B.C. kicks off Construction Month with a trove of awards
By Adam Freill
Construction LeadershipProvincial construction association celebrates companies and individuals who have kept building through environmental, health and economic challenges.
The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) kicked off Construction and Skilled Trades Month by recognizing excellence within the industry in the province, handing out awards in three areas of priority: public sector procurement, culture change, and leadership.
“The construction industry is going full steam in an extremely challenging economic environment,” said BCCA president Chris Atchison. “Every day they build the housing, schools and hospitals that British Columbians rely on. They’re dedicated, but they’re not invincible. Construction Month is how we showcase the industry and recognize its contribution to our economy and society.”
Through the BCCA’s HR policies and culture-building services, Builders Code, the association honoured five employers with Builders Code Champion Awards. These companies, says the association, are leading the way in advancing the culture of B.C.’s industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector.
This year’s Builders Code Champions are:
- Island Red Cedar Construction (Nanaimo) – Small Contractor of the Year
- Lacey Construction (Deroche) – Community Champion
- Houle Electric (Burnaby) – Contractor of the Year – and Workplace Culture Champion – (Large Company Category)
- Kinetic Construction (Victoria) – Recruiting and Hiring Champion
- RAM Consulting (Vancouver) – Workplace Culture Champion – (Medium Company Category)
The BCCA presented three awards for public sector procurement, explaining that procuring construction services is a highly specialized practice that requires unique experience, knowledge and skill. As the pressure to build housing and other infrastructures collide with skyrocketing costs, labour shortages, and lack of timely payment, procurement best practises are more important than ever for project success. Winners were chosen to for consistently showing leadership in the procurement of construction services. This year’s awards went to:
- Fraser Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, and Vancouver Coastal Health – Facilities Management Procurement Team
- City of Victoria – Supply Management Services
- BC Ministry of Citizen Services – Procurement Services
On April 19, BCCA will present awards for leadership in apprenticeship and community-building at an invitation-only gala dinner in Victoria. These Leadership Awards, says the organization, are an annual opportunity for the construction industry to acknowledge its outstanding people and the companies they represent. The 2023 Leadership Award winners are:
- Wayne Farey, Campbell Construction (Victoria)
- Ryan Thran, Knappett Projects (Comox)
- Julia Murrell, Kindred Construction (Vancouver)
- Tyler Cameron, Acadia Mechanical (Terrace)
For more information about the Construction Month award winners please go to www.constructionmonth.ca.
