Leading on Diversity
Shortlisted Contractors
Recognizing those owner/clients, contractors, and unions in Ontario that are leading the way by working together to increase the participation of Black, Indigenous and racialized workers in the construction industry through:
Leadership, Collaboration, Innovation, Action, Impact and Recognizable, or measurable change in recruitment, hiring, progress on the job and in apprenticeships, welcome and respect on the job
The award recognizes an organization that puts into practice best practices identified by the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB,) standards for organizations around the world.
Dream Maker Developments
Dream Maker Developments is a full-fledged, Black-led development firm with 10+ developments including Dream Residences at Yorkdale, a mixed-use site (condos/townhouses/retail) located just across from Yorkdale Mall; Dream Suites @ YYZ a boutique hotel near Pearson Airport; and luxury custom homes being built in Kleinburg. Isaac Olowolafe Jr. leads Dream Maker Developments, encouraging inclusivity and diversity in his construction environment, and has created and is part of institutions that promote diversity like SETSI, TCBN and The Dream Legacy Foundation.
Verdi Alliance Group of Companies
Verdi Alliance Group of Companies, leaders in concrete solutions, is comprised of many distinct divisions including forming, waterproofing, floor finishing , restoration, site construction and financial services. In 2022 Verdi directors recognized a gap in their programs. Despite having required harassment and violence policies, the organization further educated its team in equality, respect in the workplace and the benefit of diversity in hiring practices, connecting with community programs to hire local workers from underrepresented neighbourhoods. Verdi also undertook training on policies for managers, working with Canadian Diversity Initiative, and replaced word of mouth hiring practices with linked in posts, use of consultant (headhunters) collaborations with Toronto Community Benefits and Metropolitan Toronto University.
Trillium Architectural Products Ltd.
Trillium Architectural Products Ltd. are door, hardware, and security experts, specializing in door repairs, maintenance, locksmith service and master key systems, automatic door operators, electronic hardware, and preventative maintenance. Services include design, installation and maintenance for doors, frames and hardware, electronic security devices and accessibility devices, as well as various specialty items. The company believes the more diverse a team is the better it is and works closely with TCBN to recruit and hire diverse workers. Recently the company hired for two different job positions referred by TCBN. Both candidates are now working full time, with salaries and benefits, having passed probation. Trillium pushes people to the next level to grow, once they’ve mastered the basics, depending on strengths and interests.