HAVAN 50th Anniversary

OF INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

Advocacy Connections Education

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50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE

1974 2024

HAVAN CONTRIBUTORS

Renée Auer, Wendy McNeil, Dawn Sondergaard WRITER

Susan M Boyce

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

360HomeTours.ca

Martin Knowles Photo/Media

Scalla Creative

IMAGES

HAVAN archives, iStock, Freepik, and historical newspaper articles republished with the express permission of: Vancouver Sun and Vancouver Province, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

CEO & GROUP PUBLISHER

Ryan Benn

GROUP VP, PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

Nina Wagner

CWM VP, SALES

Anna Lee

GROUP VP CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Brendan Harrington

GROUP DIRECTOR OPERATIONS

Devin Steinberg

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Swin Nung Chai

CWM EDITOR

Natalie Bruckner

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kim McLane

DIRECTOR CIRCULATION

Tracy McRitchie

The HAVAN 50th Anniversary commemorative magazine is published by Canada Wide Media Limited. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Send change-of-address notices and covers of undeliverable copies to: Homebuilders Association Vancouver, (HAVAN) #1011, 7445 -132 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 1J8.

The information presented in this magazine is intended for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, we cannot guarantee that all information is current or free from errors. HAVAN, its writers, and its publishers are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or any consequences arising from the use of this information.

A Message from HAVAN’s Acting CEO

Looking back over the past 50 years, it’s gratifying to see how significantly our association has evolved and helped shape Metro Vancouver’s building industry.

Where we once fought for a place at the table in government negotiations, we’re now invited, alongside our members, to provide insight on policies that impact our ability to deliver the housing this region so desperately needs. While more work remains, collaborating with policymakers elevates our industry’s credibility and influence.

Today, we’re proud to still have some active charter members who’ve been with the association since 1974, as well as many with over 30 years of membership. Equally important is the influx of younger members, essential to keeping our industry and association vibrant and innovative.

I began my career at GVHBA in 2001 as a fresh graduate with degrees from UBC and BCIT, stepping into a newly created position under the leadership of then-CEO, Peter Simpson. Membership was less than 400—about a third of what it is today. Despite our smaller size, the association delivered valued programs, including monthly dinner meetings where members exchanged information and stories, industry-focused courses, and in-person networking events.

GVHBA was also strengthening its consumer connections. We partnered with the Vancouver Home Show, presenting the ‘Home in the Dome’ each spring, and organized the annual Parade of Renovated Homes followed by the Parade of New Homes, which each inspired consumers’ dreams of beautifully renovated and newly built homes. We also emphasized the importance of working with our housing professionals by offering homebuyers and homeowners access to a comprehensive array of resources through our First-Time Home Buyers Seminar, Renovation Seminars, the What’s New in Homebuilding Seminar, and the Contact Membership Directory.

Times have changed, and so has the association. Today we focus on targeted events and initiatives that engage specific segments—whether political, marketing, educational, or industry achievements. Our efforts are geared towards building the HAVAN brand and reinforcing the significant contributions our members make in the industry, the community, and housing as a whole. HAVAN is now more than 1,100 members strong— the largest homebuilders’ association in BC and the second largest in Canada. And our influence continues to grow.

Our members come from diverse backgrounds—builders, renovators, architects, designers, tradespeople, and suppliers, plus a broad range of professionals—all drawn by the opportunities in the industry. We all share an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep commitment to building homes we can be proud of, homes that contribute to a strong housing legacy.

In many ways our industry is in the dream business—we deliver on the dream of homeownership. Members often say there’s no better feeling than handing a first-time buyer the keys to their new home and seeing the delight on their face.

Over the past 50 years, HAVAN has laid a solid foundation for growth. Our team is a tight-knit, dedicated group of professionals who are equally passionate about the industry. HAVAN is proud to be part of providing housing to those who wish to make this region their home. Here’s to our members and another 50 years of HAVAN.

Wendy McNeil, Acting Chief Executive Officer Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN)

WENDY McNEIL Acting CEO, HAVAN

Congratulations HAVAN! 50 Years of supporting Homebuilders

BC Housing congratulates HAVAN on 50 amazing years of supporting and leading the Residential Construction Industry!

