Capilano Highway Services has won this year's Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Award for highway maintenance, for its work in the Sunshine Coast/Powell River Service Area.

The Sunshine Coast can experience dramatic differences in weather and Capilano Highway Services has found innovative ways to respond to all types of weather events. The company obtained the services of a weather-forecasting company to provide accurate and timely information to help them prepare for severe situations. The company also has incorporated new technology to streamline its operations, including installing GPS tracking systems in its equipment and developing an app to help it develop effective maintenance schedules.

Capilano Highway Services is also very active in the community, volunteering time, expertise and equipment for projects that benefit local residents and improve community infrastructure.

The Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Awards recognize construction and maintenance companies demonstrating excellence in the categories of grading, paving, bridges and structures, and highway maintenance work throughout the province. There is also an award for excellence in safety innovation.

The 11th annual awards were hosted by the B.C. Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association on Dec. 6 in Victoria.

The other finalists in this category are YRB for the Kootenay-Central Kootenay Service Area and Lakes District Maintenance for the Robson Service Area.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -

"Safety on our roads and highways is a top priority for this government and this award highlights the excellent work Capilano Highway Services did this year in the Sunshine Coast and Powell River area, and the proactive approach it took to meet the challenging conditions of the job. Congratulations as well to the other finalists for their great work this year in keeping B.C.'s transportation network safe and efficient for the travelling public."

MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano Ralph Sultan -

"Congratulations to Capilano Highway Services, not only for the service they provide to keep our roads and highways safe, but for the many contributions they make to the communities in which they work."

Photographs of the Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Award winners and finalists can be viewed at: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/celebratingexcellence/contractors.htm

Media Contact:

Cindy Cousins
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-1572