energy in unlikely places
Like biogas captured from cow manure to create Renewable Natural Gas1 (RNG). It’s a low-carbon2 energy that can help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, with more RNG projects underway.
Customers can sign up for the voluntary RNG program to designate five, 10, 25, 50 or 100 per cent of the gas they use as RNG.
Find out more about RNG at fortisbc.com/rngbuild.
06 Connections
President
Industry Focus
Highlighting the Industry
A significant project that recently completed was the new $39 million Canfor Leisure pool in Prince George. The city is also seeing strong residential development, which has increased significantly over the last few years. Earlier this year, the city reported 2022 saw record-high building permit values at a little over a quarter of a billion dollars.
“In Prince George, we don’t have as many capital projects but residential is very busy,” says Bryant.
The NRCA represents 211 members including general and trade contracting companies, manufacturers, suppliers and professional service providers.
When Scott Bone announced his retirement in 2022, he encouraged Bryant to put her hat in the ring. He was at the helm of the association as CEO for seven years.
“Given my combined knowledge of business development and the construction world, I thought the position was a good fit,” says Bryant, who just completed her bachelor’s degree in marketing at UNBC in April and is now working on a post-graduate certificate in non-profit management at SFU.
Another year coming to an end means taking time to reflect on the successes and challenges in the construction industry.
The association covers the largest geographical region in B.C., spanning from Williams Lake to the Yukon border and from the Alberta border to the West Coast.
While Bryant juggles a range of industry priorities, the issue of prompt payment is a major focus for the association.
All the winners are inside this issue with several projects earning multiple honours including Dicklands Biogas, 411 Railway and The Post.
demand grows. The situation is particularly acute in northern B.C. with the large number of major projects and small population.
Labour reports indicate B.C. will be short 23,000 skilled workers by 2029.
“ Our focus is filling that labour shortage and helping our members become employee of choice so that we can attract more people to the construction industry,” says Bryant.
The growing labour shortage remains a top concern for contractors and while many are finding ways to address the issue, more needs to be done to ensure a stable and healthy future labour force. Market conditions remain challenging with inflation, high interest rates and cost increases. Political changes south of the border is also creating uncertainty.
“ We are a staff of three and being a small team, we have to work twice as hard to pull off what we need to do to serve our members,” says Bryant, who knows the region well.
Born and raised in Prince George, Bryant was exposed to the construction industry at an early age through her grandfather. He had an electrical contracting company called Bryant Electric which he founded in 1960.
“One of the top priorities province-wide is prompt payment,” she says. “It’s an important piece of legislation that’s been tabled time and time again. We are working to push that boulder uphill to see if we can get the attention of the provincial government. Construction is one of those industries where it can take up to 120 plus days to get paid. It’s time that changes.”
The heritage redevelopment of The Post earned PCL Constructors Westcoast the top Gold General Contractor award. The project was highly challenging and complex in scope with the addition of two new office towers on top of a heritage landmark in downtown Vancouver.
The association launched its Women in Construction committee last year to address barriers that prevent women from getting into and staying in the construction industry. One of the initiatives was to host a construction camp last summer to provide young women with practical hands-on skills and other training.
In our safety feature, we highlight WorkSafeBC’s updates to occupational first aid which aims to improve responses to emergencies on jobsites. Several crane incidents this year, resulting in injuries and fatalities, highlight poor rigging practices. Read why a certified rigger on-site is invaluable.
That is why the VRCA Awards of Excellence is such an important opportunity to celebrate excellence in projects and the people who build our communities and vital infrastructure.
“I grew up in the industry and was involved in estimating and project management in both construction and manufacturing,” she says.
Before joining NRCA, Bryant was an account executive at Bell Mobility. She knew many of the NRCA members by offering services and education through an affinity partnership with the association.
Procurement practices are another area of concern where the construction industry continues to call for accountability, transparency and fairness.
Division 15 Mechanical was a winner in the mechanical contractors category for 411 Railway (which was featured in our last issue) and named VRCA Member of the Year. We spoke with president and general manager Dinos Hadjiloizou about the company’s expertise in our profile.
“Contractors are bidding on prices good for seven days and the tender doesn’t get decided on for nine days so by the time the contract is awarded, those prices are out of date. That’s how volatile it is,” says Bryant.
Of course, labour shortage remains a pressing challenge and will increase in severity as project
As always, please feel free to reach out to us with your stories and successes. We are here to highlight the industry and all the people and projects that make it great.
“ We conducted a high school youth building program where women came together to build a shed — planning, project management and construction,” says Bryant. “We will auction the shed at the awards gala. It’s an opportunity for them to take pride in the project.”
As the number of industry veterans hang up their hardhats over the next decade, recruitment and retention of skilled tradespeople from all underrepresented groups will be critical.
Cheryl Mah Managing Editor
“ We need to really empower our equityseeking groups, who are actively involved in construction or who want to be involved in construction, to see that it is a career choice. It’s not a boys’ club anymore. We’re looking at an equal and open environment,” says Bryant.
SHOWCASING MECHANICAL EXPERTISE
BY CHERYL MAH
For 20 years, Division 15 Mechanical has been providing award-winning mechanical systems that ensure buildings are functional, comfortable and sustainable.
The company delivers a full range of mechanical services for commercial, institutional and district energy projects across Metro Vancouver, specializing in using BIM and 3D modelling to design and prefabricate mechanical systems.
