Industry stalwart Vittorino (Vic) Soncin was honoured by the Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) and industry partners at the annual LiUNA Local 183 Industry Awareness Event that took place September 7.
Vic passed away in December 2021, leaving a remarkable legacy in the construction industry.
He immigrated to Toronto from Italy as a young carpenter and is seen as one of the original builders of civil infrastructure of the City of Toronto. He began his work in construction in Sudbury and was later lured to the city by civil contractor, Pitts Engineering that hired him as Superintendent for Bridge Building on the Gardiner Expressway, the QEW and the 401.
Vic started Sonterland Construction in 1978 and Soncin Construction in 1983. For over two decades, he was a Director at the Heavy Construction Association of Toronto (HCAT) and served as HCAT’s representatives at the LiUNA Local 183 Training Centre, where he and was instrumental in developing its current apprenticeship program.
Vic’s commitment to construction education was recognised by the Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, as well as the Labourers International Union of North America, which gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Vic remained involved with the company well into his 80s, building and upgrading infrastructure throughout southern Ontario.
Sandro Pinto, Executive Director of the Local 183 Training Centre spoke at the ceremony of how Vic always took the time share his insights and mentorship, fondly remembering, “he was just a gentleman through and through”.
Jack Oliveira, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 183 echoed the sentiment in an emotional recognition of Vic’s “dedication, commitment not only in helping communities, his fellow workers, people that had issues at work, but also in establishing this training centre”.
Mr. Oliveira further noted that Vic, “believed that these apprentices were the future, the future of this industry, construction, but we had to guide them in the right direction.”
The ceremony included an unveiling of a special portrait of Vic honouring the legacy he left at the LiUNA Local 183 Centre. The portrait’s unveiling was done by Vic’s LiUNA Local 183 colleagues and his family, including his son Dennes who continues in his father’s footsteps and now sits on the LiUNA Board of Trustees.
In his remarks, Dennes summed it best saying that for Vic it was all about “doing what was right, the right thing for him was to do what he could to better our industry”.
It was an honour and a privilege that Vic Soncin served as a trustee for the Liuna local 183 Training Centre.
With the sincerest recognition for his many years of dedication and exceptional contributions to training.
We wish to express our deepest appreciation for the outstanding example of leadership and support he provided. His wisdom, knowledge and friendship have left a significant and lasting impression at our organization, and we are better because of his efforts. His legacy will be remembered for years to come.