The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) President’s Gala welcomed 2017-18 President Pierre Dufresne and recognized esteemed OHBA members and local associations for their commitment to the association and industry.
The Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association (GDHBA) was presented with the 2017 Local Association of the Year Award. Among its many achievements, the most notable is its pioneering efforts surrounding Net Zero Energy (NZE) programs and building technologies and features that garnered the attention of the media. It has received various prestigious awards from other industry partners, as well.
The association continues to share best practices, finding practical solutions for the industry, and seeing positive changes in the marketplace. GDHBA is also very engaged with City Council, using various methods to express their concerns about the various issues faced by those in the industry. As a result, local policy makers often engage with and consult the GDHBA on issues of mutual concern.
“There are so many shining stars in GDHBA’s membership who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in building better homes and truly innovating building science and sustainable technologies,” said Pierre Dufresne, president of the OHBA, in a press release. “GDHBA also invests in their members – new members can only be brought on if they have a mentor, which helps ensure and promote a culture of legacy of lifelong learning. Beyond their own membership, GDHBA also seeks to connect meaningfully with the community by initiating various local in-kind sponsorships, hosting product showcase and dinner meetings open to the public, and partnering with school boards to pilot a co-op program to better expose students and parents to skilled trades.”
Steve Deveaux, vice president, land development at Tribute Communities was named the 2017 OHBA Member of the Year. As past Chair of the GTA-based Building Indsutry and Land Development Association (BILD), Steve has shown passion for the industry and its associations. He has worked alongside the OHBA on government advocacy efforts at the provincial level, including inclusionary zoning and reform of the Ontario Municipal Board.
Harry Herskowitz, partner at the law firm DelZotto, Zorzi LLP and past Chair of the Tarion Warranty Corporation, received the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution and leadership in his role at Tarion, as well as years of leadership and service to the residential construction industry.
Laura Higgs, executive officer of the Sudbury and District Home Builders’ Association (SDHBA); Jon Whyte, Chair of the OHBA Land Development Committee and president of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association; Danielle Rinaldi of Rinaldi Homes; and Lynda Busch, Niagara Home Builders’ Association executive officer also received special recognition awards.
