Celebrating Excellence in Construction: VRCA Awards of Excellence 2024

Vancouver stands as a city recognized for its architectural beauty and innovative construction, and the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is at the forefront of celebrating these achievements. Recently, the VRCA announced the Silver Award winners for its prestigious 2024 Awards of Excellence. Companies like Canadian Turner Construction, Bridge Electric, and ETRO Construction garnered accolades across several categories, marking a significant year for the industry in the region.

Aimed at Excellence

The VRCA Awards of Excellence is an event that recognizes outstanding contributions to construction within Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland. As stated in their release, the event underscores the importance of exemplary work in construction — from innovative techniques and the use of new materials to exceptional safety records and commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

With 17 distinct categories to celebrate varied achievements, three projects from each category have been selected as finalists. Each finalist exemplifies exceptional project management and a commitment to high-quality construction practices.

Upcoming Celebrations

Winners will be honored at two key events: the VRCA Silver Winner Reception in September and the grand Awards of Excellence Gala in October. Each category will see a Silver Award winner selected, with one outstanding project awarded the Gold Award on October 24 – a climax event that promises to highlight the best of the best in the industry.

Spotlight on Categories and Finalists

Here are some selected categories along with their finalists; each entry showcases the diversity and scope of construction happening in the region:

General Contractors – Tenant Improvement (Up to $5 Million)

• Canadian Turner Construction Company for the Plenty of Fish Project
• PCL Constructors Westcoast for YVR Pier D World Duty Free
• Mercury Contracting for Elio Volpe

General Contractors – Tenant Improvement (Over $5 Million)

• Canadian Turner Construction Company for YVR26 The Post: Premises A1
• Century Group (CGI Constructors) for West Fraser Mills – Office Relocation
• ETRO Construction for Aritzia 411 Railway Head Office

General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction (Up to $25 Million)

• Graham Construction and Engineering for Waterfront Station Power Upgrade
• Graham Infrastructure for Woodfibre LNG Pre-Construction Works
• Smith Bros. & Wilson (B.C.) for Dicklands Biogas Plant

General Contractors – Over $100 Million

• EllisDon and Kinetic Construction (Joint Venture) for the University of Victoria Student Housing and Dining Project
• ITC Construction Group for The City of Lougheed – Neighbourhood One
• PCL Constructors Westcoast for Vancouver Post Office Redevelopment

Each of these entries not only reflects the diverse capabilities of contractors but also signifies the innovative mindset present in Vancouver’s construction sector.

Recognizing Trade and Mechanical Contractors

Beyond general contractors, the VRCA extends its recognition to essential areas like trade and mechanical contracting:

Trade Contractors – Up to $2 Million

• Altium Building for Golden Ears Pump Station & Sanitary Sewer Overflow Tank
• Phoenix Glass for Capstan Station CM Services

Mechanical Contractors – Over $10 Million

• Gisborne Industrial Construction for Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project (VAFD)

These trade and mechanical projects emphasize the vital roles that specialized contractors play in shaping the construction landscape of Vancouver.

A Nod to Heritage and Sustainability

Construction is progressively moving towards sustainability and heritage conservation, and the VRCA is keen to spotlight efforts in these areas through its Heritage Award.

Heritage Award Finalists

• Scott Special Projects for District of West Vancouver Ferry Building Restoration
• ETRO Construction for 402 West Pender Exterior Revitalization

These projects highlight the commitment to preserving the cultural and historical integrity of the region while still embracing innovation.

Conclusion: A Future of Growth and Excellence

As the 2024 VRCA Awards of Excellence approach, the anticipation builds within the construction community. The accolades serve not only as recognition of hard work and dedication but also as inspiration for future projects across Vancouver’s skyline. Each nominee and winner is a testament to the vibrant construction culture in BC, focusing on excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

With significant events like this, the VRCA continues to foster a sense of community within the construction industry, encouraging all stakeholders to aim for the heights of achievement in their respective fields.