Grand Valley Construction Association recognizes building excellence

The Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) has recognized the best in construction in the region with presentation of its 2012 Building Excellence Awards. It represents firms in and near Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, Ontario.

A total of 27 awards of excellence and merit were handed out in multiple categories. In addition to the construction firms, about 200 consultants, subtrades and suppliers were honoured. The GVCA represents 670 firms.

“We don’t just honour the individual construction firms,” says GVCA President Martha George.

“Modern construction is complex and successful projects become successes because of teamwork and the sharing of expertise.

“Our association is fortunate to have such a forward-thinking membership that believes in innovation and collaboration.”

The awards are presented every two years.

Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. was the big winner of the night taking home a total 10 awards. Ball Construction Ltd., another major player in the GVCA area, garnered four awards.

A special GVCA “game changer” award was given to Zehr Levesque Inc. for its restoration/renovation of The Tannery District. This landmark building was once the largest tannery in the British Empire and has been reborn as a high-tech hub that has undergone a digital renaissance.

Home to such powerhouses as Google and Desire2Learn, as well as the region’s vibrant Communitech organization and a host of smaller start-up and established firms, this project has exemplified the re-invigoration of the city of Kitchener, says GVCA chair Scott Buck.

In all, 14 awards of excellence as well as a restoration achievement award were handed out at an April 20 gala in Kitchener. Winners were:

HSBC uptown Waterloo

(Commercial under $2 million)

Stahle Construction Inc. Located on a triangular lot at one of the city’s busiest intersections, the HSBC financial building acts as a gateway to uptown Waterloo.

Conestoga College Roofing Centre

(Institutional under $2 million)

Collaborative Structures Ltd. The 12,400-square-foot skills training centre at the college’s Waterloo campus features two spacious classroom areas, a large shop area, and an outdoor, canopied project work area.

Greentec facility expansion 2009

(Industrial under $2 million)

Collaborative Structures Ltd. The expansion, undertaken for the Waterloo Region e-waste recycler, allowed the company to expand its Cambridge electronics recycling operations.

The Athletic Club

(Commercial $2 million to $10 million)

Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. The 65,000-square-foot Waterloo building includes a multi-purpose gymnasium, six fitness studios and an aquatic centre as well as a glass skylight-covered studio with an open glass wall that allows for open-air workouts.

Grand River Foods-new addition

(Industrial $2 million to $10 million)

Ball Construction Ltd. The 28,000-square-foot addition was the third to be undertaken by Ball at the Cambridge processing plant, a Canadian Food Inspection Agency-registered facility.

Family & Children’s Services in Kitchener

(Institutional $2 million to $10 million)

Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. The 61,000-square-foot project transformed an industrial building into a multi-purpose community hub.

Waterloo North Hydro

(Industrial $10 million to $20 million)

Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. The 105,000-square-foot building houses administrative offices, truck and van garages and the main service centre for the public utility. Built to LEED Silver standards, the facility also includes a geothermal heating and cooling system and a 40,000 litre rain water harvesting system.

The Langs Farm Village Association

(Institutional $10 million to $20 million)

Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. The 58,000-square-foot Cambridge building hosts a variety of community services under one roof. The focal point is a two-storey central atrium that boasts a green wall. The project was completed within a tight, 12-month timeframe in order to comply with infrastructure funding requirements.

Charles & Benton parking garage

(Commercial $10-$20 million)

Melloul-Blamey Construction Inc. The six-storey, 500-space facility is intended to help meet the growing demand for parking in downtown Kitchener.

Considered attractive as well as functional, the garage was constructed above ground.

Milton sports centre expansion

(Commercial over $20 million)

Ball Construction Ltd. The project features two NHL-sized ice rinks, gymnasium, a lap and leisure pool, dance studio and administrative offices.

The original centre remained open to the public during construction.

Perimeter Institute for

Theoretical Physics expansion

(Institutional over $20 million)

Ball Construction Ltd. Designed to achieve LEED Silver, the 55,000-square-foot Stephen Hawking Centre more than doubles the institute’s individual research spaces, interaction areas, formal presentation spaces and training facilities.

The four-storey addition was also the province’s first Gold Seal designated project.

Guelph organic waste processing facility

(Industrial more than $20 million)

Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. The facility uses aerobic, in-vessel composting technology which uses less energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than transporting organic waste long distances for processing.

The plant is designed to process 30,000 tonnes of organic material annually. The facility was the province’s 4th Gold Seal designated project.

Ball Construction office

(Conversion)

Ball Construction Ltd. A 46-year-old building on Shirley Avenue in Kitchener was converted into a 29,000-square-foot office and warehouse.

Kingsdale Community Centre

(Environmental Achievement)

Nith Valley Construction (2008) Ltd. A Kitchener arena was converted into an energy-efficient, LEED Gold community centre that houses a full-size gym, community rooms, daycare centre, full-service kitchen and administrative offices.

Cambridge historic city hall Phase 2

(Restoration achievement)

PM Contracting Ltd. Renovation and restoration of the 150-year-old building included rebuilding wood windows, installing new stairs, and refurbishing masonry work.