Excellence In Innovation Award

Awarded: October 23, 2026 | Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026

This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated creativity and forward-thinking by implementing innovative construction practices within the past two years. Whether through new approaches to project delivery, process design, mentorship, digital technology, environmental sustainability, to a people‑focused initiative that makes work safer, more inclusive, or more sustainable, the winning company will exemplify a commitment to improving the construction industry through bold and effective change.

Innovations will be reviewed in context—company size, resources, and scope of work are considered.

Eligibility Criteria
  • The nominee must be a CANS member company in good standing
  • The nominee must conduct work in Nova Scotia
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome
  • Innovation must have been introduced or meaningfully advanced in 2025 – 2026, though longstanding or ongoing commitments may also be considered

Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words that clearly addresses each of the five criteria. We recommend drafting your submission in Word to help track your word count. Submissions exceeding the limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged and are not included in the word count.

  1. Description of the Innovation (maximum 25 points)

Clearly explain the innovative practice, product, process, or approach your company has developed or implemented in the past two years. Be specific in outlining:

  • The problem or opportunity it addressed
  • What makes the approach new, original, or significantly improved over past practices
  • Whether this is a company-wide initiative, project-specific, or team-led effort
  1. Implementation and Execution (maximum 20 points)

Describe how your organization introduced and applied the innovation. This might include:

  • The timeline, planning, and steps taken to bring the innovation to life
  • Who was involved (staff, trades, or external partners)
  • Any barriers or challenges encountered and how they were addressed

  1. Measurable Outcomes and Results (maximum 25 points)

Highlight how the innovation created value or impact. Describe:

  • Tangible benefits to project delivery, efficiency, workplace culture, safety, sustainability, or client satisfaction
  • Data, metrics, or testimonials that demonstrate success
  • Observations, feedback, or testimonials from those involved

  1. Knowledge Sharing and Industry Impact (maximum 15 points)

Explain whether, and how, your company shared this innovation with others. This could include:

  • Whether the innovation has been shared through presentations, panels, articles, or site visits
  • Interest or uptake by others in the industry
  • Any influence it may have had on peers, policy, or best practices

  1. Scalability and Replication Potential (maximum 15 points)

Explain the innovation’s potential for application beyond its original use. Outline:

  • Whether it can be adopted by other companies or applied to other projects
  • What supports or resources would make it transferable
  • How it might help address broader sector challenges (e.g., workforce, productivity, sustainability)

Supporting Materials

While not required, nominees are encouraged to submit up to three additional supporting documents to strengthen their application, such as:

  • Photos or news coverage
  • Program or process documentation
  • Testimonials from partners, clients, or staff

All supporting materials must be clearly labelled and referenced in your submission. Supporting materials are not included in the overall word count; however, they should be limited to the most relevant and impactful items only and must not exceed six pages total. Materials submitted beyond this limit may not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Award Process and Conditions


Designated Company Representative

All award recipients will be announced at the CANS Awards Gala. Each nomination must include a designated company representative who will act as liaison with CANS if the nominee is selected. This individual must:

  • Maintain confidentiality until the public announcement at the Gala
  • Confirm attendance at the CANS Awards Gala or assign a representative

Selected recipients will participate in a brief interview process following judging. Portions of the interview may be recorded for presentation at the Gala.

How to Submit
  • Submit your nomination by August 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A.T.
  • This nomination will be completed in a form format, with each criterion addressed in its own response field. You may distribute your total word count of up to 1,200 words across the sections as you see fit.
  • Individual deadline extensions will not be granted. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process

A committee of industry leaders will review all nominations. Each submission will be scored out of 100 points based on the criteria outlined above, and on practical impact, clarity of explanation, and thoughtful application of new ideas. The award recipient will be selected based on total score.