MTE is proud to announce that 97 Victoria in Kitchener, Ontario, has received an Award of Excellence at the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards. Presented annually since 1969, these awards recognize consulting engineering projects that demonstrate a high standard of engineering, imagination and innovation.
The recognition celebrates the collaborative effort behind the redevelopment of 97 Victoria, which transformed an existing building into supportive, accessible and affordable housing while integrating essential community services.
The recognition celebrates the collaborative effort behind the redevelopment of 97 Victoria, which transformed an existing building into supportive, accessible and affordable housing while integrating essential community services.
Engineering Solutions for Supportive Housing
Supported by funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), the project created 44 housing units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Of these units, 26% were designed for full wheelchair accessibility. The redevelopment also included a new mass-timber building to house St. John’s Kitchen, alongside community services that provide residents with access to medical care, counselling, harm reduction supports and other essential resources.
MTE provided surveying, geotechnical, environmental, structural, civil and site servicing design services, coordinating closely with the project team to address complex site constraints and integrate new systems with the existing building.
The redevelopment presented several engineering challenges, including adding a third floor to the existing two-storey structure, introducing new columns within the building and meeting current energy and safety standards. The project also required extensive masonry restoration to preserve the building’s historic character, as well as careful coordination of existing utilities, stormwater management, grading and drainage. A key component of the redevelopment was the addition of a third storey to the existing two-storey building. This required careful structural integration, including new columns and reinforcement strategies, while preserving the building’s historic masonry and chimney. The team also navigated constrained site access, existing underground utilities, stormwater management requirements and the integration of new building systems to meet current safety and energy standards.
Sustainability was central to the project’s design. By retaining and adapting the existing building, the team reduced demolition waste and the need for new materials. New structural elements incorporated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glue-laminated timber beams, while high-efficiency LED lighting, energy-conscious electrical systems and provisions for future solar power generation support long-term environmental performance. The building was also designed to accommodate electric heat pumps as its primary heating source.
A Lasting Community Impact
Beyond providing housing, 97 Victoria brings essential services together in one location, supporting a housing-first, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes residents’ dignity, well-being and long-term stability. Landscaped courtyards and shared spaces further contribute to a welcoming environment that encourages social connection and community engagement.
The project also demonstrates the value of sustainable redevelopment. By retaining and adapting the existing building, the team reduced the need for new materials and minimized demolition waste. New structural components, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams, supported an efficient and sustainable approach to construction.
Beyond its technical achievements, 97 Victoria demonstrates the value of integrating housing with essential community support. Accessible housing, shared spaces and on-site services create an environment that supports residents’ dignity, well-being and long-term stability. By leveraging existing infrastructure and bringing together community partners, the project offers a practical model for delivering meaningful social impact through sustainable urban redevelopment.
The Award of Excellence recognizes the collaborative effort behind 97 Victoria and demonstrates how engineering, architecture and community partnerships can work together to address complex challenges and create lasting value.
MTE congratulates all project partners on this well-deserved recognition and is proud to have contributed to a project that makes a meaningful difference in the Kitchener community.
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Project team
- Owner: The Working Centre
- Engineering: MTE Consultants, Lonergan Engineering, DEI Consulting Engineers
- Architect: BNKC Architects
- Development manager and project lead: Perimeter Development
- Land use planner and landscape architect: GSP Group
- Construction manager and general contractor: Govan Brown
- CLT design: Element5
About MTE Consultants
MTE Consultants is a multidisciplinary engineering firm that has been shaping Ontario, Canada since 1985 with offices in Kitchener, Barrie, Toronto, London, Oakville, Ottawa, and Stratford.
Our services include civil, structural, environmental, and building engineering, geoscience, and surveying.
For over four decades, we’ve worked closely with clients to support the growth of our communities and the regions where our friends, families, and neighbours live and work.