Leaders in construction: Meet the recipients of CCA’s 2025 National Awards
Presented by Northbridge Insurance, the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) National Awards ceremony was held on March 13, 2026, during the Annual Conference in San Diego, California. From innovation and environmental achievement to community leadership, world-class safety and workforce excellence, the recipients represent the industry’s best and brightest.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions to the Canadian construction industry.
Geoff Smith, CCA 2025 Pinnacle Leader Award – sponsored by PCL Construction
In his final address as President and CEO, Geoff Smith reminded EllisDon employees of a simple truth: when a company is built on openness, trust, and shared accountability to purpose, everyone thrives. For four decades, Geoff Smith has shaped not only one of Canada’s most influential construction companies, but the very definition of leadership.
PCL Construction, CCA 2025 Environmental Achievement Award – sponsored by CHUBB Insurance Company of Canada
George Brown Polytechnic’s Limberlost Place—a 10-storey, net-zero mass timber building on Toronto’s waterfront—required a new approach to construction. As construction manager, PCL Construction played a central role in meeting the project’s ambitious targets for sustainability, safety, and schedule certainty, supporting the development from early preconstruction through to completion.
Orion Construction, CCA 2025 Workforce Excellence Award – sponsored by MNP LLP
At Orion Construction, inclusion isn’t a side initiative—it’s the blueprint. From day one, the company has been intentional about creating a workplace where people feel respected, protected, and heard—on site, in the office, and throughout every stage of their careers.
Honourable mention:
CGI Constructors’ guiding principles – Collaboration, Understand and Deliver, Creativity and Innovation, Strength in Diversity, Honesty and Integrity, Social Responsibility, and Building Partnerships, have created a rewarding and inclusive environment for all, resulting in an honourable mention for a 2025 Workforce Excellence Award.
Vancouver Regional Construction Association, CCA 2025 Partner Association Award – sponsored by Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services
What sets VRCA apart is its evolution into an association built for tomorrow—one that listens to its members, leads with confidence, and delivers results that extend beyond advocacy. By aligning government, industry, workforce development, and public perception under a single, strategic vision, VRCA has demonstrated what it means to be a true partner to the construction community.
Honourable mention:
With significant advocacy wins that directly improved conditions for the construction sector, and its expanding Women in Construction Professional Development Program, congratulations to the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association on its honourable mention for a 2025 Partner Association Award.
Simpson Building Contractors Ltd., CCA 2025 Gold Seal Award – sponsored by Travelers Canada
At Simpson Building Contractors Ltd., Gold Seal Certification is not viewed as a milestone to reach — it’s embedded in how work gets done. It shapes leadership development, project delivery, and the way employees grow their careers, reinforcing a culture grounded in accountability and continuous improvement.
Sara O’Malley, CCA 2025 Young Leader Award – sponsored by McMillan LLP
Over a 14-year career, Sara O’Malley has progressed from student to senior project manager, earning trust not through title, but through performance—delivering challenging projects with clarity, confidence, and care.
Marco Group, CCA 2025 Community Leader Award (1st winner) – sponsored by Marsh Canada Limited
At Marco, community leadership isn’t treated as a side initiative—it’s embedded in how the company operates, leads, and builds. Through a long-term commitment to reconciliation, inclusion, sustainability, and hands-on service, Marco has shown what it means to be a community leader.
Lindsay Shaw and Rebecca Gelech, CCA 2025 Community Leader Award (2nd winner) – sponsored by Marsh Canada Limited
At Ledcor’s Saskatoon operations, Lyndsey Shaw and Rebecca Gelech exemplify what it means to lead with heart. Alongside their work delivering one of the region’s largest healthcare projects, they have built a culture of giving that reaches far beyond the job site.
Honourable mention:
With sustained, volunteer-led initiatives in a wide variety of programs, providing direct community benefit and clear measurable outcomes, CCA was pleased to recognize London and District Construction Association with an honourable mention for a 2025 Community Leader Award.
PCL Construction, CCA 2025 Excellence in Innovation Award (1st winner) – sponsored by Intact Surety
Developed by PCL in close collaboration with self-performing field teams, data specialists, and trade partners, Beeline is a digital construction optimization suite that bridges the gap between engineering and execution. Deployed on its first major projects in 2025, Beeline is already delivering measurable results. Across industrial projects, it optimized 250,000 metres of cable, reduced cable and tray material usage by 6.5 per cent, and accelerated installation by an estimated 38 per cent.
JCB Construction Canada, CCA 2025 Excellence in Innovation Award (2nd winner) – sponsored by Intact Surety
Tasked with modernizing a 28-storey tower in downtown Montréal—JCB didn’t just renovate a façade; they reimagined how complex construction can coexist with city life. JCB led the world-first high-density urban deployment of the Upbrella system for façade refurbishment. Suspended from the roof and fully enclosing the building, it created a climate-controlled, airtight work environment that moved upward as construction progressed—without occupying public space at street level.
Peter Kiewit Sons ULC, CCA 2025 National Safety Award – sponsored by Vipond Inc.
As a leader within national safety organizations, an early adopter of advanced safety helmets, a champion of Craft Voice in Safety, and a contributor to mental health and temporary works standards, through organizations such as the Canadian Construction Safety Council, Kiewit shares what it learns—helping raise expectations across the construction industry.
“This year’s award recipients demonstrate the best of the best of our industry,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA President. “Congratulations to everyone for the recognition of their great achievements.”
The call for nominations for next year’s awards opens this fall.