February 9, 2012

TOM ARBAN

The Centre for Green Cities (at the left) is the only new building at the Evergreen Brick Works site in Toronto’s Don Valley. This $35 million project at the former Don Valley Brick Works site was recognized in this year’s Toronto Construction Association “Best of the Best” awards.

Toronto Construction Association presents ‘Best of the Best’ awards

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The Toronto Construction Association (TCA) has saluted outstanding achievements by both member companies and individuals in its 14th annual “Best of the Best” Awards.

The association, which represents close to 2,200 companies, presented 2011 project achievement awards in three categories. It also honoured firms that best demonstrate a green building culture. Outstanding safety performance was recognized as well.

“These awards are part of a concerted effort by TCA to recognize the outstanding builders in our community and our industry,” said retiring TCA chair Glenn Ackerley, a partner in WeirFoulds.

The project achievement awards pay tribute to member companies who raise the bar in terms of professional excellence on small projects (valued at under $10 million), medium-sized projects (under $100 million) and large projects (over $100 million).

In the winners’ circle this year were the following projects, all substantially completed in 2011.

STEPHEN PARKER

The new CNIB staff residence in Muskoka was constructed by PCL volunteers with the support of the subtrade community. A team of PCL volunteers built the residence at the institute’s Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka as part of the company’s Building Community program. The new 2,200-square-foot residence was constructed at a cost of $550,000.

• Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) new staff residence (small project category): PCL Constructors Canada Inc. A team of PCL volunteers built the residence at the institute’s Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka as part of the company’s Building Community program. The new 2,200-square-foot residence was constructed at a cost of $550,000 with the support of labour and materials from the subtrade community.  Designed to meet barrier-free requirements, the residence houses eight bedrooms, six washrooms, a kitchen, living room area and office space. Lake Joe is a barrier-free camp for children, youth, families, and adults living with vision loss and other disabilities.

• Evergreen Brick Works: Eastern Construction Co. Ltd. The $35 million project at the former Don Valley Brick Works site in Toronto included construction of the new four-storey Centre for Green Cities, a LEED Platinum candidate, as well as the adaptive re-use of a number of existing buildings. The new centre incorporates a welcome centre, retail and amenity space, administrative offices and workspace for program partners.

GEOFF GRENVILLE/KALLOON PHOTOGRAPJHY

The 835-suite Block 26 West condo complex is part of the Concord Adex CityPlace development. This project was among TCA’s “Best of the Best” for 2011.

• Block 26 West (Parade 1): PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (large project category). The $137 million project involved construction of a 38-storey highrise condominium, an 18-storey mid-rise condominium, and a nine-storey podium as well as 778 parking spaces in three levels of underground parking. Finishes were selected for beauty and longevity, along with precision craftsmanship and premium material. Amenities include party, games and theatre rooms, a spa and fitness facilities, 25-metre lap pool and hot tub and squash court. The project is part of the Concord Adex CityPlace development in downtown Toronto.

The 2011 green building culture award went to two firms: Tremco Canada and Martinway Contracting. The award is presented to TCA member firms that best demonstrate a corporate green building culture in terms of how they conduct their day to day business.

The award for outstanding safety performance was presented to Bowie Contracting. The award recognizes a company that treats safety protocols “with a genuine sense of urgency” and is innovative and rigorous about ensuring that workplace safety is paramount.

Other winners were:

• Donald P. Giffin construction industry achievement award: Geza Banfai, a partner in the firm of Heenan Blaikie. The award recognizes “exemplary dedication and leadership” in pursuing the construction industry’s common goals and interests.

• Innovation award: Honeywell. The award in presented in recognition of a unique adaption or approach of a product process, technology or technique.

• Trade contractor award: Vipond Inc. The award honours a member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and superior business practices.

• Construction Institute of Canada-chancellor’s award of excellence: Andy Gordon of MHPM Project Managers Inc. The award recognizes individuals who have advanced the cause of construction education and the institute itself.

• Sean P. McKenna young construction executive leadership award: Samantha Ambrozy of Heenan Blaikie. The award is presented to “a rising star” in the Toronto construction industry who is 35 or younger and a member of the young construction executives club.

Other award recipients were: Stanley Lam of Stanley Lam Compensation Paralegal (Matt Stainton top gun award), for signing up the largest number of new members during the annual membership campaign. Joe Perry of EllisDon received the directors’ honour roll, for providing “exceptional and distinguished service” to the association and the industry. Albert Salvatore of Sprint Insight was awarded the distinguished volunteer award for providing outstanding service to the association.

The awards were presented at the association’s 144th annual meeting and awards presentation Feb. 2 at Woodbine Race Track.

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