FortWhyte Alive’s Buffalo Crossing – the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre honoured with international sustainable design award.
Winnipeg project among 20 worldwide recognized for advancing sustainable architecture.
FortWhyte Alive’s Buffalo Crossing – the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre has been named one of 20 global winners of the Holcim Foundation Awards 2025, celebrating the world’s most outstanding examples of sustainable construction and design.
The Holcim Foundation, based in Zurich, Switzerland, recognizes projects from five global regions – North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific – with four winners per region. Regional grand prize recipients will be announced at a ceremony in Venice on November 20, where all 20 projects will be showcased to an international audience.
The Buffalo Crossing project was submitted by Stantec Architecture, lead architects of the facility, because it exemplifies climate-resilient design rooted in Manitoba’s landscape. The award recognizes the project’s low-carbon construction, exceptional energy performance, and innovative approach to sustainability, while creating a building that is as beautiful as it is iconic.
The Holcim Foundation describes Buffalo Crossing as a place that “connects the community to local ecology and Indigenous culture” through design that reflects both innovation and respect for place. Built with a high-performance mass-timber structure and guided by Passive House and Zero Carbon Building standards, the facility uses solar orientation, deep rooflines, geothermal heating and advanced insulation to dramatically reduce energy use. Sustainable timber and low-carbon concrete were chosen to minimize the building’s overall environmental footprint.
The international jury described Buffalo Crossing as “a quiet yet potent example of how small-scale architecture can powerfully illustrate and advance sustainable practices in post-industrial contexts,” praising its “simplicity and ecological sensitivity” and its “understated form that seamlessly integrates into a reclaimed quarry landscape.”
“This recognition puts Winnipeg on the world stage for sustainable architecture,” said Liz Wilson, President & CEO of FortWhyte Alive. “Buffalo Crossing is a testament to what’s possible when partners come together around a shared vision of climate-resilient design and connection to nature. We’re proud that this building will inspire others to pursue sustainability at every level.”
“Buffalo Crossing represents the dedication and generosity of so many who believe in FortWhyte Alive’s mission,” said Ryan Mitchell, Chair of the Fort Whyte Foundation Board of Trustees. “It reflects our values and our commitment to connecting people to nature and inspiring environmental stewardship – for generations to come.”
“We are proud to support the FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Visitor Centre,” said Ben Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre. “This project demonstrates how sustainable design can bring people together and strengthen our connection to nature. This international recognition highlights the innovation and community spirit behind FortWhyte Alive’s work. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this remarkable honour.”
“The project at Buffalo Crossing is a powerful symbol of Manitoba’s climate leadership and a testament of what can happen when innovation, sustainability and design meet,” said Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We congratulate all those who made this award possible and look forward to continuing to celebrate Manitoban innovation on our shared Path to Net Zero.”
“Buffalo Crossing is a groundbreaking example of climate-resilient design, innovatively combining Passive House and CaGBC Zero Carbon Building standards with architectural beauty to inspire sustainable design in Winnipeg’s extreme climate,” said Michael Banman, Design Director of North America, and Steph Fehr, Senior Associate, Stantec Architecture. “We’re honoured to be recognized by the Holcim Foundation Awards and look forward to sharing the project’s story on a global stage in Venice.”
“From the very beginning, Buffalo Crossing was envisioned as more than a building – it’s a statement about the kind of province and planet we want to leave for future generations,” said The Honourable Gary Filmon, Chair of FortWhyte Alive’s Capital Campaign Cabinet. “This award is a wonderful affirmation of that collective effort by donors, governments and the FortWhyte team.”
Supported by the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) Program, the Province of Manitoba, and private donors, Buffalo Crossing – the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre demonstrates what collaboration can achieve in sustainable public infrastructure.
The Government of Canada contributed $12.4 million toward the project through the GICB program, and the Province of Manitoba invested $3.37 million, with additional support raised through FortWhyte Alive’s Your True Nature Capital Campaign and the generous community of private and corporate donors.
Buffalo Crossing is part of FortWhyte Alive’s ongoing Your True Nature Capital Campaign, a $40-million vision transforming the organization through six major initiatives that foster environmental learning, community connection, and climate resilience across 660 acres of reclaimed prairie, forest, and lakes.
Learn more about Buffalo Crossing – the Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre and support the Your True Nature Capital Campaign.