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INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED FOR BUILDING EXCELLENCE VANCOUVER ISLAND BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS. ISLAND BUILT- ISLAND LIFE
f By Kerriann Coady Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Vancouver Island
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he Vancouver Island Building Excellence Awards, presented by FortisBC, celebrated another year at a distance with a virtual ceremony that was broadcast from Sooke Point Ocean Cottages on May 29, 2021. The VIBE awards celebrate outstanding achievements in residential construction and renovation. No stranger to innovation, the residential construction industry has shown strength and resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects were judged on craftsmanship, environmental considerations and other industry advancements. As we continue to navigate through these times, it is important to stay connected and create space for celebration where we can. The award ceremony opened with Track N' Train—a rock and blues power trio from Tirana with a mission of bringing back good music one track at a time. “The celebration is about more than just a trophy; it is a formal acknowledgement of the exceptional care the industry puts into their projects. It represents their strength in customer service, craftsmanship and innovation. It represents superior techniques and environmental considerations and the impact on the industry.
All of the finalists should be very proud of their accomplishments,” said John Drazic, president of the Canadian Home Builders Association VI. Homes in Victoria were well represented as winners in several categories. The Best Single Family Home over 4,500 square feet went to Horizon Pacific Contracting for Oak Tree Oasis, an ultra-modern, open-concept home that satisfies the evolving family’s needs. This home was built to fit a long, narrow, heavily treed lot with a steep slope and was perfectly positioned to open up to a backyard suited for multiple activities. New entrant this year was Frontera Homes and it took away the trophy for Best Residential Renovation $300,000 and over for its project entitled “Fernwood Net Zero.” This was an inside-and-out, re-imagination of a 1912 Arts and Crafts house with solid bones that was considered a tear down by most potential homebuyers. This heritage restoration merged with green net zero building practices resulted in a highly energy-efficient home that doesn’t compromise on the aesthetic. LIDA Homes Inc. was not only a favourite among the judges but was also the recipient of the 2021 People’s Choice Award. This award was voted on live by the audience at home between the seven highest judge-ranked