The Victoria Residential Builders Association (VRBA) returned to the Fairmont Empress Hotel to announce the Gold winners for the 2021 Construction Achievements and Renovations of Excellence (CARE) Awards of Vancouver Island on Saturday, November 13.
The 30th Anniversary CARE Awards showcased 41 categories hosted by CFAX’s Al Ferraby and attended by 150 finalists, co-workers, friends and family. You can still view the announcement of winners and their projects online.
Highlights of the evening included Project of the Year – Single Family awarded to Novus Properties, Jenny Martin Design and Zebra Design for Magnolia Lane. Project of the Year – Multi-Family went to Abstract Developments for Bowker Collection. The popular People’s Choice Award was won by Christopher Developments for Fisgard Beach House. Bob Gill, Pacific Concept Developments won VRBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his many contributions to the community and industry.
“Congratulations to all of the Gold CARE Award winners and finalists for their outstanding projects,” says Norm Verbrugge, chair of the 2021 CARE Awards and VRBA president. “A special thank-you to our sponsors, including Al Ferraby, CFAX/CTV Vancouver Island for their strong support, as well as the Fairmont Empress Hotel for their excellent work managing health and safety.”
In addition to celebrating the CARE Awards, the VRBA also advocates for professionalism, education, consumer protection and housing affordability. Incorporated as a non-profit in 1940, the association is comprised of 180 builders, renovators, designers, trades and suppliers.
“We are at the forefront of housing research and policy development,” says Verbrugge. “VRBA successfully advocated for mandatory education and training for builders resulting in B.C.’s present builder licencing system. We continue to advocate for a renovation rebate to improve seismic safety for older homes on the West Coast where a major earthquake is a certainty.”
VRBA Executive Director Casey Edge adds a renovation rebate would also address asbestos mitigation, since past governments approved asbestos in many materials such as insulation, which now must be removed during renovations and which cost homeowners thousands of dollars.
“The government has an ethical obligation to assist consumers with removal of a toxic material they approved and even subsidized through the Canadian Home Insulation Program,” says Edge.
VRBA supports housing affordability and energy efficiency, (achieved responsibly by Built Green Canada through research and proven practice) demonstrated by CARE Awards for Excellence in Housing Affordability, Best Entry Level Market Home, and Green Builder of the Year.
“In addition to fabulous dream homes, there are more affordable Gold-winning projects and subdivisions designed for young families,” says Edge. “All have substantially more comfort, health and safety compared to an unrenovated older home.”
If you are thinking about renovating your home, the CARE Awards offer gold-winning ideas on their website. VRBA’s popular online Expression of Interest form also lets you submit a request for a new home or renovation and get quotes from VRBA’s contractors, many of whom are CARE Award winners.
Edge emphasizes diligence when hiring any contractor, including getting several quotes and references, as well as a fair and balanced contract, which VRBA provides to their members.
2021 CARE Awards Sponsors:
Gold: BC Housing; BCCA Employee Benefit Trust; Built Green Canada; FortisBC; Hourigan’s Flooring; McLaren Properties Ltd.; Slegg Building Materials; Travelers Insurance Company of Canada; Victoria Real Estate Board.
Silver: Coast Capital Savings; Trail Appliances.
Bronze: Aviva; National Home Warranty; Mike Geric Construction.
Media: CFAX/CTV; Times Colonist.
To learn more about VRBA, visit www.vrba.ca.
