The Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCA Alberta) is a valued trade association that advocates on behalf of its Contractor members across the province while also promoting professionalism in the mechanical contracting field. For more than 100 years, the MCA Alberta has supported plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, gasfitters and mechanical contractors with business support and advocacy, quality education programs and resources, networking and professional development opportunities as well as offering employee benefit health insurance for members.
MCA Alberta hosts an annual Celebration of Excellence & Leadership Gala that shines a light on exceptional companies and individuals in categories including outstanding apprentice and journeyperson, trailblazing individual and company and leaders in training excellence. The evening is capped off with inductions into the Legends of the Pipes, which is recognition of the storied careers of impactful contributors to the field.
“Industry leaders realize that to attract people to the trades, we must celebrate achievement and leadership. We have to raise the profile of outstanding individuals and companies in an effort to raise the profile of the whole industry. We are not just celebrating these specific individuals but we are celebrating our sector of the construction industry as a great place to start a career. The induction into the Legends acknowledges that this is also a rewarding industry for a life career,” says Russ Evans, MCA Alberta executive director.
2024 Award Winners
Next Generation Leader:
Malcolm Titus, Outstanding 3rd-Year Apprentice
Malcolm Titus of Lynx Mechanical was recognized as a noteworthy up-and-comer in the industry. He was put forward for his incredible attitude, keen eye for detail and his desire to learn as much as he can in order to grow his skillset to advance his career. Malcolm not only pushes himself to learn but he also is committed to helping others coming up behind him by sharing what he has learned along the way.
Next Generation Leader:
Maitland Long, Outstanding Journeyperson (Field level)
Maitland Long of Modern Niagara has proven himself a skilled journeyperson committed to precision and high-quality work so that he and his team can exceed their clients’ expectations. He is well respected by his peers, partners and staff, all of whom appreciate his leadership and commitment to quality and safety. The consummate professional, Maitland is dedicated to improving his skills through additional training courses and embraces innovation to move himself as a journeyman and the industry as a whole forward. Combining his quality work with his community and industry focus makes Maitland a role model and a next-generation leader.
Industry Trailblazer Award:
Tyler Majcher
With more than 20 years in the construction business, Tyler Majcher of Botting & Associates has become a go-to resource for owners, consultants and colleagues on both the technical and managerial side of the business. His diverse experience sees Tyler at the helm of a variety of construction management and time and materials projects, where his dedication to delivering a quality product under budget and ahead of schedule sets him apart in the industry. This trailblazer is always on the lookout for cutting-edge innovation that will enhance efficiency and effectiveness, all the while reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Tyler is a dynamic leader within Botting & Associates and a force in the industry and the community at large.
Training Excellence Award:
Trotter & Morton Building Tech Inc.
For the construction industry to evolve and become stronger, training is a critical component for success. MCA Alberta tracks which member companies are investing in this area the most, utilizing the Association’s education courses and programs to provide additional training to their teams. In 2024, the MCA Alberta delivered 39 courses to 148 employees from 47 different companies. The MCA Alberta congratulates Mike Loughlin of Trotter & Morton Building Tech for its extraordinary leadership in education and training, and for leading the large-sized companies by training 21 employees in nine different courses this year.
Trailblazer Award, Company:
Ocean Mechanical
Ocean Mechanical is an industry-leading company that delivers high-quality service in the residential and commercial sectors. This well-run company is committed to safety and quality, and to achieve both of those objectives, it invests in its people to keep morale and employee retention high. Ocean Mechanical is a leading force in moving toward high-efficient tankless water heaters and fan coils, and has been an active member of MCA Alberta, offering insights into best practices, streamlining construction schedules and contributing to job readiness checklists for building partners. This company was nominated by its competitors, which shows that Ocean Mechanical is truly recognized as an industry-leading company.
Legends of the Pipes
For more than 60 years, the MCA Alberta’s Legends of the Pipes has celebrated the industry contributions of individuals who have retired or reached the age of 65. What was once called the MCA Alberta Old Timers is now the Legends of the Pipes, a group of notable industry members who have helped shape the mechanical construction industry. Led into the event by bagpipers, these Legends of the Pipes are honoured at the Gala for their significant impact on the industry over the course of their long careers.
“The Legends have contributed to advancements in the trade and more than anything they are an inspiration to the next generation; those that follow immediately in their footsteps and those who are just starting their careers,” says Evans.
The Gala gives these seasoned experts the opportunity to mix with the next generation of professionals, sharing insights, stories and advice to help them with their career paths. Six new influential Legends were inducted for 2024.
The MCA Alberta proudly welcomes Bill de Jong (DCS Agency), Vern Cornwell (CAON Services), Dan Bates (CAON Services), Daryl Richardson (Enercall Sales), Murray Anderson (Anderson Pluming) and Al Trepanier (Convergint Technologies) to the Legends and thanks them for their contributions to the industry.
