Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The Canadian Construction Association’s National Awards ceremony was held March 14 at the annual conference in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. From innovation and environmental achievement to community leadership, safety and workforce excellence, recipients represent the industry’s “best and brightest”.
Ledcor received three awards – for innovation in the industry, commitment to workforce excellence, and community leadership.
The Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes Lecor’s work to mitigate the numerous risks involved in Coastal GasLink’s steep slope pipeline installation in the Coastal Mountains, and implemented the raise bore methodology which marked a transformative milestone in the construction industry.
It was the first time the raised bore method was used in Canada.
At steep slope three – Icy Pass, the highest altitude point in the project had significant terrain and access limitations. The Ledcor project team determined a trenchless installation method would be the most suitable – the steep slope raised bore.
Traditionally, steep slope installations require open-cut excavations and increase safety risks for workers. By using the raised bore method, Ledcor reduced risk by keeping workers out of steep slope trenches.
The pioneering approach also minimized surface disturbance and improved the quality of pipe installation with welding and coating completed on a level surface.
Learn more about the project by watching this video.
“We are honoured to receive the CCA Excellence in Innovation Award for the groundbreaking work of our pipeline project team in adopting raised bore technology in their industry,” said Quentin Huillery, COO, civil, mining and infrastructure. “This recognition speaks volumes about the typical dedication and ingenuity of the outstanding Ledcor team members.
“Our approach to innovation not only sets new standards but also demonstrates our commitment to pushing boundaries and driving positive change in our industry.”
Ledcor received a Community Leader Award for investing over $24 million in the last decade to more than 200 charities across North America through various initiatives including annual Employee Giving Campaigns to charity events. Employees raised $2.3 million in 2023, with Ledcor matching dollar for dollar.
The Vancouver Island Construction Association also won a Community Leader Award, recognized as a central force addressing substance use and overdose deaths with a groundbreaking toolkit, VICA has been named one of two recipients of CCA’s Community Leader Award!
Other winners include:
Environmental Achievement Award:
Giatec
- recognized for their innovative approach to sustainability. SmartMix is an AI platform that empowers ready-mix concrete producers to analyze data points across their operations efficiently, optimizing mixes for cost, cement usage, and CO2 emissions.
Excellence in Innovation Award:
Ledcor Pipeline Ltd.
- Recognized for Canadian adaption of new methodology for steep slope pipeline installation, Ledcor Pipeline Ltd. was honoured with the 2023 Excellence in Innovation Award.
Gold Seal Award:
Kinetic Construction
- Recognized for ongoing commitment to excellence and education.
National Safety Award:
Graham Group
- Recognized for their outstanding overall approach to and success in the areas of health and safety. Actively Caring is one such example of a Graham program designed to cultivate a culture where people are actively looking out for others with courage and compassion.
Partner Association Award:
Construction Association of Nova Scotia
- Recognized for a continued focus on building a resilient, skilled and innovative future for the construction industry in Nova Scotia through education, advocacy and industry collaboration.
Pinnacle Leader Award:
Dave Filipchuk
- Recognized for his achievements are reflected not only in his firm’s success and growth, but also in his leadership, dedication to excellence, and community contributions, which position him as an exceptional leader, partner and example to all.
Workforce Excellence Award:
Ledcor Group of Companies
- Recognized for ongoing efforts to continuously improve upon their employees’ experiences, and their commitment to a diverse and equitable workplace. Ledcor uses the phrase “True Blue” to describe its values-driven approach.
Young Leader Award:
Ryan Davis
Recognized for his dedication to continuing education and his community spirit.
- Today’s recipients are raising the bar for the industry. Congratulations to all who were recognized for their outstanding achievements.
The call for nominations for next year’s awards opens this summer.