VANCOUVER, October 20, 2011 – BC’s top construction contractors were honoured at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s 23rd annual Awards of Excellence gala last night. The association’s Gold Awards went to ten 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,” says Keith Sashaw, Vancouver Regional Construction Association President. “We are very proud to celebrate the exceptional growth of our industry over the last 23 years.”
“The value and excellence of this year’s entries reflect the outstanding quality of work done by VRCA members,” says Sashaw.
Over the 23 years the competition has been in place, the value of the projects has grown tremendously. While the dollar value of the projects considered in this year’s competition was down from previous years due to the financial turmoil, it still represented $1.2 billion of construction throughout B.C. The judges heard that bidding was very competitive and the quality of the labour force was very high, resulting in many projects coming in ahead of schedule.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a prestigious Life Time Achievement Award to Robert Lashin, President of Houle Electric. Houle Electric has worked on a great number of projects in its 67 year history, including eight VRCA award-winning projects, and is a ten-time winner of the VRCA Safety Award in the Large Contractor Category. Houle Electric is also being honoured this year for their work on the BC Hydro Field Operations Facility and the Knight Street Bridge.
“Houle Electric has been a consistent example of excellence in construction in Vancouver and British Columbia,” says Sashaw. “The Awards Committee recognized this significant contribution to the city over the years by awarding Robert Lashin the prestigious Life Time Achievement Award.”
This year’s General Contractor over $40 million Award winner was PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.for its work on the Sparkling Hill Resort project. CN Architectural Millwork and Construction Inc. and M & K Ready Mix Ltd. won Gold Awards for work on the same project.
2011 VRCA Awards of Excellence Winners:
Life Time Achievement 2011 Award
Robert Lashin – Houle Electric
General Contractor up to $15 Million
Manley Design & Construction Management Ltd. Project: Mahony & Sons Public House
General Contractor $15 Million to $40 Million
Scott Construction Group Project: Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre
General Contractor over $40 Million
PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. Project: Sparkling Hill Resort
Electrical Contractor up to $2 Million
Houle Electric Ltd. Project: BC Hydro Field Operations Facility
Electrical Contractor over $2 Million
Nightingale Electrical Ltd. Project: The Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre
Mechanical Contractor up to $3 Million
Jeda Mechanical Ltd. Project: Samuel Brighouse Elementary School
Mechanical Contractor over $3 Million
Keith Plumbing & Heating Co. Ltd. Project: Royal Jubilee Hospital – Patient Care Centre
Chairman’s Trade Award
Spectrum Painting Ltd. Project: YMCA / Patina
President’s Trade Award
CN Architectural Millwork and Construction Inc. Project: Sparkling Hill Resort
Manufacturer & Supplier
M & K Ready Mix Ltd. Project: Sparkling Hill Resort
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.
Member of the Year Award
Journal of Commerce / Reed Construction Data
Educator of the Year
Marsha Gentile – Ledcor Construction Group
The 2011 Outstanding Woman in Construction Award (sponsored by Super Save Group and Canadian Construction Women)
Flavia Boffo Punzo – Boffo Family of Companies
Innovation Award (sponsored by BC Housing)
Houle Electric – Knight Street Bridge
Sustainable Construction and Innovation Award
IMEC Mechanical Ltd
Construction Workplace Health and Safety Innovation (sponsored by WorkSafe BC)
Stuart Olson Dominion Construction Ltd – Fall Protection Straps
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.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Keith Sashaw – Vancouver Regional Construction Association – 604-294-3766 or 778-995-9946
Sunny McKechnie - Edelman - 250-816-7610