We are proud to work with HAVAN on educating and celebrating the many dedicated residential construction industry professionals in Metro Vancouver.

In Memoriam: A Farewell to HAVAN CEO, Ron Rapp

As we celebrate HAVAN’s 50th anniversary, we also want to remember and honour the memory of Ron Rapp, a visionary leader whose indelible impact continues to shape HAVAN’s legacy.

Ron’s tenure as CEO (2019-2024) was marked by unwavering dedication and a profound commitment to advancing the homebuilding industry. Under his guidance, HAVAN not only reached new heights but also fostered a community built on integrity, innovation, and excellence.

Ron’s leadership was characterized by his ability to inspire and unite. His strategic vision and relentless pursuit of excellence elevated HAVAN to the forefront of the industry, ensuring that the organization remained a beacon of progress and a pillar of support for its members. His passion for fostering professional growth and his deep-seated belief in the power of collaboration were instrumental in HAVAN’s growth and success. His contributions will forever be woven into the fabric of our history, and his spirit will continue to guide us as we forge ahead. Ron’s influence endures, reminding us of the profound difference one leader can make. His memory will always be cherished and his impact remembered with great respect.

In moments of celebration, we remember those who are no longer with us. Their absence casts a shadow on our joy, yet their legacy shines brightly, reminding us that their impact endures even as we mark the passage of time.” - Unknown

A Message from BC Housing

For 50 years, HAVAN has been a leading pillar in residential construction in the Lower Mainland by fostering, supporting, and connecting those who are building homes.

As an educator, HAVAN has been instrumental in building industry support as well as knowledge of new best practices and leading techniques in residential construction. As a leader, HAVAN has been a tireless supporter of its members and an important voice for the industry. It has not only connected residential builders with knowledge they need to innovate but with each other to build lasting connections that strengthen the industry.

HAVAN has been instrumental in building the residential construction industry in Metro Vancouver as we know it today. HAVAN’s leaders and members should feel proud of all that they have achieved over the last 50 years. The strength of our industry is a testament to the achievements, hard work, and leadership you have provided.

BC Housing is proud to partner with HAVAN in continuing to build a residential construction industry that is adaptive, creative, innovative, and building Vancouver’s future.

A huge congratulations on this tremendous milestone—here’s to 50 years and many more.

Vincent Tong Chief Executive Officer BC Housing

A Message from CHBA BC

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC) is proud to recognize and celebrate the remarkable journey of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN). Over five decades, HAVAN has been a leader in providing members with industry knowledge, advocacy support, networking opportunities, and a strong voice for the homebuilding industry.

Together, our associations have tackled industry challenges, championed regulatory reforms, and worked towards setting new standards of building excellence across Metro Vancouver and the province.

From advocacy initiatives to educational programs, our partnership has been instrumental in advancing the interests of our members and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the homebuilding community. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we have strengthened our industry and empowered countless individuals and businesses to thrive.

As we honour this milestone, we extend our gratitude to the visionary leaders, passionate members, and dedicated staff who have contributed to HAVAN’s success over the years. Your work has laid the foundation for a vibrant and thriving homebuilding industry.

Congratulations on 50 years of unparalleled achievements and many more decades of inspiration, collaboration, and success.

Neil Moody Chief Executive Officer CHBA BC

VINCENT TONG CEO, BC HOUSING

NEIL MOODY CEO, CHBA BC

From Hard Hats to High Fives

50 Years of Innovation and Excellence

It’s been half a century, 50 incredible years since the residential building industry first came together to form an association that would celebrate the homes we live in.

From the days when a small group of renovators gathered in the New Westminster Legion Hall basement for burgers, beer, and brainstorming ways to propel the industry forward, HAVAN and its prior iterations have been a steady, guiding presence for the construction scene.

It’s seen mortgage rates approach 20 percent and watched the economic crashes of 2008 and 2019. It’s weathered the leaky condo debacle that ultimately gave rise to the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) and some of the most stringent building regulations in the country. It’s survived a global pandemic and, throughout the toughest moments, has maintained a sense of grace and unflagging enthusiasm.

