Banook Finish Line Tower
Selected in Architectural design
Built in 1987 for the World Canoe/Kayak Championships, the Lake Banook Finish Line Tower is a beloved cultural icon in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. As digital camera technology replaced manual, stopwatch-wielding judges, this utilitarian structure required a transformative update to meet modern racing standards. Completed in 2023, the modernization revitalizes a typology rarely celebrated for its cultural value. To minimize carbon footprint and maximize budget, the original over-water steel frame was preserved. This sustainable adaptive reuse maintained the tower's famous silhouette while allowing for a completely rebuilt and expanded plan. The outdated manual judging chute was removed and replaced with a flat floor. The new layout is carefully calculated and angled to provide unobstructed views for finish-line cameras capturing nine racing lanes. The interior was reimagined with energy-efficient, technology-ready workspaces for modern adjudicators. Beyond technological upgrades, the renovation prioritized universal accessibility, introducing flat floors, barrier-free washrooms, and plans for a future cable-stayed pedestrian bridge over the water. Clad in highly durable materials designed to withstand regular 100km/h winds over the water, the updated tower exemplifies resilient design. It balances civic heritage with modern functionality, preserving a cherished landmark.
Participant category: Small company (< 10 employees)
Company name: RHAD Architects
Country: Canada
Location: Dartmouth / Canada
Client: Canoe 22 Society and North American Indigenous Games 23
Team: Rayleen Hill, Jody Clark, Darren Fransen, Greg Murphy, Nick Cinco
Edition: 2026
Project status: Realised
Website: https://www.rhad.ca/