Celebrating Excellence in Construction: VRCA’s 2023 Awards Gala Highlights

On October 17, 2023, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) hosted its esteemed Awards of Excellence gala, acknowledging the best in the construction industry. With Jeannine Martin stepping into the role of association president, the evening was a celebration not just of the projects recognized, but also of the community that makes those achievements possible.

New Leadership and Personal Reflections

Jeannine Martin, the new president of VRCA, shared her unique perspective at the gala. Having participated in the awards as a competitor herself, she knows firsthand the emotions that accompany such recognition. “I was thinking about the years we won, and the years we lost… It’s hard to compare to a lot of other things,” she reflected. For Martin, being acknowledged by peers is a core memory, emphasizing the significance of camaraderie and excellence within the industry.

The Judging Process: A Tough Task

With 107 submissions across 15 categories, the adjudication process was no small feat. Martin lauded the judges for their diligence in selecting the most outstanding projects. "I’ve sat on several adjudication panels in the past and it is a very difficult task,” she noted, highlighting the impressive talent and innovation present in this year’s submissions. The panel had the challenging responsibility of identifying excellence among numerous high-quality entries, ensuring that the right projects received accolades.

Categories of Excellence

The awards not only focused on the projects themselves but also recognized achievements across various categories, including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors. Additionally, the gala celebrated awards in specific areas such as health and safety, innovation, and leadership, ensuring a comprehensive acknowledgment of the diverse talents in the construction industry.

Special Awards and Recognitions

The 2023 Gold Awards of Excellence winners showcased a mix of longstanding members and emerging talents in the field. Notably, the Life Member Inductees included industry stalwarts like Ron Adams and Don Wightman. Additionally, winners in various categories illustrated the broad range of skills and contributions within the industry:

• Construction Workplace Health and Safety: Modern Niagara Vancouver Incorporated for their innovative Ergonomics Back in Motions program.
• Women in Construction: Marsha Gentile of Ledcor Construction Limited, highlighting the important role women play in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
• Youth Leadership (YCL Excellence in Construction): Michael Pereira from EllisDon Corporation showcased the next generation’s commitment to excellence.

Recognizing Talent Across Disciplines

The gala also awarded various contractors, showcasing honorees across multiple categories:

• General Contractors: PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. took home awards for projects over $10 million and $20 million, demonstrating their proficiency in handling large-scale developments.
• Mechanical Contractors: The win in the over $5 million category went to True Mechanical for their work with TRIUMF – The Institute for Advanced Medical Isotopes.
• Electrical Contractors: Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. showcased their excellence in multiple projects, reinforcing their status as a leading player in the electrical contracting realm.

A Community of Excellence

The VRCA Awards of Excellence was not merely a gala but a tribute to the collaborative spirit that underpins the construction industry in Vancouver. The strong participation from various sectors reflects an industry that is ever-evolving, continuously seeking enhancement and acknowledgment for its contributions to the community.

In summary, the 2023 Awards of Excellence was a night of recognition, reflection, and celebration, marking significant milestones for both individuals and companies. As the evening wrapped up, it became clear that the future of construction in Vancouver is bright, with a community ready to embrace challenges and strive for excellence in every project they undertake.