“Prefabrication is growing in demand because project schedules are compressed and systems and equipment are getting more complex. Our shop allows us to prefabricate systems to be ready for faster installation on site,” says Dinos Hadjiloizou, president and general manager of Division 15. “Our prefabrication shop also allows us to manage the challenge of finding quality labour and improving quality control and safety.”
Division 15 opened its own 20,000 square foot prefabrication facility in 2021 when it moved from Surrey to Richmond. The company has always embraced innovation and new tech-
nology to ensure they are at the forefront of advanced mechanical solutions.
“We were probably the first mechanical contractor to establish a BIM team 15 years ago, and now we have our own 3D modelling team and a fabrication shop,” says Hadjiloizou.
Investing time and resources into the right innovations and technologies is central to business for Division 15. The company is currently exploring analytics and business intelligence to improve performance and operations.
“We have lots of data... so we want to leverage that data to be able to make more sophisticated and accurate decisions on projects. That is an area we’re focusing on in the next couple of years that will keep us as leaders in the industry,” he says.
Division 15 has been responsible for many notable projects over the last two decades such as the UBC Biological Sciences Building, West Vancouver Police Services & Municipal Hall, Lions Gate Hospital Power Plant replacement, and the BCIT Health Sciences Centre.
Current projects include the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre in North Vancouver, an AbCellera lab facility in downtown Vancouver and the recently completed New Westminster Aquatic and Community Centre and 411 Railway.
Division 15’s work on 411 Railway, a six storey mixed-use building in Vancouver, earned the company a 2024 Gold VRCA Award for the project.
“It is a beautiful project in East Vancouver,” says Hadjiloizou. “The project was challenging based on its location. We had to make sure all the equipment and materials were onsite at the right time.”
Prefabrication and 3D modelling were key on this project where the tower crane had to be put through the main mechanical room. “We had to work closely with Etro to coordinate everything. We modelled and prefabricated the whole mechanical room to minimize installation time. When the tower crane was removed, we knew there was only so much time to finish the project,” he explains.
Division 15 was also named VRCA Member of the Year, which recognizes outstanding achievement by a company that prioritizes quality, safety, and team collaboration.
“We pride ourselves on the work we do. We have great people and teams, so to be recognized by the industry and our peers is amazing,” says Hadjiloizou, who has been with the company since 2007.
Originally from Greece, Hadjiloizou is a mechanical engineer and joined Division 15 as a project manager. He progressively rose through the ranks until he assumed his current position in 2020.
As president and GM, he provides strategic planning and oversight and management of the team. The company culture focuses on people and developing them to succeed.
“Our people — some who are long term employees — and careful growth over the years has been important for our success. We’re selective about our projects. We want to be a value provider,” says Hadjiloizou. “Seeing how our projects contribute to communities makes all the hours we put in worthwhile.”
Today, the company has 117 staff and works on projects of various scales ranging from $100,000 to more than $30 million. With many repeat clients, the company is planning to create a special projects division to perform smaller projects.
“We noticed that we cannot be competitive in smaller projects but our clients need support. So hopefully with a new special projects division, we can try to service our clients better with their smaller projects as well,” says Hadjiloizou.
In addition to providing design-build, design-assist and construction services on projects, Division 15 is recognized as a leader in district energy systems. The company’s first project was in 2009 when it installed a network in Vancouver’s Olympic Village.
“It is a niche market for us,” he says. “We’ve been in that market for the last 15 years and work with a number of clients like the City of Vancouver, City of Surrey, Corix, SFU and UBC.”
Hadjiloizou worked on the high profile University of British Columbia’s steam-to-hot water conversion district energy project, one of the largest of its kind in North America. Completed in 2015, the project replaced 14 kilometres of 90-year-old steam piping, and connected more than 160 buildings to a highly efficient hot water district energy system.
“That was a really challenging project and was completed in phases over five years. It showed everyone what we could do,” he says.
As the company marks its 20th anniversary, Hadjiloizou is optimistic about the opportunities ahead as they strive to stay on top of market demands and technological advancements.
“We want to continue our steady growth and ensure we bring added value to our clients,” he says.
Top photo: Division 15’s prefabrication shop improves quality and safety. Bottom photo: The New Westminster Aquatic and Community Centre is Canada’s first completed Zero Carbon Building.
Improving First Aid and Safety
BY BLAKE STEINSON
In B.C., new workplace safety regulations have officially taken effect, marking a shift in how we approach health and safety standards in various industries, particularly in construction.
These updates represent more than just a compliance requirement; they highlight the increasing need for robust health and safety protocols that adapt to the evolving nature of work. For construction companies, which often operate in active and high-risk environments, these changes are significant.
As of November 1, 2024, the amendments to WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations are now in place, bringing new workplace first aid regulations aimed at improving safety, which directly impact the requirements for construction businesses. These updates emphasize the importance of being prepared for emergencies and ensuring a safe working environment, which is especially critical on construction sites where hazards are present.
HOW THESE CHANGES IMPACT THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
These updates are not just regulatory; they provide organizations, especially in the construction sector, with an opportunity to enhance employee safety and morale. By investing in health and safety, construction companies can improve productivity. Proper training and preparedness can lead to fewer accidents on-site, which in turn improves project timelines and reduces costs associated with workplace injuries.
This is especially important, as talks about boosting home construction in B.C. continue to gain momentum. Plus, construction sites face more extreme weather events, like atmospheric rivers and
heat domes, which can affect the health and safety of workers.
