An extraordinary group of deserving recipients were recognized with Toronto Construction Association (TCA) Best of the Best Awards presented recently, said TCA president and CEO John Mollenhauer.
The 2019 awards were presented at the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Feb. 20 in Toronto The annual awards recognize people, companies and projects that demonstrate excellence in performance in the Toronto construction industry.
“It’s a really exceptional group of people that we have the opportunity to recognize at the awards and AGM. I think it’s nice for others to see who these extraordinary people are,” Mollenhauer told the Daily Commercial News.
The most prestigious award, the Donald P. Giffin Sr. Construction Industry Achievement Award, was presented to Glenn Ackerley, chair of the Construction Practice Group at WeirFoulds LLP.
In his role, Ackerley represents both public and private clients across the construction industry in construction related matters.
“Glenn is a past chair of TCA, a sitting member of CCA (Canadian Construction Association), sits on the executive of the construction section of the Ontario Bar Association and is a member of the expert panel advisory group whose collective efforts culminated in the new and vitally important Ontario Construction Act,” said Mollenhauer.
“I can’t think of anybody that has given more of his time and had a more genuine influence on doing things selflessly for the greater good of the industry than Glenn.”
Ackerley said it’s an honour to receive the Giffin Award.
“I really think it’s important for those of us who work with the industry to get engaged in different ways on boards, associations, working groups, task forces, committees to try and make the industry better. That is certainly my philosophy,” he said.
The Best of the Best Project Achievement Awards were handed out for small, medium and large projects. There was a tie for the small category between Parklane Mechanical Acoustics for a multi-source retrofit noise abatement project and Brook Restoration for the rehabilitation of a concrete stack at the Commissioners Street transfer station. PCL Constructors Canada Inc. won in the medium category for the Royal York Hotel lobby renovation and Toddglen Construction Management Inc. won in the large category with the Residences of 488 University Ave.
“The Best of the Best projects in all categories large, medium and small were truly extraordinary projects with unique challenges that were overcome by really strong teams,” commented Mollenhauer.
The TCIC-Chancellors Award of Excellence was presented to Clint Kissoon of FENAL Estimating Services, who Mollenhauer said “has been a game changer in education” for the TCA.
The Sean P. McKenna Young Construction Leaders Award was presented to Christine Kellowan of Goldman Sloan Nash & Harber LLP.
“She has been awesome,” said Mollenhauer. “She has hosted many of our meetings and she is always the first there and the last to leave. She has been a great asset to the young leaders’ group.”
Blair Davies of Facade Systems Inc. won the Distinguished Volunteer Award.
“His passion and enthusiasm for modernizing and improving the way we look at membership and our value proposition has been enormously appreciated by TCA management and staff,” Mollenhauer stated.
Other winners included Group AGF Inc. which won the Community Leader Award; Giatec Scientific Inc., creator of a wireless concrete sensor, which was given the Innovation Award and Verdi Alliance took home the Trade Contractor Award. The Outstanding Safety Culture Award was a tie between Modern Niagara and Alberici Constructors.
Mollenhauer also honoured three individuals who will be stepping down from the board of directors this year: Joel Baker, SBLR LLP; Paul Boylan, PCL Constructors Canada and Jim Vlahos, general contractors’ section.
“Each of them has made an invaluable contribution,” said Mollenhauer. “We have been very well served having each of them on our board.”
