2016 Gold Awards of Excellence Winners Announced

VRCA Outstanding Woman in Construction Libby Rowe (in middle) with Lindsey Dru from Canadian Construction Women and Danielle Johannes from the SuperSae Group of Companies.

Showcasing the finest in B.C.’s construction industry

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) recognized the finest in B.C.’s construction industry at its 28th Annual Awards of Excellence, held last night at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

This year’s competition attracted more than 150 entrants and shone the spotlight on 45 projects representing approximately $1.3 billion in construction value.  A total of 23 awards were presented including 14 Gold awards, 7 Outstanding Achievement Awards, a Judges’ Award and a Heritage Award. 

"Through these awards we shine a light on the dedication and professionalism that our members bring to their projects - the complex, state-of-the-art infrastructure that we citizens use every day," says Fiona Famulak, President of the VRCA.

Standout projects included the Audain Art Museum and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, each receiving two Gold Awards.  In addition, multiple projects at YVR and UBC were recognized including YVR’s A-B Connector and Expedited Transfer Facility, as well as UBC’s Student Union Building, District Energy Centre, and the DES Phase 6-9 DPS & UBC Phase 6 & 7 ETS. 

Division 15 Mechanical Ltd and Houle Electric Ltd. were among the evening’s top winners.  Division 15 Mechanical won Member of the Year and Gold in the Mechanical Contractors Award - over $8 Million category for the UBC DES Phase 6-9 DPS & UBC DES Phase 6&7 ETS, in addition to two Silver Awards. 

Meanwhile, Houle Electric took home Gold in the Electrical Contractors Award - $2-$8 Million category for the Northern Rockies Regional Recreational Centre, Safety Award for superior safety record in the category of Trade Contractor 200,000 or more personhours, and the Innovation and Productivity Award for the Connected Snow Removal Camera Solution.

This year, the judges reviewed and recognized two truly impressive project submissions neither of which fitted into existing award categories.  Britco LP received the Judges’ Award for their contribution to the Bella Bella Staff Housing Project, Canada’s first multi-unit modular Passive House. Vintage Woodworks Inc. took home the Heritage Award for its restoration work as part of the MNP Tower.

“While these awards celebrate the achievements of the construction industry’s finest companies, they also provide insight into where the industry as a whole is heading,” said Tony Everett, Chair of the Awards of Excellence Judging Panel.  “This year, our Judging Panel noted a number of key trends amongst the winners that include the use of wood, the number of live sites, and the emergence of high-efficiency heating and cooling systems from overseas.”

For a full list of winners, click here.