Originally incorporated in 1974 as HUDAC Greater Vancouver (Housing and Urban Development

Association of Canada), some 50 to 70 members usually arrived for the monthly meetings. When business was concluded, a few of the core group, the Lunatic Fringe as they sometimes referred to themselves, frequently meandered across the street to the New Westminster Mr. Sport Hotel—a total of 152 steps—for a nightcap. It was a convivial ambiance based on respect for relationship building that remains a linchpin of HAVAN. The Mr. Sport closed in 1977, but a few of those original members still get a fond look of reminiscence in their eyes when recalling those early days.

The year 1984 saw the rapidly evolving association take a bold step forward by rebranding as the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA). It was a moniker that would last for almost a quarter of a century and become a household name throughout the industry.

A new digital age saw the association rebrand for the third time in 2019 when it became the Homebuilders Association

Vancouver (HAVAN). Today we number more than 1,100 members—the second largest housing association in Canada and sixth largest in North America. We’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities, host one of the province’s most prestigious award programs, and are a respected voice at the table in government policy making on behalf of members, industry, and consumers.

Yes, we’ve come a long way. And with each passing year, we continue building momentum. As construction materials and techniques become ever more innovative and sustainable, there’s a sense of pride fuelled by passion for all things construction related.

So join us for a trip down memory lane, then raise a glass to the next half century.

Susan M Boyce Personal Historian, Ghostwriter & Writing Coach susan@suntrackercafe.com

The First 20 Years

Adapting Through Changing Times

The year was 1974. Post-It Notes and the Rubik’s Cube took the world by storm, Leonardo DiCaprio and Steve Nash were born, and Pierre Trudeau won his first majority government.

In Vancouver, a fledgling association called HUDAC Greater Vancouver (Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada), burst on the scene. The goal was simple: bring a deeper level of professionalism and connection to Vancouver’s residential construction industry.

Much of HUDAC’s earliest education focused on the business of running a business, propelling the industry’s reputation, sophistication, and status upward. Written contracts replaced handshake deals. The infamous tailgate contractors began fading into the past.

Rough sketches that once upon a time had been sufficient for City Hall to grant a building or renovation permit in a single afternoon were transformed into a formal application that included plans from an accredited architect—although many believe this shift has now been taken to unrealistic and excessively costly extremes.

Interestingly, an undated 1974 clip from The Province newspaper titled Radical steps called for in house crisis, noted that HUDAC was calling for federal and provincial governments to abolish municipal service charges and introduce bonuses based on actual construction costs. The same article noted current land prices made it impossible to build homes for low-income buyers—and doesn’t that sound familiar?

By the mid-1980s, GVHBA’s educational outreach had become a tour de force both for members and consumers. Bill Strain, president of Villa Electric (1980) Ltd., recalls presenting some of the first member-led electrical training programs to eager BCIT students. The What’s New in Homebuilding Seminar routinely attracted a crowd of 150-plus to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s auditorium in North Surrey where the renamed GVHBA had their head office. Harald Koehn, president of Harald Koehn Construction, and Richard Kadulski, principal of Richard Kadulski Architect, were instrumental in promoting the innovative R-2000 program.

For 10 years, Ken Farrish’s popular BC Building Newsletter delved into the science and technology behind the evolving construction industry—always finishing with his signature “Have a Top Drawer Day” salutation.

The opportunity to form meaningful connections was another driver. In addition to monthly dinner meetings, several traditions emerged that were sheer fun. One of the most creative was Builders on Board. Eight members gathered at a rustic lodge in Port Hardy for a long weekend of fishing and tall tales. Within a couple of years, CHBA members from across the country were vying for one of the coveted spots. Bob Rasmus, founder of RJR Construction, chuckles as he admits, “Peggy and I had to buy a larger freezer after the first trip.”

As successful as GVHBA had become however, money was tight. It was time for change. The board of directors agreed it was time to find a new CEO.

Sea Change in the C-Suite

Peter Simpson Takes the Helm

It’s a daunting task to headhunt a CEO. Financial acumen, industry knowledge, media savvy—the list of requirements seems endless and complex.

But when GVHBA board members began courting Peter Simpson, longtime CEO of Toronto’s equivalent homebuilder’s association, they rapidly became convinced he was the ideal candidate. Better yet, Peter himself was ready for a move. “I felt I’d done everything I needed to do in Toronto,” he recalls, although he adds there were many days during the first year when he questioned this leap of faith.

