Victoria High School won the Judges’ Choice Best Overall Entry. Left to right are: Brittany Allen, Dallas Miles, Devon Kray, Zoe Mitchell.
VICTORIA – Victoria High School won the Judges’ Choice Best Overall Entry in the 34th annual Capital Region Commercial Building Awards held Thursday night at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort, presented by Ply Gem Canada.
Victoria High School, at 1260 Grant Street, was also named the Award of Excellence winner in the Community Institutional category, sponsored by Ellis Don.
A total of 61 projects and companies from Sooke to Sidney were finalists in the event, which celebrated the best in commercial, industrial and revenue producing properties completed between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
Gold Sponsors of the event were MNP, RE/Max Commercial Camosun, FLT and DHK Architects. Category sponsors were: Western Financial Group & Western Coast Insurance, Viking Group, IWCD, RBC, Orion Construction, Compass Electric, Barker Textured Woodcraft, Ellis Don, Heart Wealth Management Group of Raymond James, NAI Commercial Victoria and Safety First Consulting. Media & Engagement Sponsor was Yellow Sheet Construction Data.
Victoria High School was developed by School District 61, with Durwest Construction Inc. the General Contractor and HDR the Architect.
This project involved selective demolition of the building’s interior core to allow for the installation of seismic reinforcing to the existing structural elements. A combination of concrete shear walls, steel beams and drag struts, and concrete foundation pads & footings were used to connect new and old structural elements together. The existing facility also received one large addition which added a new two story structure.
It was also a big night for Finlayson Bonet Architecture, which was named Architect of the Year, sponsored by Ply Gem Canada. They were the architect for five projects: Changing Places, Centennial Park Multi-Sport Box, Aerth Saunas, Harbour Haven Development and Marina and The Arnote.
Commercial Electrician Company of the Year, sponsored by Safety First Consulting, was Compass Electric. Developer of the Year, sponsored by dHK Architects, was Starlight Investments, Engineer of the Year, sponsored by IWCD was Herold Engineering and the General Contractor of the Year Award, sponsored by FLT, was Verity Construction.
Master of Ceremonies was John MacDonald, President of the Business Examiner News Group, which produced the event.
Award of Excellence category winners were:
Affordable Housing Award of Excellence, sponsored by Yellow Sheet Construction Data, went to the Crosstown Affordable Housing Development.
Affordable Housing, sponsored by Yellow Sheet Construction Data.
Crosstown Affordable Housing Development, 584 Burnside Road East, Victoria.
Developer: Victoria Cool Aid Society, General Contractor: TL Housing Solutions, Architect: Lowe Hammond Rowe Architects.
This transforms an underutilized site in Victoria’s Burnside-Gorge neighbourhood into a vibrant, inclusive, and people-oriented hub. Replacing a deteriorating motel, restaurant, and surface parking, the project strengthens the fabric of a neighbourhood characterized by mixed commercial uses and single-family homes. Delivering 154 much needed new homes, including 54 supportive, 96 affordable rental, and 4 work-live units.
The Lions at Fleming won the Award of Excellence in the Green & Sustainability category, sponsored by Viking Group.
Green & Sustainability, sponsored by Viking Group.
The Lions at Fleming, 874 Fleming Street, Esquimalt.
Developer/Owner: Greater Victoria Housing Society, General Contractor: Farmer Construction Ltd., Architect: Lowe Hammond Rowe Architects, Electrical Contractor: Amped Electrical Contracting.
The Lions at Fleming provides 137 new, affordable homes in Esquimalt, offering a solution to the region’s housing needs. Developed for the Greater Victoria Housing Society, this project transforms the outdated, 77-unit Esquimalt Lions Lodge into a vital, modern amenity for families and seniors. With its strategic L-shaped massing, the building is nestled into a challenging, steep site, maximizing natural light and capitalizing on
views.
The Rosemead Hotel at 429 Lampson Street, Esquimalt, won the Hospitality & Tourism Award of Excellence, sponsored by Barker Textured Woodcraft.
Hospitality & Tourism, sponsored by Barker Textured Woodcraft.
