Celebrating Excellence in Construction: The 2024 Ontario Builder Awards

Introduction

On April 13, 2024, the picturesque Blue Mountain region hosted the prestigious Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) Construction Symposium, where the spotlight shone brightly on the best and brightest in Ontario’s construction industry. The 2024 Ontario Builder Awards celebrated remarkable projects that exemplify excellence, innovation, and aesthetic appeal in construction.

Recognizing Outstanding Projects

To qualify for a coveted Ontario Builder Award, projects must have achieved substantial completion between January 1, 2022, and March 1, 2024. The selection criteria were rigorous, focusing on aesthetic merit, innovative design, planning effectiveness, and the overall impact of the completed projects. This year, the awards showcased an impressive array of achievements spanning various categories and project sizes.

Major Award Winners

One of the highlights of the evening was the win by PCL Constructors, which was recognized for their significant contribution to the Toronto skyline with their project at 160 Front Street, clinching the coveted award in the over $300 million category. This high-profile recognition underscores PCL’s commitment to quality and innovation in their projects.

Additional Notable Winners:

• Up to $5 Million:

  • Gillam Group – Sky Canoe Headquarters, Training Facility, and NNLP Virtual Office Facility

• $5 Million to $25 Million:

  • Ira McDonald Construction Ltd. – St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church

• $25 Million to $75 Million:

  • Collaborative Structures Limited – Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex Expansion

• $75 Million to $150 Million:

  • Eastern Construction Company Limited – T3 Bayside Phase I
• $150 Million to $300 Million:
  • PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) – Lakeridge Health’s Lakeridge Gardens Long-Term Care Facility

Environmental Commitments

This year’s awards also showcased a significant public commitment to environmental sustainability in construction, with several awards dedicated to projects that emphasize eco-friendly practices:

• $25 Million to $75 Million – Environmental:

  • PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) – Fairmont Royal York Decarbonization Project
• $75 Million to $150 Million – Environmental:
  • Pomerleau – Harmony Commons, University of Toronto, Scarborough

Industrial Innovations

The industrial sector was also well-represented in this year’s awards, demonstrating the evolving landscape of construction in Ontario. Some noteworthy winners included:

• $150 Million to $300 Million – Industrial:

  • Alberici Constructors, Ltd. – Humber Treatment Plant, South Plant Upgrades
• Up to $5 Million – Innovation:
  • Somerville Construction – Legacy Art Project – Terry Fox Memorial Park

Renovation and Specialty Categories

The awards also celebrated excellence in renovation, conversion, and specialty projects, highlighting the versatility of Ontario’s construction firms:

• $75 Million to $150 Million – Renovation/Conversion:

  • PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) – Rogers Centre Renovations Phase I
• $5 Million to $25 Million – Specialty:
  • Remo General Contracting Ltd. – Central York Fire Headquarters Station 4-5

Conclusion

The Ontario Builder Awards not only honor the exceptional achievements of various construction projects but also serve as a platform for the industry to reflect on its growth, innovation, and commitment to quality and sustainability. As Ontario continues to evolve, the importance of talented firms and skilled individuals in the construction industry is paramount. The 2024 awards highlighted that through challenges and triumphs, the spirit of excellence thrives, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in construction.

As we look forward to future symposia and awards, it’s evident that the collaboration and creativity present within the industry will continue to shape Ontario’s infrastructure and communities for years to come.