One of the key changes in WorkSafeBC’s regulations mandates that all employers conduct a new written first aid assessment for each job site. This measure helps identify the first aid resources needed for the specific risks at each workplace, including construction sites. For example, this could involve assessing the risks related to heavy machinery operation, working at heights, or exposure to hazardous materials. For the first time, employees must be included in drafting these first aid assessments, so that workers can have input into what first aid equipment and protocols should be implemented to keep them safe.
Employers are also required to hold annual first aid drills to ensure staff are familiar with emergency response procedures and the location of essential equipment. In construction, where quick response times are vital, this requirement will ensure that all employees know how to act in case of an accident, potentially saving lives.
The updated regulations have also introduced a new category for “less accessible workplaces,” which will require additional first aid support. This is particularly relevant for construction sites with areas only accessible by ladders, scaffolding or temporary work platforms. It will also affect sites doing excavations, working underground, or have confined spaces on site. If your site fits this category, you will likely need more first aid attendants, and they will likely need a Transportation Endorsement in addition to their first aid certificate.
Furthermore, based on the new requirements, jobsites located within 20 minutes of an ambulance may now need Advanced First Aid attendants
instead of the previously required Level 2 OFA attendants. This change will impact construction businesses that operate in urban areas, as they may need to reassess their first aid training to comply with the new requirements.
First aid courses in B.C. have also been revised to align with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards. OFA Level 1 is now called Basic First Aid, OFA Level 2 is now called Intermediate First Aid, and OFA Level 3 is now called Advanced First Aid. The only significant change in the curriculum is to Intermediate First Aid, which has been shortened from a five-day course to a two-day course. The length of the Basic First Aid (one-day) and Advanced First Aid (10-days) remains the same as before.
Changes to first aid kit requirements may require construction companies to purchase new kits or update existing ones to meet the revised contents. These kits must be tailored to the specific risks present on construction sites, such as having the right supplies for treating cuts, burns, or other common injuries in the industry.
TOOLS TO MOVE FORWARD
As we adapt to these changes, it is essential for construction companies to view them as an opportunity to strengthen workplace safety. The new rules remind us that keeping the workplace safe is an ongoing effort that needs attention and proactive steps.
For businesses working to implement these changes, Fundamental First Aid has created a Minimum First Aid Requirement Calculator to decipher the correct first aid level based on the number of employees and distance to the nearest ambulance. This tool is especially useful for construction companies with varying site conditions and employee counts.
CREATING SAFER CONDITIONS
Ultimately, these changes are part of a broader effort to align B.C.’s workplace safety standards with national norms, addressing the unique challenges faced by construction employers operating across provincial borders. By staying informed and taking necessary steps, organizations can create safer workplaces that prioritize the well-being of every employee, leading to a stronger, more resilient workforce.
Blake Steinson is founder and president of Fundamental First Aid Ltd. If you need assistance with first aid training or supplies, Fundamental First Aid can support you as your trusted partner for all first aid needs. With our expertise, we can help construction companies navigate these changes effectively, ensuring compliance and enhancing safety on the job site.
The Need For Rigging Certification
BY KIMBERLY MEADOWS
In construction, few tasks are as critical as rigging — the safe movement of heavy materials using cranes, hoists, and other equipment. Rigging isn’t merely about connecting and lifting loads; it requires critical decisions about safety, load stability, and proper equipment inspection and usage. However, despite its significance, rigging is often treated as a secondary skill, with many workers receiving minimal formal training or certification before taking on these responsibilities. This lack of proper certification contributes to preventable accidents and fatalities, where inadequate rigging practices can lead to catastrophic consequences.
In British Columbia, several recent incidents have involved failures or issues with lifting equipment and poor lifting practices, tragically resulting in fatalities.
For instance, at a Vancouver construction site, improper rigging led to the death of a worker. While attempting to lift a large steel beam, the crane operator faced a rigging failure due to insufficient training. The rigger had not adequately assessed the weight of the beam in relation to the capacity of the rigging equipment. As the load shifted, the crane’s stability was compromised, ultimately causing a collapse. This tragedy underscores how even minor oversights in rigging can lead to devastating consequences.
In 2024, there have been several crane-related incidents in B.C. alone. Among these was a fatality in February at the Oakridge Park development when a crane load failure resulted in a worker’s death when the load fell from above. Another load failure resulted in a worker being crushed by the load and receiving serious limb threatening injuries.
In another case, an experienced yet uncertified rigger in Toronto miscalculated the load distribution while lifting a prefabricated wall section. Poorly configured slings made the load unstable, causing it to tilt and ultimately break free, injuring two workers below and leading to significant project delays and costs. Although no lives were lost, the incident underscored the dangers of inadequate rigging training and certification.
POOR RIGGING PRACTICES
A major factor contributing to poor rigging practices is the intense pressure workers face to meet construction deadlines, manage productivity, and control costs. In this fast-paced environment, workers may feel compelled to rig loads quickly or use equipment that is suboptimal for the task at hand. In such situations, crucial equipment inspections may be overlooked, or gear that should be retired may be used. Rigging is sometimes viewed as a task anyone can perform, regardless of experience, which increases the risk of costly and dangerous errors.
Additionally, construction site supervisors, often focused on timelines and budgets, may not always ensure that rigging practices are followed with precision. Without proper oversight, workers are left to make critical safety decisions on their own. Having a certified rigger on-site is invaluable, as they can provide essential oversight and guidance, ensuring safe and efficient lifting operations.
