quebec’s wood construction scene. Held at the historic Palais Montcalm in Quebec City, the event celebrated 18 standout projects that showcase how wood is shaping the future of architecture and sustainable building practices. Here’s a look at what made the night so memorable.
Wood Takes Center Stage
This year’s awards spotlighted the impressive use of wood across a variety of building types—from commercial markets and schools to sports complexes and city halls. With 18 winners spanning diverse categories, the event highlighted how innovative design and traditional craftsmanship can merge to create functional, sustainable, and visually appealing structures.
An Evening of Celebration and Recognition
The gala, hosted by TVA Québec’s Nathalie Clark, welcomed around 275 guests. Dignitaries like Daniel Bernard, MNA for Rouyn-Noranda Témiscamingue, and Cecobois Director Louis Poliquin took the stage to commend the efforts of local architects, engineers, and builders. Their remarks underscored the importance of job creation and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.
A Commitment to Sustainability
One of the standout moments of the evening was the unveiling of the new “Construction bas carbone avec le bois” initiative. This forward-thinking approach aims to further lower greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of wood—a renewable material with a low carbon footprint—in construction. The awards celebrated projects that not only push architectural boundaries but also serve as beacons of sustainable development and innovation.
Celebrating Innovation and Craftsmanship
From commercial buildings to educational institutions, the projects honored at the Cecobois Awards illustrate the dynamic possibilities of wood construction. Whether it’s the elegant interplay of natural tones in a public market or the innovative use of glulam and cross-laminated timber in multi-residential buildings, each project reflects a blend of creativity, technical skill, and environmental responsibility. In addition to the professional entries, student projects received special recognition for their groundbreaking research and fresh perspectives.
The Cecobois Awards of Excellence 2025 not only celebrated these innovative projects but also set a clear path toward a more sustainable future in wood construction.
| Award Category | Project | Location/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Building | Marché public de la Matanie | Bas-Saint-Laurent |
| Institutional Building | Institut Quantique | Eastern Townships |
| Institutional Building | New Camp Mercier | Capitale-Nationale |
| Sports Building | Saint-Georges multisport complex | Chaudière-Appalaches |
| Educational Institution | École des Cerisiers | Mauricie |
| Industrial Building | Fire station #55 Saint-Aubert | Chaudière-Appalaches |
| Multi-residential Building | Les Pavillons du 49° | Nord-du-Québec |
| Outdoor Infrastructure | Espace Philippe Boucher skating rink | Saint-Apollinaire, Chaudière-Appalaches |
| Structural Concept | Marché public de La Matanie | Bas-Saint-Laurent |
| Exterior Cladding | Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, Phase 3 | Capitale-Nationale |
| Interior Design | Tracés Droit de la construction | Montreal |
| Interior Design | École de l’Étincelle | Saguenay |
| Innovative Solutions | Seniors residence | Maison Alternative de Saint-Hilarion | Capitale-Nationale |
| Light Frame Construction | Le KOS | Capitale-Nationale |
| Heritage Award | Montreal City Hall | Montreal |
| Sustainable Development | New town hall in La Pêche | Outaouais |
| Student Award (Design) | Urban synergy: the greenhouse as a catalyst for the Saint-Henri district | Université de Montréal (Montreal) |
| Student Award (Research) | Development of adhesives for engineered wood products | Laval University |
