Several road contractors that have done work in and around the Southern Interior were recently honoured with B.C. Transportation Contractor of the Year awards, which celebrate achievements in construction, road and bridge maintenance, safety, and community service.
Coquitlam Ridge Constructors Ltd. (CRC), an ECV Group Company, received the Bridges and Structures award for its critical work to restore Highway 1 after 2021's floods.
The company was responsible for the new three-lane bridge at Falls Creek (Jackass Mountain), which was officially given the name CèXʷ Cixʷ (pronounced Check-Chow) on June 13, 2024 and fully opened to traffic over the Canada Day weekend. The bridge is 20 kilometres south of Lytton, and replaces a culvert that was washed out during the 2021 flood.
The naming of the bridge is a reflection of the company’s partnership with the Nlaka'pamux Nation and neighbouring communities, including Kanaka Bar and Boothroyd, and of the Province's commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure that respects Indigenous heritage. The Kanaka Bar band said that the name CèXʷ Cixʷ was the original name that ancestors (Elders) called the area from long ago.
This partnership ensured lasting benefits by providing opportunities for local Fraser Canyon businesses and Indigenous workers, through direct project employment and the hiring of local Indigenous businesses and equipment. Respecting the land's cultural significance, the project's environmental stewardship included innovative water collection methods during drought conditions. The team adapted to challenges, such as wildfires and extreme weather, working without safety incidents and finishing the bridge on time and under budget.
Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) received the Paving award for its work from the Elkhart brake check to John's Creek on Highway 97C east of Merritt. The company exceeded standards for design aspects like asphalt quality and created an exceptionally smooth riding surface. The project's safety focus included comprehensive training for new staff, and EAC maintained strong communication with ministry staff and other stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption and safe traffic flow during construction while delivering the project on time and under budget.
Cutting Edge Consulting Inc. (CEC) received the Community Service award for its outstanding support for many communities in B.C. When the 2021 atmospheric river flooded the Nicola Valley, CEC helped repair seven critical bridges and rebuild Highway 8 between Spences Bridge and Merritt. Beyond this ministry work, the company donated equipment and labour to help Merritt residents protect their homes from further flood damage.
Despite its full workload, CEC also helped out after bridge fires in Kamloops and Adams Lake, prioritizing community safety and recovery. The company supports many local initiatives and community events, such as Kamloops Boogie the Bridge and the Kamloops Food Bank.
"These awards are a spotlight on the tremendous contributions that construction and maintenance contractors make to life in British Columbia," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit.
"By supporting our world-class highway system, they keep travellers safe, our communities connected, and our economy strong. The stories behind this year's winners point to the entire sector's commitment to public service, effective partnerships, and excellence in road construction and maintenance."
