Brian MacKay-Lyons, Order of Canada Recipient

DECEMBER 29, 2022
It is hard to be in Kingsburg and not be aware of the work of Brian, where several of the homes showcase his vernacular designs that celebrate Nova Scotia culture.

Principal of MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, Brian was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contribution to archtecture. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada described this year’s recipients as “celebrated trailblazers in their respective fields…inspiring, educating and mentoring future generations, creating a foundation of excellence in our country that is respected throughout the world.”

On January 24, 2022 Brian was also the recipient of the 2022 Governor General’s Medal for Architecture for ‘A Village at the End of the World’, the MacKay-Lyons’ Shobac Farm in Upper Kingsburg. The medal is Canada’s highest award for an architectural project and it is Brian’s eighth such award.

It is not unusual to find Brian driving around Upper Kingsburg on his tractor with a grandchild on his lap.