BC’s construction industry recognized the BC Hydro Bridge River Townsite Redevelopment project in Shalalth in the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s Awards of Excellence.
The President’s Trade Award was won by Coastal Mountain Excavations Ltd. for its work on the site. The Sustainable Construction Award was won by PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
The event recognizes top contractors from around the region.
From the silver winners, which were chosen based on their use of innovative techniques, new materials or exceptional project management, the gold winners will be announced Oct. 17 in Vancouver.
“The Silver Award winners are true leaders in the industry,” said Keith Sashaw, president of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association. “They all represent companies that were able to bring projects of the highest caliber in on time and on budget.”
Phase 1 of the townsite redevelopment began Apr. 25, 2011 and ran until Dec. 22. Phase 2 began May 22 of this year and was completed on June 28.
The project involved construction of 10 new 2,400 square foot quadraplex housing units – 40 units in total. Each unit consists of one bedroom, one bathroom and a kitchen/dining / living area. PCL also constructed a new “family” house at the site and various utility buildings.
“Redevelopment of the infrastructure was a major component of this project and all utility services were completely replaced – electricity, domestic water, fire water, sanitary, and phones, as well as the road infrastructure,” said PCL communication specialist Jane McDonald. “Not only did we have to replace the services, we also had to provide the well equipment, reservoirs, water treatment plant and the waste water collection and treatment facility and associated equipment. These new utilities were then extended under the live CN rail line into the two operating generating stations and workshops.”
McDonald added that while the project was not large in value,” it is a unique project in terms of its location and project goals which stretch the accepted construction boundaries.
“Not only was the project targeted for LEED Platinum, we also had to achieve the (sometimes conflicting) standards of R2000 and CAHBC Builtgreen programs which also promote the design and construction of high-performance green homes.”
The total number of entrants and projects considered in this year’s competition is up over last year, rising from 218 entrants and 43 projects in 2011 to 267 entrants and 67 projects in this year’s competition.
The competition has been held for 24 years.
