For over 20 years the Victoria Real Estate Board Commercial Division’s Annual Commercial Building Awards competition has been dedicated to the advancement of excellence in commercial property development throughout the Greater Victoria area. The awards recognize developers, architects, designers, builders, owners and financiers for enhancing commercial real estate stock, for stimulating urban renewal, and for the risks they undertake to build and renovate commercial space in Greater Victoria.
Each year, judges selected from the local business and real estate communities visit each site and look at the overall exterior design of each nominated building or development project and how it fits into the surrounding area. Judging criteria (below) are based on projects that are sensitive to the environment, are aesthetically pleasing and answer a specific developmental need within the community.
Eligibility
Investment, commercial or industrial building, development, or renovation projects located within the Capital Regional District and completed between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014 are eligible for an award.
Judging & Categories
Each nomination will be judged on the following criteria:
- Is it built in an environmentally sensitive manner?
- Does it complement the surrounding properties and area?
- Is it aesthetically pleasing?
- Are there unique architectural features?
- What is the level of finish (choice in construction materials)?
- Does it answer a specific development need within the community?
A panel of judges will visit each nomination individually. Once all sites have been visited, the judges will decide on the winners. Award categories are developed each year based on nominations received.
Award Winners
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November 2014. All completed nomination forms must be received no later than 4:30 pm, Monday, June 16, 2014.
Submission Guidelines
Projects can be nominated by anyone and there is no cost.

Kirby’s Source for Sports
Winner of the 2012 Commercial – Retail Excellence Award
A locally owned company that has operated as a mainstay institution in the Victoria sports community for years. Completed in May 2012, the new Kirby’s Source for Sports is an eye–catching, impressive and aesthetically pleasing building located in a mixed commercial, industrial and residential corner that had not seen redevelopment for years. A unique roof design, an energizing colour palate, expansive windows and the use of natural cladding materials make this new commercial building a great example of how a thoughtfully designed structure can revitalize the atmosphere of a somewhat unassuming location.