TRAINING GAPS
Construction is a dynamic industry where many workers start young, often with minimal formal training. While hands-on experience is invaluable, it is no substitute for structured education in rigging principles, gear inspection, and service removal criteria. Many workers learn rigging through online, self directed courses or from peers with limited technical knowledge, perpetuating unsafe practices. This informal training makes it challenging to ensure that all workers adhere to the same safety standards, leading to unsafe rigging practices and an unawareness of the risks involved.
THE CALL FOR CERTIFICATION AND REGULATORY CHANGE
The risks of inadequate rigging training are welldocumented, and the construction industry is beginning to address this issue. WorkSafeBC, which oversees workplace safety in British Columbia, has acknowledged the growing concern over unqualified riggers and inexperienced crane operators. According to their latest statement, new regulatory requirements to increase crane safety could be implemented within the next 3–5
years. However, the need for change is immediate. Construction companies must take proactive steps to bridge the gap in training and certification, requiring proof of legitimate competency for rigging tasks.
Without mandatory certification, the risk of injuries and fatalities will only increase. While regulatory changes are on the horizon, the construction industry cannot afford to wait several more years to prioritize this issue. Allowing uncertified personnel to handle rigging tasks, often under the supervision of a crane operator alone, creates significant and preventable hazards.
Rigging is a critical construction function, and the consequences of improper rigging are too severe to ignore. From serious injuries to fatalities, poor rigging practices not only endanger lives but also undermine the industry’s safety culture. Growing awareness and WorkSafeBC’s anticipated regulatory updates indicate that now is the time for the industry to act.
Worker safety must always come first, including ensuring that individuals responsible for rigging loads are fully qualified to perform these tasks safely and effectively.
Kimberly Meadows, NCSO, CRSP, is the director of Safety First Consulting Ltd. in Victoria, B.C.
A health and safety professional for more than 20 years, she holds Canadian Registered Safety Professional and National Construction Safety Officer designations. Kimberly also serves on the board of directors for Health and Safety Professionals Canada.
Why Are You Not Releasing the Holdback?
BY DIRK LAUDAN
The construction industry relies on prompt payment of amounts owing. The passage prompt payment legislation in some provinces of Canada, including Alberta but not so far in British Columbia, is a response to valid industry concerns about that. Another problem area in the timing of payment is the release of the holdback and the effect of builders liens on its release.
Builders liens can impede holdback release. In Alberta, the owner must retain the Major Lien Fund, being 10 per cent of the value of work done and material supplied before the issuance of the certificate of substantial performance, and (assuming a certificate is issued) the Minor Lien Fund, being 10 per cent of the value of work done thereafter. In British Columbia, the owner must also retain a holdback of 10 per cent the greater of the value of the work done or the amount paid on account of the contract price, and a similar obligation applies to everyone down the contractual chain, with certain exceptions such as workers and material suppliers. In both provinces, the holdback is released a period of time after the certification that the contract is substantially performed, or the date of actual completion. If a lien is filed by a subcontractor in the interim, however, the holdback may not be released until the lien is removed or cancelled from title.
Unless the lien claimant agrees to cancel the lien voluntarily, it is typically removed by posting security in court, either in the form of cash, a lien bond, or a letter of credit. This is made more complicated in British Columbia by the legal principle that a lien claimant has independent lien rights against the holdback, separate from the lien against the land — the holdback lien. (No such legal rule applies in Alberta.) The effect of the holdback lien on holdback release became a problem in the 2013 case Preview Builders International Inc. v. Forge Industries Ltd., which involved a refit of a municipal arts building in Dawson Creek, B.C. The general contractor had posted security for a lien filed by a subcontractor known as Zap Welding. The contractor wanted the city to release its holdback, since it had posted security for Zap’s lien and title was clear. In the meantime, however, Zap had commenced an action to recover amounts that Zap said were owing and included a claim for a holdback lien. The court held that this claim precluded valid release of the holdback. The court did, however, allow the general contractor to seek an order to dispose of the holdback lien, as long as the existing security in court could also secure the holdback lien. After this, construction lawyers adopted a new form
of lien security order which provided that the money in court secures both the land lien and the holdback lien, with the intention that the holdback could thereafter be released.
In the 2024 case Metro-Can Construction (TC) Ltd. v. Kingdom Langley Project Limited Partnership, however, the new form of security order in B.C. came under attack. In that case, the general contractor had posted lien bonds as security for subcontractor claims. Later, the owner had used the holdback as part of cash security for a very sizable lien by the general contractor. The general contractor applied to court for return of its lien bonds, on the theory that the holdback in court now covered those liens. The owner, conversely, said the security orders had extinguished the subcontractors claims against the holdback, as in the Preview case a decade before, and so the claimants could now only recover from the bonds posted by the general contractor.
The court considered the wording of the lien security orders and concluded that even though those orders said that the lien bonds were security for the holdback liens, the wording of the orders did not expressly eliminate the claims against the holdback itself. The holdback was therefore still subject to the holdback liens. That decision is now under appeal, and the owner is seeking a decision of the BC Court of Appeal that would reinterpret the BC Builders Lien Act to eliminate the whole notion of an independent holdback lien, bringing B.C. back in line with the other provinces in that respect. We shall see how that goes.
