BC’s top construction contractors were honoured at the recent Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s (VRCA) 24th annual Awards of Excellence gala.
The association’s gold awards went to 13 winners for their use of special techniques and procedures, new materials and additional artistic or innovative features on their projects.
“The gold award winners are truly leaders in the industry and great examples of world-class projects around the province built by VRCA members,” said VRCA president Keith Sashaw. “We are very proud to celebrate the exceptional growth of our industry over the last 24 years.”
“The value and excellence of this year’s entries reflect the outstanding quality of work done by VRCA members.”
The total number of entrants and projects considered in this year’s competition was higher than last year: 218 entrants and 43 projects in 2011 compared with 267 entrants and 67 projects in 2012.
Over the 24 years the competition has been in place, the value of the projects has grown tremendously, and the total value of projects considered in this year’s competition represented $2 billion of construction throughout B.C. That 60% increase from last year’s total is evidence that the impact of the 2009 economic downturn on the competition is over.
The VCRA event included presentation of a lifetime achievement award to Grant McMillan, president of the Council of Construction Associations (COCA), an organization that represents the interests of 16 construction associations in B.C. with respect to all WorkSafeBC issues. McMillan’s career has included university teaching, five years as chairman of the Construction Safety Association of BC (CSABC) and 16 years of senior management at the Workers’ Compensation Board.
This year’s General Contractor over $40 Million Award winner was Graham Design Builders for its work on the Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals P3 Project.
The VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre project took home two awards: the Chairman’s Trade Award (Keith Panel Systems Co. Ltd.) and the new Sustainable Construction Award (Ledcor Construction Ltd.). •
2012 VRCA Awards of Excellence Winners
Life Time Achievement Award
Grant McMillan
General Contractor up to $15M
Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd.
Project: Ocean Concrete – Granville Island Plant, Dock Replacement
General Contractor $15M to $40M
Stuart Olson Dominion Construction Ltd.
Project: Surrey Central Library
General Contractor over $40M
Graham Design Builders
Project: Kelowna and Vernon Hospitals P3 Project
Electrical Contractor up to $2M
Houle Electric Ltd.
Project: Thompson Rivers University House of Learning
Electrical Contractor over $2M
F & M Installations Ltd.
Project: BC Hydro GMS Units 6-8 Capacity Increase
Mechanical Contractor up to $3M
Dual Mechanical Ltd.
Project: Annacis Wastewater Centre
Mechanical Contractor over $3M
PML Professional Mechanical Ltd.
Project: Fort St. John Hospital
Chairman’s Trade Award
Keith Panel Systems Co. Ltd.
Project: VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre
President’s Trade Award
Coastal Mountain Excavations Ltd.
Project: BC Hydro Bridge River Generating Station Townsite Redevelopment
Manufacturer and Supplier
Solid Rock Steel Fabricating Co. Ltd.
Project: Capilano Cliffwalk
Heritage Restoration Award
Scott Construction Group
Project: Hotel Georgia Restoration
Innovation Award
Panther Constructors Ltd.
Project: BC Place Soccer Screens
Sustainable Construction Award
Ledcor Construction Ltd.
Project: VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre
Landmark Award
PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
Project: BC Place Roof Replacement and Facility Upgrade
In addition to the Gold Awards for project specific excellence, awards were presented to members and individuals for outstanding accomplishments and to recognize innovation and commitment to safety.
Member of the Year Award
Scott Construction Group
Educator of the Year
Ron Coreau – VRCA
Outstanding Woman in Construction Award (sponsored by Super Save Group and Canadian Construction Women)
Jackie Trach - PCL
U40
Heather Armitage – Active First Aid Inc.
Construction Workplace Health and Safety Award (sponsored by WorkSafeBC)
Pacific Blasting & Demolition •
With more than 700 members, VRCA is British Columbia’s largest and most inclusive regional construction association, representing union and non-union, general and trade contracting companies, manufacturers, suppliers and other professionals throughout the Lower Mainland from Hope to Whistler
