IFAI Canada Expo 2008 featured earth-friendly options, innovative designs for specialty textiles

May 19, 2008 - PRLog -- Green building and IFAI Canada’s manufacturer design and craftsmanship award winners for such well-known clients as Cirque de Soleil were the hot topics at IFAI Canada Expo 2008, held March 6-8 in Montreal.

The Expo hosted more than 350 attendees and 46 exhibitors; and offered education, networking, supplier exhibits and award programs. Participants also attended an informational tour, starting at Brisebois Canvas Cleaning for a demonstration of cleaning techniques for fabric products. Members can now refer their clients in need of cleaning services to Brisebois. The tour then moved to CTT Group testing facility, which offered insight into a seldom-seen aspect of the textile industry. CTT Group is a multi-service organization with technical, commercial and information services.

Keynote speaker Rodney Wilts, LLB, LEED AP, discussed green building and green products for the industry. He defined his program, the LOOP IRIS: Integrated Rating Indicator for Sustainability, a method to communicate clear and compelling progress on sustainability, and how to apply it to projects. Wilts is a green building consultant and writer, recently invited to serve on the selection committee for the Canadian Government program Net Zero Energy Housing Initiative. He previously served as an environmental lawyer for West Coast Environmental Law in Vancouver; and CEO and founder of Healthiest Home & Building Supplies, Canada’s first and largest green building store.

The annual IFAI Canada Awards Program winners were announced during the IFAI Canada Expo 2008. The competition is open to end-product manufacturers of the industrial fabrics industry, and recognizes the latest advancements in 10 categories of specialty fabric design and manufacturing in the Canadian specialty fabrics industry.

The top honor is the Nash Award, given to one Award of Excellence project that best exemplifies the high standards of craftsmanship, function, innovation to which longtime IFAI Canada member Jeff Nash held all of his projects. In each category, an Award of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Award may be given depending on the number of entries. Entries were judged by industry experts using the following criteria: complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function. IFAI Canada congratulates all companies who received an award. Complete project descriptions are available on the IFAI Canada Web site, http://www.ifaicanada.com.


Winning companies and their projects:

Commercial Awnings
Award of Excellence
Project: Bernard Callebout
Company: Raymond Brothers Ltd., London, Ontario

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Stor-Edge Architectural Awnings
Company: Lethbridge Custom Canvas, Lethbridge, Alberta


Commercial Canopies
Award of Excellence
Project: Toronto Pearson International Airport Covered Walkway
Company: Halcrow Yolles, Toronto, Ontario

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Nouvel Air
Company: Sollertia Inc., Montreal, Quebec


Illuminate Awnings
Award of Excellence
Project: Rio Vista Entrance Canopy
Company: Lethbridge Custom Canvas, Lethbridge, Alberta

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Network Business Awning
Company: Lethbridge Custom Canvas, Lethbridge, Alberta


Marine Products
Award of Excellence
Project: Travel Cover with Deflector Skirt
Company: Lethbridge Custom Canvas, Lethbridge, Alberta

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Forest Green Travel Cover
Company: Lethbridge Custom Canvas, Lethbridge, Alberta


Miscellaneous
Award of Excellence
Project: Cirque du Soleil Project
Company Groupe Bellon Prestige, Montreal, Quebec

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Outdoor Bar Cover
Company: Raymond Brothers Ltd., London, Ontario


Residential Awnings and Canopies
Nash Award Winning Project & Award of Excellence
Project: Leonard Assaly Project
Groupe Bellon Prestige Inc., Montreal, Quebec

“The awning project was designed to provide sun protection and embellishment along an outside patio of a luxurious home. Using an integrated multi-layered designed awning, you will notice the different shapes the manufactured awning now offers. Measuring 33-feet 5-inches long x 20-feet 9-inches wide and 5-feet high, this awning was manufactured by combining three different models of awnings (stationary, self-support and marquee) into one major support structure. Screen curtains on painted aluminum track were added to protect against mosquito invasions. Still to come is a decorative fabric ceiling to cover the inside structure and wiring of the lighting and heating system.”

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Bayfield Canopy
Company: Raymond Brothers Ltd., London, Ontario


Signage & Graphics
Award of Excellence
Project: Harley Davidson
Company: Raymond Brothers Ltd., London, Ontario

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Tetherwood
Company: Raymond Brothers Ltd., London, Ontario


Tent Manufacturing
Award of Excellence
Project: Kitchen Trailor Structure
Company: Fiesta Tents Ltd., Lachine, Quebec

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Walkway to Bubble
Company: Fiesta Tents Ltd., Lachine, Quebec


Tent Rental
Award of Excellence
Project: Hogs Hollow Wedding
Company: JJL Events, Toronto, Ontario

Outstanding Achievement Award
Project: Georgian College Auto Show
Company: JJL Events, Toronto, Ontario


The next IFAI Canada Awards Program will be held during the IFAI Canada Expo 2009 in Calgary, Alberta. For more information contact Elizabeth Newman at +1 651 225 6925, 800 636 4973, ednewman@ifai.com or visit http://www.ifaicanada.com.

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IFAI Canada is a country sector of the Industrial Fabrics Association International.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is the premier business trade association for the specialty fabrics industry, and offers a high-touch connection to thousands of qualified business resources worldwide, including its membership base of 2,000 in over 50 countries. IFAI proactively represents and promotes the products and innovations of the specialty fabrics industry worldwide.

Website: www.ifai.com