Graham Construction feted with BC gold

Graham Construction walked away with an armful of ‘gold’ as the firm was named member of the year and a project winner in the 27^th annual VRCA Awards of Excellence.

“This year’s award winners demonstrate the high quality of craftsmanship, innovation, and project management skill that BC construction companies bring to the marketplace”, said Tony Everett, Chairman of the Awards of Excellence Committee.

Eleven gold awards were handed during the annual event this week hosted at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Nearly 130 firms were nominated encompassing 37 projects.

“The Awards of Excellence not only celebrates our members, but the continued strength and success of our industry”, said Fiona Famulak, President of the VRCA. “Our industry is dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking.  It is also very humble!  We therefore want to acknowledge our members for the work they do and the commitment and professionalism they bring to each project.”

Graham took home the General Contractor over $40 Million Award for the YVR Airside Operations Building, the Member of the Year Award, and a Safety Award for achieving a zero frequency injury rate in the category of General Contractor 50,000 to 99,999 person hours.

Graham has been a member of the VRCA for over 19 years. “Built on values of commitment, integrity and reliability, they understand how important it is to engage with the community and to maintain open communication to minimize disruption and inconvenience to the public through the project delivery phases,” said Everett

The VRCA also acknowledged two companies for their outstanding contributions to the community: ITC Construction Group for the Ronald McDonald House BC and Lafarge Canada Inc. for the Mossom Creek Hatchery Rebuild. 

ITC donated all of its construction services, assisted with the fundraising efforts, and proactively came to the table with ideas on how to value-engineer the project. 

Lafarge supplied all the concrete, associated formwork and labour and project management services to replace the hatchery after the wood-framed facility was destroyed by an accidental fire in 2013.

The other award winners (selected from the silver award winners previously announced) include:

General Contractors – $15 to $40 Million

• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. for Vancouver Aquarium Expansion and Revitalization Project

General Contractors – Up to $15 Million

• Mierau Contractors Ltd. for UFV Student Centre

Founder’s Trade Award – Over $3 Million

• Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. for their contribution to Pacific Centre Mall – Sears Redevelopment

President’s Trade Award – $1 to $3 Million

• StructureCraft Builders for their contribution to Guildford Aquatic Centre

Chairman’s Trade Award – Up to $1 Million

• Matcon Excavation & Shoring Ltd. for their contribution to Lynn Sewage Pump Station Upgrade

Mechanical Contractors – Over $2.5 Million

• Alpha Mechanical Contracting Ltd. for their contribution to Vancouver Aquarium Expansion and Revitalization Project

Mechanical Contractors – Up to $2.5 Million

• Dual Mechanical Ltd. for their contribution to Seabreeze Farm

Electrical Contractors – Over $2 Million

• Canem Systems Ltd. for their contribution to 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron Hangar

Electrical Contractors – Up to $2 Million

• Status Electrical Corporation for their contribution to UFV Student Centre

Manufacturer and Supplier

• Structurlam Products LP for their contribution to Wood Innovation and Design Centre

Judges’ Award

• ITC Construction Group for their contribution to Ronald McDonald House BC
• Lafarge Canada Inc. for their contribution to Mossom Creek Hatchery Rebuild

In addition to the Gold Awards for project specific excellence, awards were also presented to member companies and individuals for outstanding accomplishments and to recognize innovation and commitment to safety.

Lifetime Achievement

• Paul Myers from Keith Plumbing and Heating Co. Ltd.

Construction Workplace Health & Safety Innovation

• Jacob Bros. Construction Inc. for Sack-o-Matic.

Safety

• Houle Electric Ltd: In recognition of their superior safety record in the category Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours
• Scott Construction Group: In recognition of their superior safety record in the category General Contractor 100,000 to 199,999 person hours
  McLeod Masonry International Corp.: For achieving a zero frequency injury rate (Trade Contractor 10 to 49,000 person hours)
• Graham Construction and Engineering LP: For achieving a zero frequency injury rate (General Contractor 50,000 to 99,999 person hours)
• Omicron Canada Inc.: For achieving a zero frequency injury rate (General Contractor 200,000 or more person hours)

Education Leadership Award

• Randy Callaghan from PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.

Outstanding Woman in Construction

• Alma Garnett from Convoy Supply Ltd.

U40 Excellence in Construction

• Fraser McIntosh from Bird Construction

Member of the Year

• Graham Construction and Engineering LP

The VRCA represents over 700 members and is the largest and most influential construction association in British Columbia. The membership is inclusive of businesses of all sizes, ranging from small entrepreneurial companies to large multinationals, and includes general contractors, specialty trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and all other professionals that deliver services to the multibillion-dollar construction industry.