Canstruction Waterloo Region 2026

Canstruction Waterloo Region 2026, presented by Cohen Highley Lawyers, helped build a stronger, more food-secure community—raising an incredible 89,655 meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across the region. 

Held annually at Conestoga Mall during March Break, this event brings the community together in a creative and meaningful way to raise awareness about food insecurity while collecting food and funds for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. This year, the event collected 22,522 pounds of food and raised $35,443 through generous contributions from community members and local businesses—equivalent to 89,655 meals. 

Stubbe’s Precast’s structure, Turning Hunger Around.

Turning cans into creativity 

At the heart of Canstruction are the teams who transform unopened food cans into larger-than-life structures. Each team is responsible for designing their build, sourcing and buying the food, and bringing their vision to life on build day—held this year on March 13. 

From March 14 to 22, the completed structures were on display for the public to enjoy. In total, 13 teams from local businesses and community groups used more than 26,000 unopened food cans to create impressive builds that showcased both creativity and skill. 

And the best part? All the food used in these structures is donated to The Food Bank and distributed to the 61 organizations in the Community Food Assistance Network that provide direct food support to the nearly 73,000 people in Waterloo region accessing food assistance. 

Conestoga College ACET Program’s structure, Ohana Means Family and Family Means No One Goes Hungry.

Celebrating this year’s winners 

A panel of judges evaluated each structure, awarding top honours for Best Original Design, Structural Ingenuity, Best Use of Labels, Most Cans, and Best Meal. 

On March 22, the following teams were recognized for their outstanding work: 

• Best Original Design: Stubbe’s Precast (Turning Hunger Around)
• Structural Ingenuity: Conestoga College ACET Program (Ohana Means Family and Family Means No One Goes Hungry)  
• Best Use of Labels: Stubbe’s Precast (Turning Hunger Around)  
• Most Cans: Van Harten Land Surveying (Measured in Red)  
• Best Meal: Steed and Evans (Building More Than Roads)  

Van Harten Land Surveying’s structure, Measured in Red.

See all the structures in our Facebook album! 

A community effort 

Community members also had the opportunity to take part. Between March 14 and 22, the public was invited to view the structures and donate to The Food Bank to vote for their favourite build. 

This year’s People’s Choice Award went to Brock Solutions for their build, It’s-A-Me, Can-io! 

Brock Solutions’ build, It’s-A-Me, Can-io, wins the People’s Choice Award at Canstruction Waterloo Region 2026.

More than an event 

Canstruction continues to show what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Through creativity and generosity, the event raises awareness about food insecurity in our region and supports those facing hunger—one can at a time. 

Thank you to the teams, judges, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and community members who helped make this year’s Canstruction such a success!