In his President’s Message for the October 1993 edition of GVHBA’s monthly newsletter, Constructive Thoughts, Stephen Mayhew included a warm welcome. “Personally, I am delighted . . . From the short telephone conversations that I’ve had with Peter, he certainly has a lot of fresh ideas which can only enhance our association’s image and services.” Over the next 19 years, his words would prove to be classic understatement.

The following month, on November 1, Peter stepped into his new position.

Craig East, GVHBA’s treasurer, had forewarned Peter that the association’s financial situation was less than stellar. Craig did not tell him GVHBA was flirting with bankruptcy.

The first round of change was rapid and decisive. Peter’s request to appoint a new board of directors was granted, and he was given plenty of latitude to take whatever steps he felt necessary to restore the association into a viable, vibrant entity. He immediately pared down the existing 20-plus committees to six councils—finance, marketing, education, builders, renovators, and suppliers—leaving special projects like the BC Home + Garden Show in the capable hands of high-energy, high-enthusiasm task forces.

He began leveraging his experience as a journalist to gain media attention. A natural networker, Peter soon developed a strong rapport with local reporters. “I told them I would always deliver the straight goods—whether it was good news or bad.” GVHBA’s reputation as a

As serious and often gruelling as the work was, there were many lighthearted moments as well.

trusted source of information on all things housing continued rising. Soon newspapers, radio stations, and TV routinely sought out the association for details on newsworthy stories.

“The other thing I wanted to do was increase consumer education the way I’d been able to do in Toronto,” he says. In 1994, less than a year after taking the helm at GVHBA, Peter approached CMHC to be a sponsor for the inaugural First Time Home Buyers Seminar. “I told them I wasn’t interested in having 100 people attend: I was interested in having 1,000 people.” He laughs. “Yes, I was bold about it.” On the day, the venue was jam-packed when just over 850 people showed up thirsty for information.

A much-loved and long-standing tradition, Peter’s Monday Morning Briefing was an immediate hit when it began in 2000. Even today, in a world where social media is ubiquitous, for many members MMB is the go-to complement for the week’s first cuppa Joe. In the early days, content could be a single item or half a dozen bulleted points covering upcoming events and a summary of the previous week. Reports and industry news rounded out the offering.

As serious and often gruelling as the work was, there were many lighthearted moments as well.

Rather than simply constructing a Home in the Dome, builders sometimes vied for top honours in categories that included the Ultimate Playhouse, Doghouse, even Outhouse.

One year, when the CHBA National Convention was in Whitehorse, two GVHBA members got into a friendly competition of Deck Out the Name Tag. Streamers, buttons, plastic palm fronds, and eventually two massive ostrich plumes were soon visible from afar as the owners moved throughout the venue, both feigning complete indifference to

the appendages of their outrageously decorated tags.

There was compassion as well. “We have a very loyal membership, people who’ve stuck with us through thick and thin—and there were some very thin times.” But for Peter, loyalty during the dark days was very much a two-way street. “People haven’t forgotten 2008 when we had the lowest housing starts on record. I remember one builder, who’d been with us for a long time, came into my office and told me he couldn’t afford to keep up his membership. He was basically a one-man operation, so he had no staff or backup. I told him we’d defer the fee for a year because we didn’t want to lose him. The following year, he paid back everything he owed, and nobody ever knew.”

At the beginning of Peter’s 19-year tenure, Mary Ryland, who passed away in February 2024, was office manager and the sole paid staffer. Everything else was 100 percent volunteer-run. Larraine Lippiatt became receptionist in 1994, suddenly doubling the paid staff; she would go on to become GVHBA’s second office manager when Mary retired. In 2001, Peter took a chance on a BCIT graduate, Wendy McNeil. The following year, Renée Auer joined the team and began driving membership numbers to rival the Toronto association.

Even today, after handing the reins to Bob de Wit in 2012 and retiring to the opposite side of the country, Peter can’t resist talking about how proud he is of the office staff. “Wendy and Renée have taken the association to a different level altogether,” he says.

