Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce says anyone in Muskoka can nominate a candidate for its Woman in Construction Award, but the nomination deadline is fast approaching.
Nominations are open until Jan. 11 to showcase a woman thriving in the region’s construction trades with nomination forms available at sheworks.ca or by clicking https://shorturl.at/dm3Lt.
“Do you know a standout woman in Muskoka that gets the job done right in contracting, construction or the trades? Please nominate her or nominate yourself. We will showcase each nominee to inspire others to train for a great career,” the chamber says on its website.
Organized by the chamber, the project is supported by the District of Muskoka IDEA Grant Program, Fowler Construction, Robinson Haulage and Quarry and Employment North Gravenhurst.
Nominees, from any area of construction, must have an address in Muskoka (or employer address in the central Ontario community,) and at least one years’ experience in contracting/trades.
Applications should include up to 350 words about why the applicant deserves the award (written by a nominator or nominee) and up to 200 words about community work (not mandatory but suggested.)
Finalists will be asked for photos of them on the job. Each nominee and their guest will be invited to the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville on March 8, International Women’s Day. One of the finalists will walk away with the Muskoka Woman in Construction Award for 2025.
“Sharing success stories of women in construction can inspire other women to get the training they need to succeed as well,” said Norah Fountain, executive director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
“Women remain underrepresented in this sector. We have staff shortages and while some women are thriving in this business, some are still thinking about it. We have work to do in the area of equal pay for equal work, for example.”
Tickets for the YWCA Women of Distinction event are on sale at:
https://www.ywcamuskoka.com/women-of-distinction?mc_cid=0f2370017e&mc_eid=5156700ba2.
All YWCA Women of Distinction Award winners will be announced on February 7.