The phenomenon of a widely used standard form of court order being found ineffective is not limited to British Columbia. In the 2024 Alberta builder lien case Lesenko v. Wild Rose Read Mix Ltd., the court considered the Alberta “template” form of order for posting lien security, which had been drafted by a senior lawyers and judges. Under that order, the lien claimant had 180 days to start an action to enforce its lien. In Lesenko, however, the court concluded surprisingly that there is no legal basis for the 180 day time limit to start a lien action once security is posted (though it still applies if the lien remains on title) and therefore several critical terms of the template order are inoperative. Possibly hundreds of existing lien security orders no longer have the effect that the parties involved thought they did.
Builders liens remain an area that can baffle even those experienced in the area.
Dirk Laudan is a partner in the construction group at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG), practicing in the areas of construction, insurance and commercial litigation and arbitration.
2024 VRCA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Endor sed by the leading construc tion, design and architec tural associations, Construc tion Busines s is the publication of choice by adver tiser s who want to reach the decision maker s in the multi - billion dollar B C. and Alber ta construc tion marketplace
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CELEBRATING 35 YEARS
WE ARE CELEBRATING VRCA’s 35th year of recognizing outstanding achievement in construction — and there is truly so much to honour. As the driver of British Columbia’s economy, the construction industry supports the livelihood of more than 230,000 people. Moving throughout the Lower Mainland, I am filled with pride at the function and beauty of the vital work our members do to shape and enhance our communities.
This year, we had more than 90 award submissions with a collective construction value exceeding $2.9 billion. These impressive projects range from a re-imagined heritage space to a fueling facility, to an emergency response roadway and a myriad of other ventures that demonstrate the scope and skill our industry brings to life. Each project represents the dedication and innovation of the talented in-
dividuals in this room and in our industry.
The VRCA Awards of Excellence allows us to celebrate not only remarkable projects but also exceptional achievements in safety, leadership in construction education, and the advancement of women and future leaders in our industry. Your contributions and success fuel the elevation and integrity of our industry.
To the nominees, judges, sponsors, and attendees — thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, let us celebrate the people, teams, and projects that shape the Vancouver region.
Jeannine Martin President, VRCA
GOLD GENERAL CONTRACTOR OVER $100 MILLION and HERITAGE AWARD PCL Constructors Westcoast— Vancouver Post Office Redevelopment
Unique Heritage Redevelopment
BY CHERYL MAH
BUILDING TWO NEW office towers on top of an existing heritage landmark is no easy feat.
The transformation of the former Canada Post building in downtown Vancouver into a modern mixed-use development was highly challenging and complex in scope.
Spanning a city block, The Post features 1.1 million square feet of office space, 185,000 square feet of retail and 400,000 square feet of parking. Two towers, 22 storeys and 21 storeys, rise above the heritage base podium.
The redevelopment project by QuadReal includes restaurants, a food hall and a Loblaw grocery store. Additionally, there are multiple rooftop and outdoor spaces, with tenant amenities like a dog park, multipurpose sports court and event spaces. The design by MCMP Architects leveraged the building’s existing central podium and welded-steel frame, creating large floorplates that can accommodate open-concept floorplans.
The Post is the largest heritage revitalization project in B.C. and the single largest office build-
ing in Vancouver - solely occupied by Amazon. The large-scale heritage redevelopment presented many unique challenges for PCL Westcoast Constructors.
“It was a challenging project but we were able to meet the milestones that the owner needed,” says PCL construction manager Ken McCabe.
The scope of work included significant demolition, heritage preservation, renovations and construction of two office towers. At peak of construction, 800 workers were on site.
PCL completed the large demolition scope of the interior of the old post office, while retaining the historic facade of the building and reinforcing the original steel and concrete frame. Approxmiately 40 per cent of the original structure was retained.
“ We did a full demolition from the roof down to the basement for the two new tower footprints and then built it back up,” says McCabe. “We retained the facade and some of the interior slabs.”
PCL lowered the building about 3.5 feet in order to put in the new foundation and another level of parking below grade. “We dropped the entire basement of the building. So we were demolishing concrete up top and at the same time cutting off columns down in the basement — very unusual and required very careful coordination,” says McCabe.
He noted parking was also added between the office towers on the fifth and sixth level with a spiral parking ramp built in the centre of the building.
PCL self-performed structural upgrades and the new concrete structure within the podium. In total, the job required more than 76,000 cubic metres of concrete.
The ambitious project earned PCL a well-deserved 2024 VRCA Gold Award of Excellence as well as a Heritage Award.
“It’s great to be recognized by the VRCA and the industry,” says McCabe. “We were able to overcome the many challenges with a fantastic team and great trades. It validates the hard work and effort put into the project by the entire team.”
PCL broke ground in 2018 with substantial completion reached in early 2023. The project required multiple phased turnovers to allow Amazon to move in between fall 2023 and early 2024.
“ We had sequential turnovers. We had to turn over areas of the south tower while we were still building the north tower so that was super challenging with logistics and safety,” says McCabe.
The entire team worked together to achieve an early occupancy in the south tower, which allowed the tenant to receive a building permit for fit out to expedite their work.
Other challenges included a fast tracked schedule, more than 900 changes, a tight downtown site and the global pandemic.
“ Work was completed during the pandemic and we were only shut down total of three days. The job fell behind schedule due to COVID and the necessary changes but we were able to put together an acceleration plan and got the job back on schedule to meet all of QuadReal’s milestone dates,” he says.