“One of the things I love about our association is that everybody always rolled up their sleeves whenever it was needed,” Peter sums up. “It’s what we’ve always done and what keeps us strong.”

From Dinners to Legends

A Journey Through Networking and Innovation

For many years, dinner meetings at the Old Villa, known today as the Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre, near Willingdon and Highway 1, were a monthly networking highlight. Members shared information and perhaps a beverage, built strategic alliances, discussed innovative ways to become a collective voice for the residential construction community, and often shook their heads as the murder of crows passed by on their way to roost at Stillcreek. Tabletop displays and the popular 50/50 draws were a fun way to raise funds.

Over time, these dinners evolved to include guest speakers, other association business, plus in-house award presentations. For a few years, the event was moved to the Executive Plaza Hotel on North Road in Coquitlam but ultimately returned to the original venue that had been rebranded as Grand Villa Casino Hotel & Conference Centre.

To shake things up, in 2013, CEO Bob de Wit initiated the Legends of Housing Dinner. Held each January, Legends features a panel of esteemed industry

leaders who share their expertise and knowledge, personal anecdotes, and predictions for the upcoming years. It was an instant success and has become a tradition that continues today.

In November 2019 another change took place. Presented by the GR Committee, the November meeting became the Municipal Dinner. Featuring a keynote address from a mayoral guest, this event has become a highly anticipated networking opportunity for members to connect directly with elected officials from across the region and provides a platform for discussing development topics.

With the onset of COVID-19 and Metro Vancouver’s ever-increasing commuter challenges and congestion, the monthly dinner meetings were scaled back. Today, the few remaining in-person dinners are highly focused on a specific topic—including the October Annual Election Meeting where the new board is elected and the Association Leadership Awards are presented. The AGM remains a virtual event to encourage maximum participation.

New Look: New Style

Crafting a Bold New Identity in the Digital Age

The times they are a-changing. And arguably nowhere more so than in the digital landscape.

In 2017, with GVHBA now very much a well-respected, high-profile organization, it was time to give it a refreshed branding. “We needed something more contemporary and impactful—something that worked as well on a cell phone screen as it did on a laptop,” says Bob de Wit who took over as CEO from Peter Simpson in 2012.

It was a lengthy process. Working with branding specialists, Spring Advertising, the name update and new diamond-shaped icon took almost two years to evolve and was only granted trademark status early in 2024.

“The diamond points in four directions to reflect the local geography and imply the association represents builders across all housing archetypes,” Dawn explains.

Embedded in the diamond is the

The diamond points in four directions to reflect the local geography and imply the association represents builders across all housing archetypes.”

- Dawn Sondergaard

“People also found the acronym GVHBA a bit of a tongue twister that was hard to remember,” adds Dawn Sondergaard, senior director, marketing communications. In addition to harmonizing the association’s outreach and brand recognition across all platforms, the committee wanted to add value for members by creating a brand consumers would easily recognize.

“The GVHBA brand was unique, and we didn’t want to stray from our core values,” Dawn says. “We wanted to rebrand with a name that placed emphasis on three things: first, who we are, homebuilders; second, what we are, an association; and third, where we are located, VANcouver.” The resulting HAVAN name ticked every box.

letter “H” with the shape of a small house in the top portion. “The logo translates boldly and easily into the digital space,” Dawn explains. “The house can be adapted into sub-brands such as logos for the podcast Measure Twice, Cut Once and HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence. The supporting tagline—Trusted. Local. Homebuilders— emphasizes who HAVAN’s members are.”

While there was some discussion around changing the name to fit into the national brand standards—CHBA Vancouver—ultimately a members’ poll and the MC committee task force determined that, not unlike a custom home, having a unique brand to begin with held greater value than conformity. And the rest is history.

HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence

Celebrating Metro Vancouver’s Rising Stars

It’s true, everybody loves a good party. And when that party is a celebration of all things housing-oriented, you can bet industry insiders and watchers are ready, willing, and thrilled to gather for the grand reveal of top projects throughout the Metro Vancouver region.

Turning 15 this year, the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence is considered one of the province’s premier awards programs and never fails to attract a full house at the lavish spring gala. Competition is tough as builders, renovators, designers, and marketing experts vie for top honours in more than 60 categories—including the prestigious Grands.

