VANCOUVER, B.C. – The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) recognized the finest in BC’s construction industry at its 32nd annual Awards of Excellence gala, held on March 2, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. For the first time, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event combined two years of competition, with 237 nominations representing 89 separate projects and over $3.5 billion in construction value.
A total of 48 awards were presented, including 31 Gold Awards for projects, 7 Outstanding Achievement Awards, and 10 additional Special Recognition Awards in the categories of Environment and Sustainability, Heritage, Innovation, and the Judges’ Award.
“While we of course celebrate the exceptional work of our members, we also celebrate the resilience of our industry,” said VRCA President Donna Grant. “We have so much of which to be proud and an unprecedented bounty of success to celebrate. The level of competition is always increasing, with members who are determined to exceed past achievements, so it’s always thrilling to see how high the bar is set for next year,” she added.
Standout projects included the Clayton Community Centre, which received four Gold Awards; and Air Canada L4 Signature Lounge and Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain Station, both of which earned two Gold Awards. Other Gold Award winners included North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex; Undergraduate Life Science Teaching Labs Renewal – Biological Sciences Building Project; G3 Terminal Vancouver West Gate Project; and Pier D Expansion – Phase 1.
Several VRCA member organizations ascended to the gala podium multiple times. In addition to two Gold Awards for projects, Houle Electric also earned the Environment & Sustainability Award; the 2021 VRCA Safety Award for a Superior Safety Record; and the 2021 Innovation & Productivity Award for their Project Planning Services. Western Pacific Enterprises Limited was another big winner, earning 4 Gold Awards in the Electrical Contractors category.
George Ingham, who founded United Power Limited in 1967 and later introduced photovoltaic (solar) energy to the construction industry, was posthumously awarded the VRCA Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and applies the highest standards and principles in pursuit of excellence in the construction industry.
Awards of Excellence Committee Chairperson Bob Proctor said, “The strategies and creative solutions our members used to overcome the unique challenges faced over the past two COVID-ridden years were truly impressive. You may notice more special awards than usual this year, there were so many worthy. We applaud the membership for incorporating sustainable materials and technologies that enhance the quality of projects and drive value to owners. Congratulations to all 2020 and 2021 Award winners.”
To view the 2020 and 2021 Awards of Excellence winners, please click here. VRCA’s annual Awards of Excellence is an exceptional opportunity to showcase our members’ commitment to craftmanship and professionalism. Nominations for the 2022 Awards of Excellence are open until March 31, 2022. Photos from the event will be posted on the VRCA Facebook page once available.