Celebrating Excellence in Construction: Vancouver Regional Construction Association Awards

A Glimpse into the Awards of Excellence

In 2023, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) made a significant announcement that recognizes the outstanding contributions of industry professionals over the past two years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Awards of Excellence ceremony was canceled, leading to a combined recognition of both 2020 and 2021 Silver winners. This year’s awards spotlighted a remarkable total of 237 entries, showcasing projects that collectively boasted a construction value exceeding $3.5 billion.

Overview of Award Winners

The VRCA received an impressive 89 projects for 2020, amounting to over $713 million in construction value, which culminated in 43 Silver Award winners across 15 categories. For 2021, the response was even greater, resulting in 50 Silver winners from 145 entries representing projects worth more than $2.8 billion, spread over 16 categories.

Bob Proctor, chair of the VRCA Awards of Excellence committee, expressed the sentiment that judging this year’s awards was extraordinary. He highlighted the resilience of the construction industry during the pandemic, which posed numerous challenges yet still enabled the delivery of remarkable projects. This spirit of innovation and excellence resonates deeply within the industry.

Categories of Excellence

The VRCA’s Award categories encompass a broad range of participants, including general contractors, trade contractors, mechanical and electrical contractors, as well as manufacturers and suppliers. The criteria for judgment are rigorous, assessing financial benchmarks, innovative techniques, problem resolution, safety records, and exceptional project management.

Geographic Diversity

Though the majority of nominated projects are located in the Lower Mainland, there was significant participation from various regions in British Columbia, including Fort St. John, Kitimat, Nanaimo, and Yellowknife. This illustrates the spread of talent and the diversity of projects transforming communities across the province.

Special Awards and Gala Event

In addition to the Silver Awards, the VRCA will also present special awards such as the Environment and Sustainability Award, Heritage Award, Innovation Award, and Judges’ Award. Recognizing outstanding achievement and service to the community, the VRCA aims to foster leadership within the industry.

The awards will culminate in a grand gala event held on October 19, 2023, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. This in-person gathering will allow the community to celebrate the achievements of their peers, where Gold Award winners will be announced from among the Silver Award recipients.

Highlighting the Silver Award Winners

The following sections detail the Silver Award winners for both 2020 and 2021, highlighting exemplary projects in various categories, from general contractors to trade specialists.

2020 Silver Award Winners

The recognition of the 2020 Silver Award winners includes outstanding projects like the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre Upgrades by Chandos Construction Ltd. and the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station by Graham Construction and Engineering LP, among several others. Each of these projects embodies excellence in construction practices and project execution.

Notable Categories:

• General Contractors ‐ Tenant Improvement

  • Chandos Construction Ltd. – Fraser Valley Cancer Centre Renovations
• General Contractors ‐ Over $50 Million
  • EllisDon Corporation – Penticton Regional Hospital Phase 1

2021 Silver Award Winners

The 2021 award entries reflect an expanding scope of projects, such as the Irish Consulate by ETRO Construction and the Clayton Community Centre by EllisDon Corporation. The diversity of the projects reflects the evolving needs of communities, focusing on both aesthetic and functional improvements.

Notable Categories:

• General Contractors ‐ Tenant Improvement

  • Graham Construction and Engineering LP – YVR Remote Stand Operations Transborder Terminal Facility
• Electrical Contractors ‐ Over $8 Million
  • Bridge Electric Corp. – SFU Student Residences Phase I

Conclusion: A Testament to Resilience and Excellence

The VRCA Awards of Excellence serves as a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the construction industry in British Columbia, especially in the face of adversity. It is a celebration of innovation, fostering a spirit of community and collaboration. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these highlight the importance of recognizing and rewarding extraordinary contributions, ultimately enriching the communities they serve. For anyone interested in attending the gala, tickets can be purchased through the VRCA website, marking the culmination of a two-year journey of excellence in construction.