VRCA annual gala recognizes top construction projects in Vancouver

British Columbia’s top construction contractors were honoured at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s (VRCA) 26th annual Awards of Excellence gala on Oct. 16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

The VRCA’s Gold Awards went to 12 winners for their use of special techniques and procedures, new materials and additional artistic or innovative features on their projects. The evening’s big winners were EllisDon Corp. and Houle Electric Ltd.

EllisDon won the premier award of the evening, the general contractor over $55 million award, for its work on the Surrey Memorial Hospital Critical Care Tower. It also took home the general contractor $15 million to $55 million award for its work on the TRIUMF ARIEL Main Construction project.

Houle Electric received the electrical contractor over $2 million award for the Surrey Memorial Hospital Critical Care Tower project, as well as the member of the year award. Houle Electric has been a VCRA member for more than 38 years and has won several gold and silver awards at the VRCA Awards of Excellence.

In this year’s competition, there were 149 total entrants and 31 projects considered. Over the 26 years the competition has been in place, the value of the projects has grown, and the total value of projects considered in this year’s competition represented $1.5 billion of construction throughout B.C.

“This event has grown in size and visibility since its inception in 1989, adding categories and sponsors as it became more and more successful, mirroring the growth of our province’s construction industry,” said Fiona Famulak, VRCA’s president. “The gold award winners are truly leaders in the industry and great examples of world class projects.”

For a complete list of the 2014 VRCA Awards of Excellence Winners, visit www.vrca.bc.ca.