Scholarship named for Kinetic founder

The founder of one of Victoria’s largest construction firms will be immortalized with a new scholarship in his name.

The Camosun College Foundation and Kinetic Construction have established the William Gyles Award in Civil Engineering Technology. Gyles founded Kinetic in 1984 and it has grown to more than 130 employees with offices in Victoria, Courtenay and Richmond.

“I am honored and humbled to have this wonderful scholarship donated to Camosun in my name,” said Bill Gyles, who retired from the company in January. “My long-standing relationships with both Kinetic and Camosun make this scholarship a significant and meaningful gesture.”

The fund will recognize a civil engineering technology student at Camosun who is interested in pursuing a career in construction and has successfully completed first year.

Kinetic pledged $5,000 over five years. Previously, Kinetic committed $75,000 over five years to support Camosun’s trades program.

“We’re honoured that Bill and Kinetic Construction are showing their commitment to the future of the construction industry by once again supporting education at Camosun College,” said Zoe Broom, chair of Camosun’s department of civil engineering technology.

Gyles joined the board of governors at Camosun College in 2014, the same year he was recognized by the Canadian Construction Association as Person of the Year for his dedication to the betterment of the construction industry.