Submissions Due January 4th, 2027 at 4:00pm

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Award Categories References

The GVCA Building Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding projects, craftsmanship, and innovation of our member companies. This is your opportunity to showcase your team's hard work, demonstrate your expertise, and gain recognition among industry leaders.

Whether you're submitting for an Award of Excellence or one of our Recognition Awards, this submission guide will help you prepare everything you need. You'll find the information required to complete your entry, gather project details, and recognize the people and organizations that contributed to your success.

Award Categories

Industrial

  • Warehouse
  • Assembly
  • Industrial tool & supplies
  • Manufacturing
  • Power generating
  • Mining
  • Recycle plant
  • Waste treatment
  • Industrial strip mall

Commercial

  • Arena
  • Auditorium
  • Golf course clubhouse
  • Recreation
  • Call centre
  • Bank
  • Department store
  • Retail store
  • Supermarket
  • Professional office
  • Funeral Home
  • Garage/Commercial/
  • Parking
  • Hotel/Motel
  • Low rise / High rise office
  • Restaurant
  • Theatre

Institutional

  • Apartment
  • Church
  • College/school
  • Community centre
  • Court house
  • Dormitory
  • Fire station
  • Gymnasium
  • HospitalAssisted living centre
  • (Retirement home)
  • Long term care facility
  • Jail - Custodial facility
  • Library
  • Police station
  • Post office
  • Town hall

Restoration/Conversion

Re-use of a building that makes a profound contribution to a neighbourhood's character, diversity and sense of identity.

Innovation & Sustainability

Advances in construction methodology, technology or practices yield greater productivity.

Community Leader

Someone that creates a positive change in the community, and for the industry.

Women Empowerment

Honoring the trailblazers who empower and inspire women in the construction industry, the 2025 Women  Empowerment Award celebrates excellence and leadership.

Skilled Trades

Recognizing exceptional workers in skilled trades, this award celebrates those who lead with expertise and
inspire future generations.

Submit Nomination

Submission Guidelines

Before you begin your online submission, please review the following information to ensure your entry is complete and eligible.

Judging Criteria

All project submissions are evaluated using a comprehensive point-based scoring system by the Building Excellence Awards Adjudication Committee. To give your project the best opportunity for success, provide detailed, accurate, and complete information about your project, team, and achievements.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2027 Building Excellence Awards:

  • The submission must be made by a General/Prime Contractor that is a GVCA member in good standing.
  • Projects may be located anywhere—there are no geographic restrictions.
  • Eligible projects must have achieved Substantial Performance between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026.

Awards Process

All submissions will be reviewed by the Building Excellence Awards Adjudication Committee. The committee's decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

If the committee determines that no submission in a category meets the required standard of excellence, an award may not be presented in that category.

Awards Gala

Winners will be announced and celebrated at the GVCA Building Excellence Awards Gala at Bingemans in Kitchener, where industry leaders come together to recognize outstanding achievement in construction.

The deadline for submissions is January 04, 2027 at 4:00PM

PROJECT SUBMISSIONS

Step 01 Step 02 Step 03 Step 04
Submitters Information Required Project Category - Choose One Dollar Value Categories - Choose One Project Narrative
  • Project Name
  • General Contractor
  • Address
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Full Name
  • Position
  • Email Address
  • Industrial
  • Commercial
  • Institutional
 Dollar Value Categories - Choose One Provide a description of the project scope that explains type of construction, size of the project, contract value, schedule and duration of project.
Step 05 Step 06 Step 07 Step 08
Customer/Trade Satisfaction (20 Points) GVCA Trade Loyalty & Qualifications (20 Points) Quality of Work, Complexity of Project (30 Points) Project Management and Execution (30 Points)
  • Tell us about your satisfied customer, and the relationship with your subcontractors/suppliers.
  • Consultant / Architect
  • Financier
  • Owner
  • Subtrade
  • Supplier / Manufacturer
 Describe the process used to calling bids and awarding contracts to GVCA member trade contractors,
manufacturers and suppliers.		 Describe the complexities of the project along with methods used to overcome obstacles. Highlight outstanding aspects of exemplary workmanship and attention to detail. Include any innovative construction techniques. Tell us about the leadership your firm provided. Describe your personnel management. Do you invest in your
employees’ professional development? Tell us about your quality control procedures, your scheduling methods
and value engineering.
Step 09      
Photographs      
Submit between three and ten photographs for each project. Please include a brief caption for each photo.
You are responsible for obtaining the rights to reproduce all images.
NOTE: At least one photograph MUST be of the façade of the building and it MUST be high-resolution.

 

RESTORATION / CONVERSION

This is a team award for the restoration/conversion or adaptive re-use of a building that makes a profound contribution to a neighbourhoods’ character, diversity and sense of identity. There is no dollar limit on the cost of the project and this submission does not need to be completed by the General Contractor. If you worked on the project in any aspect, and feel it is worthy of an award, please complete the online form. You can even submit your own company!

All submissions must be from current members in good standing with the Grand Valley Construction Association.

There are no geographic restrictions.

