May 13, 2026

Creativity with a cause: Inside this year’s Canstruction Toronto event

Canstruction once again transformed the lobbies of the TD Centre, First Canadian Place, and Exchange Tower into a showcase of creativity, compassion, and community impact. From imaginative recreations of iconic symbols to playful larger-than-life designs, this year’s installations proved once again that canned food can become both art and action in the fight against hunger.

Now celebrating its 24th year, Canstruction Toronto brings together architecture, engineering, and construction firms in a friendly competition to build striking sculptures entirely out of canned goods. Following the public exhibition, every structure is carefully dismantled, and the food is donated to Daily Bread to support people across the city experiencing food insecurity.

This year’s event, running from May 12–15, collected an incredible 81,613 cans across 17 designs. Over the past 24 years, Canstruction has contributed more than one million pounds of food to support emergency food programs in Toronto — a milestone that reflects the long-standing generosity of participants, sponsors, and supporters.

WalterFedy – Pomerleau Construction’s “Currency of Care,” won the Honourable Mention Award
Aercoustics Engineering Ltd’s “Apple of my Eye,” won for Best Use of Labels
“FIFA Trophy” by ASPECT-Lemay-NoviBlds won the Structural Ingenuity Award

The need for this support continues to grow. More than 1 in 10 people in Toronto now rely on food banks to help feed themselves and their families. Speaking during the May 12 awards reception, Daily Bread’s CEO, Neil Hetherington, reflected on the importance of community-driven initiatives like Canstruction and the meaningful difference they make for neighbours across the city.

During the reception, awards were presented to teams whose designs stood out for their innovation and impact. Congratulations to this year’s winners:

  • Honourable Mention: Currency of Care by WalterFedy – Pomerleau Construction
  • Best Meal & Most Cans Used: Every Catch Counts by RJC Engineers
  • Best Use of Labels: Apple of My Eye by Aercoustics Engineering Ltd
  • Structural Ingenuity: FIFA Trophy by ASPECT-Lemay-NoviBlds
  • Best Original Design: CAN-do Kindness by KPMB Architects, PCL Construction, Entuitive, and Malvern Collegiate Institute
CAN-do Kindness by KPMB Architects, PCL Construction, Entuitive, Malvern Collegiate Institute won for Best Original Design

Thank you to every participating firm, volunteer, organizer, and sponsor who helped make this year’s event possible. Your continued support helps strengthen Daily Bread’s mission and demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing hunger in our city.

“Every Catch Counts” by RJC Engineers won for Best Meal and Most Cans Used

The Canstruction displays remain on view until Friday, May 15, and supporters can also explore this year’s creations on Instagram. The People’s Choice Award will be presented to the structure that raises the most funds by May 19 at 9 p.m.

Filed under:
Fundraising
Related Posts