On June 1st, more than 350 leaders from across Vancouver Island’s development and construction sector gathered under one roof at Crystal Garden in Victoria to celebrate something our industry rarely pauses to do — excellence.

The inaugural Vancouver Island Building Industry (VIBI) Awards marked a historic collaboration between three organizations representing the full spectrum of our built environment: Urban Development Institute – Capital Region (UDI-CR), Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Vancouver Island (CHBAVI)Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)

Together, these associations showcased the depth, innovation, and professionalism that define Vancouver Island’s construction community.

A total of 47 awards were presented, recognizing projects ranging from luxury custom homes and multi-family developments to critical infrastructure, commercial builds, institutional facilities, and civil works.

This was not just an awards ceremony.

It was a statement.

A Unified Industry

For the first time, residential builders, commercial contractors, developers, designers, engineers, and trades were celebrated together reflecting the interconnected nature of our industry.

From single-family homes under 3,000 square feet to multi-million-dollar institutional builds, the VIBI Awards represented every corner of construction on Vancouver Island.

As Rory Kulmala, CEO of VICA, noted: “The inaugural VIBI Awards was a resounding success and a testament to the dedication and excellence of our construction community on Vancouver Island… Together, we are shaping the landscape of Vancouver Island, one project at a time.”

That sentiment resonated throughout the evening.

Excellence Across Sectors

Residential Innovation

The CHBAVI categories celebrated craftsmanship, sustainability, design excellence, and high-performance construction.

Standout winners included:

Icon Developments Ltd. – The Muse (Project of the Year & multiple design awards)

Pheasant Hill Homes – The Eagles Nest Passive House (Best Environmental Initiative & Golden Blower Door)

Pheasant Hill Homes – Cliffside Modern (FortisBC Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award)

LIDA Homes Inc. – Builder and Renovator of the Year

From net zero construction to intricate renovations and award-winning kitchens and bathrooms, the level of detail and quality demonstrated in these projects reinforces Vancouver Island’s reputation for world-class residential construction.

UDI-CR honoured leaders and developments shaping the region’s future.

Highlights included:

Townline – Hudson House (Outstanding Development Overall & Purpose-Built Rental)

Kang & Gill Construction – The Affinity (Outstanding Innovation in Development)

WA Architects – Residence III & IV (Outstanding Mixed-Use Development)

These projects represent thoughtful urban growth, housing diversity, and architectural excellence.

Industrial, Commercial & Institutional Achievement

VICA’s Project Achievement Awards showcased the scale and complexity of projects driving regional infrastructure and economic growth.

Major recognitions included:

EllisDon & Kinetic Construction – University of Victoria Student Housing & Dining (Over $10 Million Category Winner)

Omicron – Seaspan Victoria Shipyards (Outstanding Industrial Development)

PCRE Group – The Commons (Outstanding Commercial/Retail Development)

These builds are not just structures — they are economic engines supporting communities across the Island.

Leadership Beyond Projects

The evening also recognized individual leadership and community impact.

Notable award recipients included:

Mark Holland (Westplan Consulting Group) – Difference Maker of the Year

Tavish Rai (Abstract Developments) – Emerging Leader (U40)

Ann Squires Ferguson (Western Design+Build) – Woman in Construction of the Year

Marwa Daer (EllisDon) – Employee of the Year

These individuals represent the talent, diversity, and next generation of leaders shaping our industry.

A Moment to Reflect

Construction and development are demanding professions. Deadlines are tight. Projects are complex. Market pressures are real.

As CHBAVI’s Kerriann Coady shared during the evening: “As the industry continues to grow and the demand for construction and development services increases, it is events like the VIBI Awards that remind us that despite our busy schedules, we should take time to pause and celebrate our successes.”

The VIBI Awards created that pause.

They reminded us that behind every project are teams of skilled professionals committed to building communities that are functional, beautiful, resilient, and sustainable.

Sponsored by Industry Partners

The 2024 VIBI Awards were proudly sponsored by FortisBC and Concert Properties, whose support reinforces the importance of collaboration between industry and energy partners as we continue advancing performance, sustainability, and innovation.

Looking Ahead

The success of the inaugural VIBI Awards signals something bigger than a single evening.

It reflects:

• A unified construction community
• A commitment to raising performance standards
• A culture of innovation
• A deep pride in the built environment of Vancouver Island

As demand for housing, infrastructure, and commercial space continues to grow, so too does the responsibility of our industry.

If the projects celebrated this year are any indication, Vancouver Island is more than ready.

We build homes.
We build schools.
We build infrastructure.
We build communities.

And now, we celebrate them together.

We look forward to gathering again in 2025.