Ontario Construction News staff writer
Employers, labour leaders and construction industry workers gathered in Toronto recently to celebrate achievements in diversity and inclusion while emphasizing the need to create greater opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction sector.
The message was delivered throughout the sixth annual Building Diversity Awards gala hosted by the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
Retired world champion hurdler Perdita Felicien, the event’s keynote speaker, challenged attendees to think beyond infrastructure projects and focus on building opportunities for people.
“In this industry, you do more than build skyscrapers. You build access, you build futures,” Felicien said. “My challenge to all of you is build to make room — not rooms — and let your tools and your equipment not be steel and concrete, let it be people.”
The gala’s highlight was the announcement of the 2026 Building Diversity Awards recipients, selected from 25 finalists.
This year’s honourees:
- Community Benefits Award – Champion: Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard
- Community Benefits Award – Coalition: TCHC Regent Park Revitalization Project
- Community Benefits Award – Project: Ambleside Integrated Site IPD
- Contractor to Watch Award – Span and Spaces
- Leading on Diversity Award – Contractor: Houle Electric
- Leading on Diversity Award – Organization: Infrastructure Ontario
- NexGen Builders Award – Employer: Wiltshire Homes
- NexGen Builders Award – Mentee: Michael Oriere
- NexGen Builders Mentor Award – Mentor: Luv Sehgal
- Distinguished Honours – Community Impact Award: Dwayne De Rosario
- Distinguished Honours – Leading on Diversity Award — Champion: Marilyn Horrick
- Distinguished Honours – 2026 Building Diversity Legacy Award: Steve Shallhorn
Steve Shallhorn, who received the 2026 Building Diversity Legacy Award Shallhorn reflected on his involvement during the organization’s formative years, describing his four-year tenure as “a fabulous ride.”
“You see tonight what the TCBN has become; much bigger, much greater, much stronger,” he said while accepting the award.
TCBN Executive Director Rosemarie Powell thanked the event’s sponsors, partners, volunteers and attendees for helping make the gala a success.
“We are extremely delighted with their support and look forward to continue working with them all,” Powell said. “We also thank our volunteers, nominees, award recipients and all those who purchased tickets to attend the BDA.”
The theme of this year’s awards was “Rise. Build. Belong” and Powell said the theme reflects the belief that communities benefit when they are meaningfully included in economic growth and development.
“Together, we are proving that diversity builds stronger projects, stronger communities and a stronger Canada,” she said.
The awards ceremony, emceed by Grey Cup champion Sebastian Clovis, followed a youth-led conference held the previous day, featuring keynote speaker Irwin Bess, executive director of BuildForce Canada.
Gary Pera, president of TCBN and a member of the Ontario Federation of Labour board, said diversity remains essential to building stronger communities and workplaces.
“This is important work for us to be doing,” Pera said. “Diversity is the key to this planet being a great place.”
Former TCBN president Chris Campbell closed the evening by encouraging attendees to continue supporting young people entering the industry.
“Ladies and gentlemen, continue mentoring our youth,” Campbell said. “Tonight reminds us of what is possible when industry, community and government work together towards equity and diversity in the community.”
