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VICTORIA — The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has announced the recipients of the third annual VICA awards, which seek to highlight the work members do.

“In what has been a turbulent past two years, I am proud of the resilience and dedication that VICA members have displayed,” says Rory Kulmala, CEO of VICA, in a statement. “Our VICA awards recognize their efforts, showcasing the best work being done on Vancouver Island. The construction industry continues to be one of the largest economic drivers on the island, we could not be more pleased to celebrate the great work our members are doing throughout our communities.”

The awards were presented as a pre-recorded online broadcast, in-lieu of a live event and featured over 50 submissions and 15 category winners.

“With everything the construction industry has endured over these past two years I’m extremely proud of VICA’s membership, who express the best of the construction industry on Vancouver Island,” says VICA board chair Chris Lyons of Omicron Construction. “We’ve endured a worldwide pandemic, extreme weather events and global unrest that have created significant challenges for the world, as well as our industry. Through all of this, while many sectors ground to a halt, we kept the construction industry moving forward — and we should celebrate these achievements.”

This year’s panel of judges consisted of industry veterans, Katy Fairley (Fairley Strategies), Mark Taylor (Mark Taylor Construction Advisory Services) and Barclay Ellis (Trades Labour Corporation Victoria).

The winners are:

VICA Member of the Year

MKM Projects Ltd. (one to 20 Employees)

Allterra Construction Ltd. (21 to 50 Employees)

Island West Coast Developments Ltd (51-plus Employees)

The VICA Member of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a company in the construction industry.

Prime Contractor – Over $20 Million Award

Knappett Projects Inc. | CRD 200 RSCL: Pump stations, bridge crossings and valve chambers

Prime Contractor – $10 – $20 Million Award

Kinetic Construction Ltd. | Port Hardy Airport Expansion

Prime Contractor – $5 – $10 Million Award

Island West Coast Development (IWCD) | Sooke Library Branch New Build

Prime Contractor – Under $5 Million

MKM Projects Ltd. | Cumberland Fire Department

Subcontractor – Over $5 Million

Banyan Group of Companies | Victoria Customs House (concrete formwork)

Subcontractor – Under $2 Million

Houle Electric | Nanaimo Airport Terminal Expansion

Outstanding Woman in Construction Award

Leslie Myers, Number Ten Architectural Group

The 2022 Woman in Construction of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution or positive impact to the construction industry. This award is presented to a member who is an ambassador for women in construction and has made contributions to the VICA and/or the community through volunteer work or business accomplishments.

U40 Person of the Year Award

AJ Winters, Wilson M Beck Insurance Services (Victoria)

The 2022 U40 Person of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated the potential for leadership and is committed to the advancement of the construction industry. This award is presented to a member that has made a significant impact or contribution to the workplace and/or a project; to VICA directly and/or VICA’s U40/YBN network; and to the community through volunteer work and business accomplishments.

Education Leadership Award

Sidney Reist, EllisDon Corp.

The 2022 Education Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has volunteered a considerable amount of time in the role of advancement of education for the betterment of the construction industry.

Employer of the Year

Mazzei Electric

The Employer of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a VICA member company within the construction industry that has demonstrated sustainable compensation and finances, employee retention, and personal/professional development, while providing a safe and healthy workplace environment.

Employee of the Year

Sean Wallace, Knappett Projects Inc.

The new Employee of the Year Award recognizes an employee who has made a significant contribution and/or positive impact to the company they work for.

Safety Awards

• Durwest Construction Management
• Houle Electric Ltd
• Island West Coast Development (IWCD)
• Knappett Projects Inc.
• Lewis Sheet Metal
• Mazzei Electric Ltd.
• PREP Energy Limited

The Safety Award is designed to honour those contractors who have maintained a superior safety record during the year. Awards are based on a contractor’s claims experience record with the Workers’ Compensation Board.