The Rosemead Hotel, 429 Lampson Street, Esquimalt
Owner/Developer/General Contractor: Aragon, Architect: Lovick Scott Architects Ltd., Electrical Contractor: Griffin Electric.
The Rosemead Hotel and English Inn restoration in Esquimalt was a once-in-a-lifetime project that blended history, teamwork, and problem-solving. Built in 1908, the property had incredible character but needed a full electrical overhaul to meet today’s standards. Grifflyn Electric was brought on to modernize the entire electrical system while preserving the building’s heritage charm.
King Auto Sales at 3035 Leigh Road #101, Langford, won the Award of Excellence in the Industrial category, sponsored by RBC.
Industrial, sponsored by RBC.
King Auto Sales, 3035 Leigh Road #101, Langford
Owner/Developer: Oakcrest Park Estates Ltd., General Contractor: Story Construction, Architect: STUDIO 531 Architects Inc., Electrical Contractor: Allied Power & Communication Ltd.
The Henry Eng Business Park project brings together two complementary yet distinct functions—a used auto sales showroom and an auto repair facility— into one cohesive and flexible commercial building. Developed by Oakcrest Park Estates for King Auto Sales and Affordable Auto Repairs, the project’s vision was to create a high-quality, durable, and energy-efficient facility that supports both day-to-day business operations and long-term adaptability.
Harbour Haven Development and Marina at 2270 Harbour Road in Sidney, won the Award of Excellence in the Mised-Use category, sponsored by Heart Wealth Management Group of Raymond James.
Mixed Use, sponsored by Heart Wealth Management Group of Raymond James.
Harbour Haven Development and Marina, 2270 Harbour Road, Sidney
Owner/Developer/General Contractor: Cube Project, Architect: Finlayson Bonet Architecture.
The Harbour Road Development is a distinctive mixed use project that captures the spirit of its marine industrial setting. Facing the ocean, the development combines residential, commercial, and storage functions into a cohesive, contemporary composition. The project includes two high-end residential units, four commercial spaces, and 130 mini-storage units.
Winster Court, 205-774 Goldstream Avenue, Langford Multi-Family Condominium – Impact, sponsored by Compass Electric.
Multi-Family Condominium – Impact, sponsored by Compass Electric.
Winster Court, 205-774 Goldstream Avenue, Langford.
Owner/Developer/General Contractor: Viking Properties, Architect: Alan Lowe Architect Inc., Electrical Contractor: Victoria Amped Electrical Contracting.
Winster Court is a thoughtfully designed residential development located in the heart of Langford, created with the vision of delivering attainable, high-quality homes that blend comfort, sustainability, and community. From the beginning of the project, Winster Court was designed to create more than just a building—it was to build a community where residents could thrive.
Bella Vista at 2515 Hackett Crescent, Saanichton, won Multi-Family Condominium – Visionary, sponsored by MNP.
Multi-Family Condominium – Visionary, sponsored by MNP.
Bella Vista, 2515 Hackett Crescent, Saanichton.
Owner/Developer: Starlight Investments, General Contractor: IWCD, Architect: NORR, Electrical Contractor: Arrm Electric.
Nestled in the heart of the Marigold neighbourhood, Bella Vista is a purpose-built rental community that exemplifies thoughtful design, livability, and connection to its surroundings. Designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s renters, Bella Vista offers a perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and modern style. Each home features efficient floor plans, quality finishes, and abundant natural light to create inviting, enduring living spaces.
Bella Vista at 2515 Hackett Crescent, Saanichton, won the Award of Excellence in Multi-Family Condominium – Visionary, sponsored by MNP.
Multi-Family Town Home, sponsored by RE/MAX Commercial Camosun.
1224 Richardson, 1224 Richardson Street, Victoria.
Owner/Developer: 1224 Richardson Property Corp., General Contractor: Knappett Projects Inc., Architect: Christine Lintott Architects Inc., General Contractor: Compass Electric Ltd.
The Beachlands Experience Centre at 298 Beachlands Boulevard, Victoria, won the Award of Excellence in Office, sponsored by Western Financial Group and West Coast Insurance.
Office, sponsored by Western Financial Group and West Coast Insurance.
The Beachlands Experience Centre, 298 Beachlands Boulevard, Victoria.