Targeting LEED Gold certification, The Post utilizes waste heat recovery, passive solar shading, triple glazed curtainwall and an energyefficient building envelope. The adaptive reuse of the structure resulted in a savings of approximately 25,000 tonnes of carbon and diverted significant construction waste from local landfills.
SILVER WINNERS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR $20 TO $100 MILLION
Etro Construction — 411 Railway Commercial Build
THIS SIX-STOREY, 112,000 square foot, mixed-use building in the historic Railtown neighborhood of Vancouver required meticulous attention to detail, especially the concrete. The 411 Railway project retains the historic feel of industrial Railtown, while incorporating a modern, West Coast design. Its unique floor plan includes two core structures connected by mass timber bridges, designed to allow for the seismic movement of the building. Offsite prefabrication was key to achieving the wood bridges on time because of COVID challenges with shipping and material delays. The glulam wood bridges, some weighing more than 10,000 lbs, criss-cross a central atrium. A highlight of 411 Railway is the rooftop, where two communal terraces offer breathtaking views and additional space is allocated to the ground-floor restaurant, providing them with their own urban agriculture space. (Read more about the project in our Fall 2024 issue).
GENERAL CONTRACTOR — CIVIL — UP TO $25 MILLION
GENERAL CONTRACTOR UP TO $20 MILLION
Edge Vancouver Construction Group — The Peak
THE PEAK IS A 55,000 square foot, mixed-use building located in Vancouver. The project was built by Edge Construction for Peak Real Estate Group starting in July of 2020 with substantial completion achieved by November of 2022. This $18.3 M construction project includes 52 market rental units and four commercial retail units spread across six aboveground storeys. Designed to Passive House standards, the project uses innovative technology to extract and recycle waste-heat. The exterior wall assemblies, windows, hot water system,HVAC, and automated heat deflection system were engineered to that aim and combine to make a robust, comfortable, and energy efficient building. Peak completed the project on time and on schedule in 2022.
COMPLETED in 2023, the Dicklands Biogas Plant is a state-of-the-art Biogas facility that breaks down food, waste and manure, to create clean renewable natural gas and nutrient rich organic fertilizer pellets. The project consisted of a wood framed office building, a precast and structural steel concrete process building, six concrete tanks, concrete biofilter structure, and processing equipment and machines. The project was delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of safety by Smith Bros. & Wilson.
Smith Bros. & Wilson — Dicklands Biogas Plant
Dicklands Biogas Facility
GENERAL CONTRACTOR — CIVIL — OVER $25 MILLION
Kiewit Infrastructure BC ULC — BC Highway Reinstatement Program: Highway 5, Category B Project
NOVEMBER 2021, an atmospheric river caused severe damage to highways in southern B.C. Kiewit and Emil Anderson Construction responded to the catastrophic flooding by initiating emergency efforts to rebuild Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt. Following this, MoTI launched the BC Highway Reinstatement Program, and departing from tradition, opted for an Alliance contract model — a collaborative approach sharing risks and incentives. This was the first time an Alliance model was used on a B.C. transportation project. Much of the innovative design and construction was a direct result of the Alliance approach. The Coquihalla Alliance Team developed an innovative design process, allowing construction to begin and ultimately complete two months ahead of the aggressive baseline schedule. The project involved constructing six new permanent bridge crossings (Juliet, Jessica, and Bottletop Bridges), two temporary bridges, and 4.5km of highway.
GOLD GOLD
GENERAL CONTRACTOR TENANT IMPROVEMENT OVER $5 MILLION Canadian Turner Construction Company — YVR26 The Post: Premises A1
THIS PROJECT is a striking architectural feat spanning 1.1 million square feet across 40 plus tower storeys and two “mega” floors. Tailored for a confidential tech client expanding its Vancouver operations, the design integrates event spaces, training facilities, a food court, and avant-garde work environments, complemented by rooftop sports courts, outdoor event spaces, and dog parks. Turner’s early involvement facilitated seamless preconstruction efforts, including material pre-loading, long-lead equipment procurement, and BIM coordination. The successful delivery of this project was achieved through meticulous planning, effective management, and adaptability to overcome challenges. Despite the base building’s short duration completion, the TI team delivered high-end finishes and a full scope, including complex systems like hydronics and sprinklers.
GOLD
GENERAL CONTRACTOR TENANT IMPROVEMENT UP TO $5 MILLION
Canadian Turner Construction Company — Plenty of Fish
TURNER, IN collaboration with M Moser, transformed the space into a Class A, technologyenhanced office for 150 employees. The standout feature is the interconnecting staircase that leads into a collaboration hangout space at the “twist” where the boxes stack in a different direction in the building. Some incredible one-of-a-kind key features include: a larger than life aquarium where you can see Nemo and Dory swimming with “plenty of fishes”; a coffee bar that hosts a full time barista for the plenty of fish staff; a full size boardroom with acoustic treatment; and easy access to an outdoor patio that boasts one of the best views in the city. The project posed complex challenges and demanded innovative solutions. The project timeline and budget were strategically managed through extensive value engineering, ensuring on time delivery and cost efficiency. Preconstruction success included early procurement of critical materials, preventing delays.
