Last Date Modified Wednesday, December 12, 2018

 VANCOUVER, BC – The region’s top commercial building projects were honoured recently at the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver’s (REBGV) 3rd annual Commercial Building Awards.

Held on November 21 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, the event recognized institutional, commercial and community building or renovation projects that were completed in Greater Vancouver over the last 18 months.

The big winner of the night was Hillcrest Centre, a community recreation facility owned by Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, receiving the Judge’s Choice Award and the Community-Recreation/Services Excellence Award.

The Hillcrest Centre was originally the site for curling events during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games and was repurposed to house recreation and performing arts facilities, a library, and a floral conservatory.

“This event is about celebrating those who bring innovation, sustainable practices and a community-minded approach to development,” Klein said.

A panel of seven judges from across the real estate community evaluated more than 24 submissions looking for architectural innovation, aesthetic value, a commitment to sustainable practices and evidence that the project complements or adds to its surrounding neighbourhood.

“To build better communities requires leadership, collaboration and ingenuity. Each year, developers, contractors, architects, financiers and other professionals work together to solve problems in areas such as space, energy, land use, transportation and others,” Klein said.

Winners were selected in 10 categories. They included:

Commercial Mixed Use – Brewery  District-Building Two, New Westminster
Commercial Renovation – Shrum Science Centre-Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby
Commercial Restoration – Fairview House, Vancouver
Community-Education/Research – Allard Hall Faculty of Law Building, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Community-Recreation/Services – Hillcrest Centre, Vancouver
Community Parks – Westminster Pier Park, New Westminster
Rentals/Affordable Housing – Micro-lofts, Vancouver
Social Housing – Skwachàys Healing Lodge, Vancouver
Green/Energy Efficiency – VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre, Vancouver
Judge’s Choice – Hillcrest Centre, Vancouver

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2011, 32,390 homes changed ownership in the Board's area, generating $1.36 billion in spin-off activity and 9,069 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $25 billion in 2011. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 11,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.

For more information contact:

Craig Munn
Assistant Manager, Communication
Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
604-730-3146
cmunn@rebgv.org