Hundreds of professionals in the commercial real estate industry gathered at the historic Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada National Awards gala during BOMEX® 2014, the association’s annual conference and exhibition.
At this year’s James Bond-themed black-tie affair held on September 11, BOMA presented 14 awards across three categories representing excellence in commercial real estate.
The evening’s most prestigious honour—the BOMA Canada Chairman’s Award— was presented to Keith Major, senior vice-president of property management for Bentall Kennedy (Canada) LP. Major has almost 30 years experience in commercial real estate development, operations and management and currently oversees the Ontario office and industrial portfolio. He was recognized for his longstanding leadership and outstanding contribution to the success of BOMA Canada and the commercial real estate industry.
Having honed his skills in markets throughout Canada and the U.S., Major, an honours graduate of Urban Land Economics through the University of British Columbia, has, since 2000, played an integral role in the growth of his current organization in Ontario from roughly 6 million square feet of office and industrial properties to 31 million square feet. He credits BOMA directly in this growth and success—particularly through the engagement of his employees.
Bentall Kennedy (Canada) garnered additional honours throughout the ceremony, topping the list of award winners with six buildings it manages. Ottawa’s City Park Place, a superior Class “A” executive office building surrounded by beautiful lush greenery, and Park of Commerce, featuring an award-winning 24-hour tenant contact centre; Calgary’s Rangewinds Business Park; and Meadowvale Corporate Centre (2000 Argentia Road – Plazas 1-5) in Missassauga all won TOBY awards.
The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) awards recognize quality commercial real estate buildings and excellence in industry and building management. Judging is based on a number of factors ranging from tenant relations to community impact.
The 700,000-square-foot World Exchange Plaza located in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown core just steps away from Parliament Hill and 8039 Fifth Line in Halton Hills, Ontario, also managed by Bentall Kennedy (Canada) Ltd., took home Earth awards which honour resource preservation and environmentally sound commercial building management.
In the latter category, a regional shopping centre in Lethbridge, Alberta, was also recognized: Park Place Shopping Centre, managed by Primaris Management, features a bright and airy shopping environment in a large glass-enclosed Atrium that streams in natural light and interior renovations made from rapidly renewable and salvaged materials.
Bramalea City Centre in Brampton, Ontario, is another regional shopping centre that earned a TOBY. Managed by Morguard Investments, the sixth largest enclosed shopping centre in Canada was prestigiously designated as an official tourist destination, attracting more than 13 million visitors per year.
Other TOBY award winners include: LEED Gold certified 20 Queen Street West—the flagship commercial office building at the Toronto Eaton Centre, managed by The Cadillac Fairview Corporation; Ottawa’s John G. Diefenbaker Building, an architecturally appealing complex of linked pavilions with an office tower, managed by SNC-Lavalin O&M; and a newly renovated 2233 Argentia Road in the Streetsville area of Mississauga, managed by Crown Property Management. It should be noted that all TOBY and Earth award entrants must be BOMA BESt certified.
Pinnacle awards celebrating organizations and industry service providers were also handed out. Three industry finalists received this award which rewards innovation, teamwork and outstanding service and commitment to clients.
The Above and Beyond category awarded ServiceMaster of Calgary, a disaster restoration provider which restored the Calgary Stampede buildings and grounds following the worst flood to hit the area in 135 years; Edmonton’s Tyco Integrated Fire & Security was honoured in the Innovation category for its industry changing technologies – making people safer where they live and work; and the award for Customer Service went to SerVantage Services Corporation, a full-service facilities maintenance company, also in Calgary, which expertly provides service advantages of outstanding value, innovation and integrity.
Many of the winners selected from thirty finalists across the country may be eligible to compete in the BOMA International awards, which will be presented during the BOMA International Every Building Conference and Expo in Los Angeles, California, on June 30, 2015.
The Association also took time to acknowledge the upcoming retirement of Bill Partridge, chief staff officer (CSO) of BOMA Calgary and the driving force behind many major industry initiatives over the past 34 years, for his dedication and service to BOMA.
The event concluded with an invitation for industry members to join the Association next year in Quebec City for BOMEX® 2015.
See all of the 2014 BOMA Canada National Award winners here