SILVER WINNERS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
$20 TO $100
MILLION
Etro Construction, Berkeley Tower Renovation
Kindred Construction, 50 Electronic Avenue, Phase 2
GENERAL CONTRACTOR UP TO $20 MILLION
Etro Construction, 402 West Pender Exterior Revitalization
Kindred Construction, Estítkw Place
GENERAL CONTRACTOR — CIVIL — OVER $25 MILLION
Jacob Bros. Construction, YVR South Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation Project RAM Engineering (RAM), Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project GENERAL CONTRACTOR — CIVIL — UP TO $25 MILLION Graham Construction and Engineering, Waterfront Station Power Upgrade Graham Infrastructure, Woodfibre LNG PreConstruction Works
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
TENANT
IMPROVEMENT
OVER $5 MILLION
Century Group (CGI Constructors), West Fraser Mills — Office Relocation
ETRO Construction, Aritzia 411 Railway Head Office
GENERAL CONTRACTOR TENANT IMPROVEMENT UP TO $5 MILLION
PCL Constructors
Westcoast, YVR Pier
D World Duty Free
Mercury Contracting, Elio Volpe
GOLD
TRADE CONTRACTORS OVER $12 MILLION
Nucor Rebar Fabrication — Site C Clean Energy Generating Station and Spillway
THE SITE C CLEAN Energy Project (Site C) is the third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River. Upon completion the site will provide 1,100 megawatts (MW) of capacity, and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity each year. The generating station and spillway project includes nearly 75,000,000 pounds of rebar.
Nucor faced many challenges on this five year project including ambitious schedules, intricate bending, congested workspaces, the pandemic and extreme weather.
SILVER WINNERS
TRADE CONTRACTORS OVER $12 MILLION Flynn Canada, 1090 West Pender LMS Limited Partnership, The Stack
TRADE CONTRACTORS $2 to $12 MILLION
Glastech Glazing, Capstan Station
Whitemud Ironworks, Capstan Station CM Services
GOLD
TRADE CONTRACTORS $2 to $12 MILLION
Crosstown Metal Industries — YVR26 — The Post
THE POST, A MAJOR redevelopment of the old downtown Vancouver post office, is a new mixed-use development. Crosstown supplied and installed architectural metal and miscellaneous metal for this project including: elevator entrance portal panels, elevator lobby wall trim and base trim, elevator lobby ceiling and entrance panels, lunchroom decorative screens, breakout decorative screens, scrum dividers, acoustic fin screens, environmental graphic screens, breeze block wall, and structural supports. This was a challenging project and required innovation and a coordinated team effort by all employees to be successful.
GOLD
TRADE AWARD UP TO $2 MILLION
Phoenix Glass — Capstan Station CM Services
THE CAPSTAN SKYTRAIN STATION features Phoenix Glass’ proprietary panel system. This project had an intricate design consisting of custom colours, highly complex building design angles and elevation alignments, intricate geometrical shapes and sloped ACM panels in challenging areas of access, including overlapping escalator and ACM cladded stairs, high ceiling panels, ACM cladded elevator shafts, and ACM works over skytrain tracks. This project had special requirements including working in very tight working spaces and completing specific limits of approach training, and accommodating the schedule of an operational Skytrain line.
TRADE AWARD UP TO $2 MILLION
Altium Building, Golden Ears Pump Station & Sanitary Sewer Overflow Tank
Raicor Contracting, Louis Vuitton @ Fairmont Hotel
GOLD
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD OVER $10 MILLION
GisborneIndustrialConstruction — VancouverAirportFuelDeliveryProject
THIS LARGE INDUSTRIAL project is a new 13 km, 365 millimetre underground pipeline to supply aviation fuel to Vancouver International Airport. Scope of work included the design, supply, install, and commission of fire protection, detection and alarm system for the fuel unloading facility and fuel receiving facility. Gisborne ensured top-tier fire protection measures, aligning with modern building, seismic, and environmental standards to guarantee the utmost safety and reliability.
GOLD
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD UP TO $4 MILLION
Gisborne Industrial Construction — River Green 17
LOCATED ON the waterfront, the Hollybridge at River Green is a condo development that offers views of the Fraser River and North Shore mountains. Gisborne designed, supplied and installed the fire protection system for three towers at River Green in Richmond – each 13 storeys with two levels of underground and townhouses.
GOLD
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD $4-10 MILLION
Division 15 Mechanical — 411 Railway Street
THIS PROJECT is a 6-storey office base building, with 3-storey underground parking space, located in the fast-developing area of City of Vancouver. This building provides domestic water plumbing and drainage, heating and cooling, and energy recovery through air ventilation to the potential tenants. Integrated with in-house Building Information Model- ing (BIM) skills, the construction quality and efficiency is enhanced by the clash detection, sleeves and hangers layout and mechanical room LOD 1400 design through BIM collaboration.
SILVER WINNERS
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD
OVER $10 MILLION
Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems (2001), The City of Lougheed Phase One
PML Professional Mechanical, The Post Vancouver
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD
$4-10 MILLION
Division 15 Mechanical, Langara Heating Plant Extension
Dual Mechanical, Dicklands Farms Biogas Plant
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD UP TO $4 MILLION
Black & McDonald, UBCH Purdy Pavilion HVAC Upgrades
Black & McDonald, LGH Chiller #1 & Chiller #2 Replacement
GOLD
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD OVER $10 MILLION
Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. — YVR26, The Post South Tower
WESTERN PACIFIC ENTERPRISES (WPE) undertook the multiple phase, 24-month tenant fit-out of the South Tower of The Post, the newly restored development of the heritage Canada Post Office building in downtown Vancouver. In total, the company worked on more than 500,000 sq ft of new office space. Challenges included aggressive timeline and complex design with a multitude of different electrical systems. WPE had more than 100 electricians working on this project to successfully deliver it on sched- ule for the client.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD $2-10 MILLION
Platinum Electric — Dicklands Biogas
COMPLETED IN 2023, Dicklands Biogas in Chilliwack is the largest biogas plant in B.C. The plant is a state-of-the-art biogas facility that digests livestock manure and food waste to produce renewable natural gas, organic fertilizer pellets and clean water. Platinum Electric played an integral role in making this biogas project a reality. The company collaborated with five major international equipment suppliers to integrate all of the different equipment, materials, and processes required for the biogas site to become fully functional. Platinum was the sole electrical contractor on all facets of this project, including low voltage, primary high voltage, communications, process, and controls.