Owner/Developer: Seacliff Properties & Reliance Properties (RPSP Beach Front Development Manager Ltd.), General Contractor: Verity Construction, Architect: OMB, Electrical Contractor: Mazzei Electric.
This project serves as the gateway to The Beachlands – a new master planned seaside community in Colwood. Positioned between Beachlands Park and the city’s growing commercial corridor, the building was envisioned as a functional and flexible space that would introduce the community’s vision and design standards while establishing a welcoming public presence overlooking the waterfront.
565 Residences at 565 Toronto Street, Victoria, won the Purpose Built Rental Award of Excellence, sponsored by Orion Construction.
Purpose Built Rental, sponsored by Orion Construction.
565 Residences, 565 Toronto Street, Victoria.
Owner/Developer: Parry Street Developments Ltd., General Contractor: Homewood Constructors Ltd., Architect: dHK Architects, Electrical Contractor: Pre Electric Inc.
4 storey, 24 rental units, wood frame building over 1 storey underground parkade. obstacle: long BP approval process (over 16 months from 1st submission till issued). challenge: zero lot line excavation, and rock formations at ramp down. Includes a community garden with tool shed.
Union Architecture Expansion at 315-2840 Peatt Road, Langford, won Renovation & Tenant Improvements Award of Excellence, sponsored by NAI Commercial (Victoria) Inc.
Renovation & Tenant Improvements, sponsored by NAI Commercial (Victoria) Inc.
Union Architecture Expansion, 315-2840 Peatt Road, Langford.
Owner/Developer/General Contractor: Union Architecture Inc., Architect: Rob Pringle, Electrical Contractor: Nichol Electric.
Shortly after the completion of Union Architecture’s office last year, rapid growth within the firm necessitated expansion. The firm leased the neighbouring available space allowing them to take the SW Corner the floor. The additional space allowed for more enclosed offices for senior staff as well as a much need meeting room. Transparency and natural light guided every design decision.
Awards of Merit (Runner-up):
Affordable Housing, sponsored by Yellow Sheet Construction Data.
Michigan Square Affordable Housing at 330 Michigan Street in Victoria. General Contractor was Durwest, Architect: dHK Architects, and Electrical Contractor: Mazzei Electric.
Community Institutional, sponsored by Ellis Don.
Centennial Park Multi-Sport Box at 1785 Hovey Road in Saanichton. Owner is Capital Regional District, General Contractor was Casman, Architect: Finlayson Bonet Architecture.
Mixed Use, sponsored by Heart Wealth Management Group of Raymond James.
Journal in Jubilee at 693 Fort Street, Victoria
Owner/Developer/General Contractor: Aryze Developments, Architect: DAU Studio, Electrical Contractor: Denmar Electric.
Multi-Family Condominium – Visionary, sponsored by MNP.
Pacific House at 899 Esquimalt Road, Esquimalt
Owner/Developer: Lexi Development Group, General Contractor: Lexi Group, Architect: Farzin Yadegari Arch, Electrical Contractor: Ani tech.
Office, sponsored by Western Financial Group and West Coast Insurance.
Special Purpose Commercial Building at 2832 Bryn Maur Road, Langford
Owner/Developer: City of Langford, General Contractor: Story Construction, Architect: WA Architects Ltd., Electrical Contractor: CBS Electrical.
Purpose Built Rental, sponsored by Orion Construction.
Westview Apartments at 1488 Flint Avenue, Victoria
Owner/Developer: 1267629 B.C. Ltd., Verity Construction Ltd. & Le Gers Properties Inc., General Contractor: Verity Construction Ltd., Architect: Alan Lowe Architect Inc., Electrical Contractor: Compass Electric.
Renovation & Tenant Improvements, sponsored by NAI Commercial (Victoria) Inc.
Mustard Seed Office Renovation at 800 Viewfield Road B, Victoria
Owner/Developer: Mustard Seed Street Church, General Contractor: K Hayton Construction, Architect: STUDIO 531 Architects Inc., Electrical Contractor: Titan Electric Ltd.
The official Souvenir Booklet, which includes profiles of all the finalists, can be viewed at
https://www.calameo.com/read/0068855176970d9c0350f
