The province of Newfoundland and Labrador and one of its homegrown companies achieved a first on Wednesday.
Marco Services Ltd., the company building the $325-million core science facility at Memorial University, was honoured with the Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal Award for the project at its awards ceremony held on Wednesday morning in Banff, Alta.
It is the first Gold Seal Award for a company in this province.
“To get this award is phenomenal news,” Patrick Lafreniere, senior project manager for Marco Group, said Wednesday afternoon.
“This is the first award for Newfoundland and Labrador and the first for Marco.”
Lafreniere said it is a huge project, likely the most epic project of any underway in Atlantic Canada, and to win the award provides recognition to the people who are working on it.
A Gold Seal certification on any project is a big deal.
“I want the public to know Marco’s dedication (shown) by the management and trades people working on this project,” Lafreniere said.
“We are happy to have received the award for the accomplishments of people working for the company.”
The goal of obtaining certification is the exposure it grants the project and the construction industry. It also demonstrates excellence in construction management and underscores the benefit of individuals obtaining their own Gold Seal certification in construction management.
To be considered eligible, a project needs the endorsement and commitment from all stakeholders — in this case MUN, Marco and the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association (NLCA).
“This past year was particularly significant as we joined in launching Newfoundland and Labrador’s first Gold Seal project,” NLCA president and COO Rhonda Neary said while accepting the award from the Canadian Construction Association.
“The Gold Seal project was championed by Marco Group, longtime supporters of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association as well as the Gold Seal program. We are proud to share this award with them today,” she added.
Within Marco Group of Cos., almost three dozen employees are certified, including MUN Core Science Building project manager Lafreniere.
Lareniere says construction of the state-of-the-art 450,000-square-foot facility is on time and on budget. It has yet to hit its construction peak, which should be in about 18 months and will mean close to 450 workers on site.
Gold Seal certification is the highest standard for excellence in the management of construction. It is a nationally recognized certification for project managers, superintendents, estimators, foreman, construction safety co-ordinators and owner’s project managers.
The Canadian Construction Association’s Awards recognize the important contributions of individuals, organizations and projects that promote and enhance the Canadian construction industry, whether through innovation, projects or dedication to the industry.
sam.macneish@thetelegram.com
With files from Kenn Oliver
kenn.oliver@thetelegram.com