SILVER WINNERS
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD
OVER $10 MILLION
Bridge Electric, B6 Office Tower DesignAssist
Chambers Electric, the City of Lougheed – Phase 1
GOLD GOLD GOLD
MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS
Garibaldi Glass — Vancouver Centre II
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD UP TO $2 MILLION Fettback & Heesterman — SAAM Towage, Port of Vancouver
FETTBACK & HEESTERMAN provided installation and design assist services for SAAM Towage’s innovative electric tugboats at the Port of Vancouver. Scope of work included installation of skid, a mounted unit substation, new BCH service, shore power raceways and connections including all associated civil infrastructure for the first EV tugboats in the Port of Vancouver. These cutting-edge vessels, powered by British Columbia’s clean hydropower-fed grid, epitomize the shift towards green energy. The two battery electric tugs will reduce CO2 emissions by 2,400 metric tonnes annually and are two of only a handful of electric tugs in operation around the world.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD
$2-10 MILLION
Bridge Electric, Aritzia Office
Western Pacific Enterprises, Waterfront Station Power Upgrade
VANCOUVER CENTRE II is a new AAA, 33-storey office building in downtown Vancouver. Garibaldi Glass was involved in several key aspects of the project, including the design assist selection process; sourcing of high performing glass products interna- tionally; project management services to ensure on-time delivery and budget adher- ence; along with knowledgeable and skilled production craftsmanship. The company’s involvement in sourcing, tempering, and delivering high-quality glass products played a vital role in achieving the architectural vision and the remarkable aesthetic and per- formance features of VCII.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD UP TO $2 MILLION
Sasco Contractors, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Dimmer Upgrade
Black & McDonald, RH Electrical Upgrade – Ilich Pavilion
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD
Stephanie Morand, EllisDon
With over a decade of experience at EllisDon, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated her expertise and leadership in various roles, making significant contributions to the industry and the communities in which she works and lives. Stephanie is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and diversity within the construction industry. Stephanie frequently engages in mentoring younger professionals, particularly women, and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the construction sector. She actively participates in initiatives aimed at supporting and uplifting other women in construction, such as Women in Construction Week.
INNOVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY AWARD
FlynnGroupofCompanies,SpeedwallModular WallSystem
Speedwall is a factory-assembled modular exterior wall system that delivers quality and performance. Built on an aluminum chassis based on Flynn’s 6450 unitized curtain wall system, Speedwall modules are completely self-framed, sealed, and insulated in Flynn’s manufacturing facility, with all windows, doors, and exterior cladding pre-installed.
JUDGES’ AWARD
Houle Electric, Third Space Commons
EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD
Libby Rowe, Canadian Turner Construction
Libby is senior project manager, preconstruction manager at Turner Construction. She is responsible for managing the overall project deliverables and leading the project team for the UFV Dining Hall Expansion Project, ensuring the project meets its goals and standards. She has been an education leader in the Vancouver construction industry for the last 18 years. She is a professional engineer and has worked on and led a wide range of projects during pursuits, preconstruction and construction, led many teams as well as working part-time at BCIT.
LIFE MEMBER INDUCTEES
DaveFettback,WesternPacificEnterprises (retired)
Over the past 50 years, Dave has made significant contributions to the electrical construction industry, demonstrating a natural ability as a leader with a reputation for quality work and a genuine regard for others. As president, he was responsible for oversight of Western Pacific’s operations and grew the company significantly under his leadership. Since his retirement, he continues to be involved in a mentorship role.
HERITAGE AWARD
Scott Special Projects, District of West
Vancouver Ferry Building Restoration
Etro Construction, 402 West Pender
Exterior Revitalization
PCL Constructors Westcoast, Vancouver Post Office Redevelopment
YCL EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION
Sam Revel, Pitt Meadows Plumbing
Sam’s leadership at Pitt Meadows Plumbing as the director of industrialized construction has revolutionized the company’s approach to construction projects. His introduction of digital fabrication software, alongside pioneering prefabrication techniques like multi-trade racks and mechanical room skids, has set new industry benchmarks. By integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM), robotics, and automation into PMP’s processes, Sam has significantly improved efficiency, precision, and collaboration across projects. Sam’s innovative contributions to industrialized construction have been widely recognized, earning him the Next Gen Plumbing Award in 2023.
MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Etro Construction, Division 15 Mechanical, and Super Save Group
SUPERIOR SAFETY
Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd.
Flynn Canada Ltd.
Houle Electric Limited
Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd.
North American Construction Ltd.
ZERO FREQUENCY INJURY RATE
Fettback & Heesterman Energy Ltd.
Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd.
Graham Management Services Ltd.
Kiewit Construction Services ULC
Mott Electrical General Partnership
Omicron Construction Ltd.
XRadar BC Inc.
