Celebrating Excellence in Construction: CCA’s Awards of Excellence 2018

The construction industry is a cornerstone of economic development, and recognizing the individuals and organizations driving it forward is crucial for inspiring innovation and excellence. At the 2018 Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Awards of Excellence and Recognition, held at the picturesque Fairmont Southampton Hotel in Bermuda, the leading lights of the construction world were celebrated for their outstanding contributions. This event highlighted the best practices, innovative approaches, and community commitments that are transforming Canada’s construction landscape.

Honoring Industry Leaders: The 2018 Person of the Year Awards

The most prestigious accolade of the night was the Person of the Year Award, which recognized two incredible individuals: Mary-Anne Bowcott of Westcom Plumbing and Tom Rankin of Rankin Construction Ltd.

Mary-Anne Bowcott stands out as not only a highly skilled journeyman plumber and class B gasfitter but also as an advocate for diversity in the trades. Owning Westcom Plumbing since 2015, she has committed to increasing female representation in the industry by mentoring numerous female apprentices. As the CCA noted, “Mary-Anne is a shining example of the 10 percent of women that make up the trades in B.C.”

Tom Rankin, a veteran of the industry, co-founded Stephens and Rankin Inc., which evolved into Rankin Construction Ltd. His impact extends beyond traditional construction, having also established Rankin Renewable Power Inc. This venture works towards sustainable energy solutions, particularly in wind power development, illustrating his commitment to balancing innovation with community impact.

Excellence in Innovation and Environmental Stewardship

The Excellence in Innovation Award was presented to Emil Anderson Construction for their forward-thinking practices, particularly in their work on the Vedder Bridge project in Chilliwack, B.C. Their emphasis on innovation sets a benchmark for other construction firms to follow.

Similarly, Maple Reinders earned the 2018 CCA Environmental Achievement Award for its commitment to environmentally sound construction practices. Their notable project, the City of Edmonton’s High Solids Anaerobic Digestion Facility, underscores the importance of sustainability within the industry.

Global Impact and Community Commitment

Recognizing the international role of Canadian companies, the 2018 CCA International Business Award went to Aecon for its collaborative efforts on the L.F. Wade International Airport Redevelopment Project in Bermuda. This project not only showcases their ability to bridge Canadian expertise with international initiatives but also establishes lasting connections in foreign markets.

On a community sustainability front, the Community Leader Award was awarded to Tomlinson Group, a family-run business in Ottawa, which has been deeply involved in charitable works aimed at fostering community growth since 1952. Their contributions underline the association’s commitment to societal development alongside business success.

Safety and Education in Construction

Safety is paramount in the construction industry, and The Gisborne Group received the 2018 CCA National Safety Award for their exemplary health and safety management systems, boasting zero lost-time incidents for five consecutive years. This demonstrates that operational excellence must go hand in hand with employee well-being.

The Partner Association Award was awarded to the Vancouver Regional Construction Association for its dedicated efforts to enhance member education and communication. By fostering engagement and supporting new entrants into the industry, they play a vital role in shaping the future of construction in Canada.

Recognizing Exceptional Talent

The awards night also celebrated individual talent and capability:

• Art Winslow of Graham Construction took home the General Contractor Award for his leadership in implementing innovative project delivery methods.
• Rhonda Collings, owner of Glenn Collings Ltd., was recognized with the Trade Contractor Award for her focus on board governance and engagement within the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association.
• The Civil Infrastructure Award was presented to Chris McNally, who has significantly advanced underground tunnelling practices since the 1950s.
• Lastly, the Manufacturers, Suppliers and Services Award honored Jean Pouliot, a long-time innovator in the electrical transmission industry.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

Zey Emir, the immediate past chair of the CCA, encapsulated the spirit of the evening, stating, “I would like to congratulate the CCA award winners, who are an inspiration to all, and encourage everybody to apply for next year’s awards.” These awards celebrate not just achievements but the innovative approaches and community support that elevate the construction industry in Canada.

As the industry continues to grow and evolve, events like the CCA Awards of Excellence provide crucial recognition and inspiration for professionals striving towards excellence in construction. Videos from the awards ceremony and lists of past recipients are available at awards.cca-acc.com, offering a glimpse into the future of construction excellence in Canada.