 

Step 01 Step 02 Step 03 Step 04
Submitters Information Required What Role Your Company Played in the Renovation/Conversion Project Narrative Project Team
  • Project Name
  • General Contractor
  • Address
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Full Name
  • Position
  • Email Address
  • Prime Contractor / Architect
  • Financier
  • Owner
  • Subtrade
  • Supplier / Manufacturer
 Provide a description of the project scope
that explains type of construction, size of
the project, contract value, schedule and
duration of project.		 Provide a spreadsheet that lists the names and contact details (phone number, location and email address) of ALL contractors, subtrades, suppliers and product manufacturers involved on the project (If they are not members, encourage them to join the GVCA by January 10, 2027)
Step 05  
Photographs  
Submit between three and Ten photographs for each project. Please include a brief caption for each photo You are responsible for obtaining the rights to reproduce
all images. NOTE: At least one photograph MUST be of the façade
of the building and it MUST be high-resolution

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY

This category recognizes innovative processes, practices, and/or products that demonstrate leadership in sustainability and forward-thinking construction solutions.

Companies of all sizes are eligible to submit a project in this category.

Step 01 Step 02 Step 03 Step 04
Submitters Information Required Category That Best Describes This Company (Choose One) Narrative Photographs
  • Project Name
  • General Contractor
  • Address
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Full Name
  • Position
  • Email Address
  • Designer
  • Supplier / Manufacturer
  • Subtrade
  • General Contractor
 Tell us about this innovation/sustainability project. Why do you believe the company you are nominating is eligible
for this award?
What innovative/sustainable solutions were incorporated into this project?
Did this innovation/sustainability add value through material and or labour savings?
Did the innovation/sustainability solution have a positive impact on the environment?
Was a unique problem solved?
Describe what methodology and/or process was used that is transferrable to other situations to improve productivity.
Please provide detailed information so the judges can make accurate and informed decisions.		 Submit 3 to 10 photographs of this project. Please include a brief caption for each photo. Note that you are responsible
for obtaining the rights to reproduce all images.

 

COMMUNITY LEADER

The Community Leader award can be given to an individual or a company. If the company culture or  individual promotes diversity in the workplace and/or gives back to the community in meaningful ways, it is recognized as a Community Leader and a winner!
All submissions must be from current members in good standing with the Grand Valley Construction Association.
There are no geographic restrictions.

Step 01 Step 02  Step 03
Submitters Information Required Narrative Photographs
  • Project Name
  • General Contractor
  • Address
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Full Name
  • Position
  • Email Address
 Tell us about this company. Why do you believe it is eligible for this award?
How does it promote diversity in the workplace?
This can relate to gender, religion, race, ethnicity, or LGTBQ.
How is this company involved in the community?
Do its employees join in walks, support kids’ sports teams and donate to those less fortunate?
Does its team do Acts of Kindness on a regular basis?		 Submit  high-resolution logos/photos for the company in jpg format. Note that you are responsible for obtaining the
rights to reproduce all images.

 

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AWARD

The Women Empowerment Award honors visionary leaders who are making a significant impact on the
construction industry by championing gender equality and empowering women in the field. This award celebrates individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, advancing women's roles in construction, and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in the industry. It serves as a powerful recognition of those who are not just breaking barriers but are also paving the way for lasting change.

Step 01 Step 02 Step 03
Submitters Information Required Narrative Photographs
  • Project Name
  • General Contractor
  • Address
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Full Name
  • Position
  • Email Address
 Explain why your nominee is a deserving recipient of the Women in Construction Award. Highlight their specific contributions to the construction industry, their influence on enhancing women's roles within the industry in the
Waterloo Region, and share examples of how they have inspired and mentored other women.
Include a list of any awards, certifications, or other forms of recognition your nominee has received that demonstrate
their dedication to supporting women in construction. Additionally, provide any relevant information that showcases
their leadership and advocacy efforts within the industry.		 Submit high-resolution images of the nominee and images that support their contributions in the industry.
Note that you are responsible for obtaining the rights to reproduce all images.

 

SKILLED TRADES

The Skilled Trades of the Year - This award honors a tradesperson who has made significant contributions to the construction industry. Recognizing exceptional skill, precision, and dedication, it celebrates those who have mastered their trade, consistently deliver high-quality work, and set industry standards. The recipient is a role model for peers and apprentices, embodying excellence and professionalism.

Step 01 Step 02 Step 03
Submitters Information Required Description or Biography List Any Awards, Certifications, or Important Information to Support Their Nomination
  • Project Name
  • General Contractor
  • Address
  • City
  • Province
  • Postal Code
  • Phone
  • Full Name
  • Position
  • Email Address
 Provide a brief description or biography of your nominee that highlights their experience, key achievements, and contributions to the skilled trades industry. Focus on their expertise, the quality of their work, any  innovations or best practices they have introduced, and their role in mentoring others. Additionally, mention how they have  demonstrated leadership, set industry standards, or made a significant impact in their field. Keep the description concise, emphasizing the qualities that make them stand out as an exceptional tradesperson. Include relevant industry credentials, safety certifications, or specialized training that demonstrate their expertise.
Also, mention any professional affiliations, leadership roles, or community involvement that further support their nomination. If applicable, include project highlights, testimonials, or media coverage that showcase their impact and contributions to the construction industry.

 

The deadline for submissions is January 04, 2027 at 4:00PM