In 2010, though, it was a much quieter affair named the RenOVATION Awards. It began simply enough when a small, tight-knit group of renovators, members of the Renovation Council, dared pose the question, “We have so much talent in the Lower Mainland, why don’t we have our own, locally oriented awards program? We’re good, and we deserve it.”

No one could uncover a good reason why such a program shouldn’t exist.

At that time, Wendy McNeil, HAVAN’s vice president of marketing and education, was one of the association’s few staff members. Together with a dedicated group of Renovation Council members, she assembled a task force to make the concept

a reality. Everyone put their heads together with absolute conviction, and planning began. No one ever wondered why the council should do it. The question was always: “What are we going to call it?”

“The person who proposed the RenOVATION name was a member I’d never seen before and never saw again,” says Ralph Belisle, TQ Construction, smiling at the memory. “But he was definitely the hero of the day.”

In the initial competition, renovators competed for top honours in 22 categories. By the following year, that number had grown to 26.

Two years later, the program was expanded to include new home construction and was rebranded the Ovation Awards. “These awards honour our industry’s brightest stars,” said Peter Simpson, GVHBA’s president and CEO, at that year’s sold-out gala. “The quality we see tonight proves that, here in the Lower Mainland, we do not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to the residential building industry.” Unlike most award ceremonies, he also encouraged the crowd to applaud frequently and loudly—a suggestion the audience was delighted to comply with throughout the evening. Industry award programs, Peter notes, can become an important component of marketing— confirmation to potential clients that they are dealing with a reputable, reliable company. “I remember one meeting with

Gary Santini in the ParkLane office downtown. The waiting room was filled with awards covering every shelf. Gary told me this was where they handed homeowners their keys—not onsite or in the sales centre. There were no magazines and no social media in those days. So the only thing to do was look at all the awards.”

Over the past decade and a half, the awards—rebranded in 2020 to the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence—have continued to evolve and incorporate categories that are relevant to our industry and to consumers.

Still unique to HAVAN’s awards program, the Finalists’ Soiree—renamed the Finalists’ Reveal—made its debut in 2015. The vibe was intentionally made to feel different than the Gala; less formal, reception style, and lots of fun. It was a unique event for an awards program as it celebrates the impressive accomplishments of the finalists, not just the winners. The Reveal is set in some of Metro Vancouver’s funkiest locations—the Vistas Revolving Restaurant at Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, the refurbished Hollywood movie theatre on Broadway, Coquitlam’s Cineplex for a private viewing of The Batman, The Kent on Cambie near the intersection of Yaletown and Gastown. It’s a classy evening with plenty of opportunities to socialize and raise a glass to the finalists.

In 2022, the first in-person gala in three

years, pairs of glittering wine fairies drew gasps of astonishment at the welcoming reception. Suspended upside-down from circular ceiling trapezes, these supernatural beings were delighted to replenish guests’ glasses with a seemingly endless supply of champagne—fun, interactive, and like no other bar service before or since.

Last year, in 2023, the awards happened to coincide with Earth Day. It was a perfect opportunity to bring the outdoors in with living trees scattered throughout the ballroom and potted plants for each attendee to take home.

“But the one we really hit out of the park was in 2020,” Wendy says. “We had less than three months to completely rework the previously planned, in-person event—the traditional sit-down dinner gala—into an ambitious online show that replicated the ambiance and vibe of previous galas.”

Emceed by Bianca Solterbeck, the 2020 HAVAN Awards Gala: Home Edition was the ultimate house party. The event streamed live from an upscale North Vancouver home that was a finalist in multiple categories and struck gold for Best Kitchen Under $50,000. A full broadcast production crew—all carefully working within COVID-19 protocols—took viewers on a tour of the residence. There were live entertainment segments including garage band music by the Scott Riddell Band, tips and tricks

from a mixologist, pre-produced video elements, and an interactive online platform where guests could chat and network.

To everyone’s surprise and delight, even John Cleese—yes, “the” John Cleese—made a cameo appearance.

“Finalists watching from the comfort of their homes received a special Viewer Gift Box filled with cocktail glasses, bubbly, and some other treats— all personally delivered by our amazing sponsors,” Wendy says.

