A rail maintenance facility, a CN Tower observation level renovation and a studio warehouse conversion were among the recipients of the Toronto Construction Association’s (TCA) Best of the Best Awards for 2018.
Celebrated during the association’s Annual General Meeting on Feb. 21 at Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke, Ont., the awards honour people, companies and projects that demonstrate excellence in performance in the industry. 2019 marks the TCA’s 21st year offering the prestigious awards.
“Tonight we celebrated some of the best of the best and we do that with pride,” John Mollehauer, president of the TCA, told the packed house. “There are some extraordinary contractors in our local Toronto market, some of the best I think in the world and it’s nice to see them get the recognition they deserve.”
Entries are judged by the TCA’s Nominations and Awards Committee, which includes the chairman of the board, immediate past chairman, vice chairman — finance, and three other most recent chairmen of the board.
The TCA 2018 Distinguished Volunteer Award winner was Sophia Sestito, from McIntosh Perry, a dedicated volunteer and outstanding individual, said Mollenhauer, as he presented her with the award.
The Sean P. McKenna Young Construction Leaders Award, named in honour of the late McKenna, who was the TCA’s legal counsel for 10 years and a founding member of the TCA’s Young Construction Leaders, was given to Nicole Bigioni of Blackstone Paving and Construction.
“It is fitting that the Sean P. McKenna Young Construction Leaders Award be presented to an YCL member who distinguishes themselves through outstanding leadership,” explained Mollenhauer.
Jeff Murva, president of FirstCon Group, received The Toronto Institute of Canada (TCIC) — Chancellor’s Award of Excellence, which is presented to recipients who have advanced construction education and provide leadership in advancing the TCIC.
The project achievement awards, Mollenhauer explained, are awards acknowledging prime contractors and their project teams who have completed extraordinary projects and demonstrated outstanding leadership and business practices.
The winner of the Project Achievement Award in the large category was the Whitby Rail Maintenance Facility, a joint project by Bird Construction and Kiewit. The CN Tower Observation Level Renovation, a project by PCL Constructors Canada, won the medium category project achievement award and the Lynx Music — Studio Warehouse Conversion project by Gillam Group won in the small project category.
Benson Steel Limited was the recipient of the Trade Contractors Award, which recognizes a TCA member who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and superior business practices.
Bothwell-Accurate won the Outstanding Safety Culture Award, presented for leadership, performance and significant contributions to advancing construction safety.
The 2018 Innovation Award for a unique adaptation or approach of a product process, technology or technique was presented to Modu-Loc Fence Rentals for the Engineered Fence on Jersey Barrier System.
Siemens Canada Limited was awarded the Green Building Culture Award, presented annually to the company that best demonstrates a corporate green building “culture” in terms of how they conduct their day-to-day business.
Walsh Canada won the Community Leader Award which is given to people/organizations who seek to make a genuine difference in their community by contributing their time and resources for the betterment of local neighbourhoods.
“Walsh Canada is committed to investing in the communities they help build, from participating in local sporting events to working with Habitat for Humanity to building homes, they are dedicated to giving back to enhance the future for others,” said Mollenhauer.
The Donald P. Giffin Construction Industry Achievement Award recipient was Matt Ainley.
Ainley is a construction executive and consultant with 37 years experience in the Canadian institutional, commercial and industrial general contracting market.
“The recipient of this award is distinguished by the exemplary dedication and leadership they have shown in pursuing the construction industry’s common goals and interests,” said Mollenhauer. “For the record, the Donald P. Giffin award is among the most prestigious construction industry awards and the list of former recipients literally reads like an industry who’s who.”
Over the years, Ainley worked for Bird Construction, Carillion Canada and Vanbots Construction Corporation. He currently represents the Ontario General Contractors Association on the Attorney General’s Lien Reform Act Committee in Ontario and is the chair of the General Contractors Alliance of Canada. He was also a member of the expert advisory that led to the new Ontario Construction Act.
Lee Baker of Historia Building Restoration and Richard Brightling of Jigsaw Marketing were recognized with the Directors’ Honour Roll award, which is given to those board members who have provided exceptional and distinguished service and leadership to the TCA and the industry and who are retiring from active service on the board.
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