Submitted. British Columbia’s top construction contractors were honoured at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s 25th annual Awards of Excellence gala last night at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. The association’s Gold Awards went to 12 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 have delivered great examples of world class projects around the Province,” says Fiona Famulak, Vancouver Regional Construction Association President.
“The event began in 1989 with the recognition of a single general contractor before VRCA’s annual general meeting. The event grew in size and visibility over the years, adding categories and sponsors as it became more and more successful, mirroring the growth of our province’s construction industry,” explains Famulak. “We are very proud to honour not only the successes of the Association as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary, but also its members that make up our industry, and the growth they have has enjoyed over the past 25 years.”
In this year’s competition, there were 42 total entrants and 38 projects considered. Over the 25 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 $1.1 billion of construction throughout B.C.
To mark the significance of this year’s award ceremony, the 120 member companies that have been with VRCA for 25 years or more were honoured with Certificates of Recognition. Special recognition was given to the members that have been with the Association the longest: Smith Bros & Wilson (B.C.) Ltd. and Stuart Olson Dominion Construction have both been members since 1946 (67 years), while B.C. Hardwood Floor Co. Ltd. and Fred Welsh have both been members since 1957 (56 years).
“Our Association was built upon the strong foundation of these long standing members,” says Famulak. “As a thank you to our members going forward, we will be implementing the Certificate of Recognition to all members that surpass 25 years with us.”
This year’s General Contractor over $40 million Award winner was Acciona Stuart Olson Joint Venture for its work on the Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Facility. The project also took home the Chairman’s Trade Award, awarded to Flynn Canada Ltd. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Larry Mierau of Mierau Contractors Ltd.
2013 VRCA Awards of Excellence Winners:
General Contractor up to $15 Million
EllisDon Corporation Samuel Brighouse Elementary School
General Contractor $15 Million to $40 Million
PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. Dining Terrace at Richmond Centre
General Contractor over $40 Million
Acciona Stuart Olson Joint Venture Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Facility
Electrical Contractor up to $2 Million
Western Pacific Enterprises GP Surrey Service Centre
Electrical Contractor over $2 Million
Houle Electric Ltd. Canadian Forces Base (CFB), Esquimalt – Base Fire Hall and Emergency Response Centre
Mechanical Contractor up to $3 Million
Airstream Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Dining Terrace at Richmond Centre
Mechanical Contractor over $3 Million
Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd. UBC Earth Systems Science Building
Chairman’s Trade Award
Flynn Canada Ltd. Fort St. John Hospital and Residential Care Facility
President’s Trade Award
Horizon Landscape Contractors RCMP “E” Division Headquarters Relocation
Manufacturer & Supplier
Lafarge Canada Inc. Mount Pleasant Substation Building
Sustainable Construction Award
Ledcor Construction Limited UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences
Heritage Restoration Award
The Haebler Group Crofton House School Old Residence
In addition to the Gold Awards for project specific excellence, awards were also presented to members and individuals for outstanding accomplishments and to recognize innovation and commitment to safety.
Construction Workplace Health & Safety Innovation Award (sponsored by WorkSafeBC)
Winvan Paving Ltd. – Jackhammer Water Attachment
Innovation Award
Houle Electric Ltd. – High-Purity Water Purification Turnkey Treatment Skid
Lifetime Achievement Award
Larry Mierau
Education Leadership Award
Marita Luk
Outstanding Women in Construction (sponsored by Super Save Group and Canadian Construction Women)
Jacqueline Spain
Member of the Year
Smith Bros. & Wilson (B.C.) Ltd.
U40 Excellence in Construction Award
Brian Dougherty – Horizon Landscape Contractors
With close to 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.