The event’s digital poster had a memorably cheeky design. Taking a break from government relations, Mark Sakai donned formal jacket and bow

And the winner is...”

tie to participate in the Best Dressed Contest—at least from the waist up. However, it was the pair of vacation shorts and flip flops that sent a clear statement: we might be doing this differently, but we’re going to have just as much fun as ever.

This year’s HAVAN Awards featured a record-breaking number of entries from 154 builders, renovators, and designers. On May 4, 530 people gathered at the JW Marriott Parq Hotel in downtown Vancouver to celebrate and honour Metro Vancouver’s residential construction industry heroes.

Darth Vader, this year’s cameo guest, gave an iconic welcome via prerecorded video: “May the Fourth be with you.” Occasionally, his unmistakable, mechanically augmented “Shhhhh…” gently brought attention back to the podium where Bianca Solterbeck was revealing the winners. After seven years as emcee, Bianca’s enthusiasm was still bubbly and contagious every time she opened one of the envelopes to announce: “And the winner is…”

Fifteen-time presenting sponsor FortisBC added a further touch of whimsy with their gala gift of LEGO building blocks. Apparently, everyone had fond memories of the brick-based toy that continues to spark imagination and creativity in younger—and sometimes not so young—generations. By the end of the presentation, not a single LEGO box remained unclaimed.

In his welcome message, Henri Belisle, HAVAN chair, noted: “We’re reminded of the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our members who continue to elevate the standard of excellence year after year. Their tireless efforts have not only transformed houses into homes but have also left an indelible mark on the fabric of our communities.”

What new levels will this passion and commitment take homebuilding in the next 50 years? Though unknown, one thing is clear: HAVAN and its members will be there to celebrate each and every triumph.

We’re finding low-carbon energy in unlikely places

Like biogas captured from compost to create Renewable Natural Gas1 (RNG). It’s a low-carbon2 energy that can be used in homes and businesses across the province—and we’re adding more to our supply every year.

Our gas system can provide RNG to buildings and developments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This means buildings can meet strict emissions guidelines without expensive upgrades or retrofits.

Find out more about RNG at fortisbc.com/rngbuild.

Connect with us @fortisbc

1Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) is produced in a different manner than conventional natural gas. It is derived from biogas, which is produced from decomposing organic waste from landfills, agricultural waste and wastewater from treatment facilities. The biogas is captured and cleaned to create low-carbon Renewable Natural Gas. 2When compared to the lifecycle carbon intensity of conventional natural gas. The burner tip emission factor of FortisBC’s current Renewable Natural Gas (also called RNG or biomethane) portfolio is 0.29 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO2e/MJ). FortisBC’s current RNG portfolio lifecycle emissions are -22 gCO2e/MJ. This is below B.C.’s low carbon threshold for lifecycle carbon intensity of 36.4 gCO2e/MJ as set out in the 2021 B.C. Hydrogen Strategy. (24-04.1 12/2023)

The Changing Face of Home

Urban Villages and Community Values

Once upon a time, not so long ago, the Canadian dream and undisputed symbol of success was owning a single-family home—white picket fence optional. Not so in 2024. Today, homebuyers can choose from a smorgasbord of innovative alternatives ranging from condos and townhomes to laneway homes, coach houses, and micro-suites. And more than ever, savvy developers are paying attention to this growing consumer appetite for a Home Sweet Home that lets savvy buyers enjoy life on their own terms.

MASTER-PLANNED LIVING

Master-planned communities have come a long way since the days when a collection of townhomes or condominiums with a party room and perhaps a kids’ playground received this designation.

Today’s master-planned developments focus squarely on lifestyle—a combination of urban conveniences, increasingly lavish amenities, plus a diverse range of housing types, all thoughtfully curated to create a vibrant, often multi-generational village. Shopping, restaurants, schools, parks, and public gathering spaces are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of daily life in these neighbourhoods.

Large-scale projects now consider integrated amenities such as private boardrooms, co-working spaces, fivestar communal entertainment kitchens, soundproof music or karaoke rooms, dog wash stations, and multi-media theatres if not de rigueur, close to it.

Recent years have seen onsite gyms transformed into state-of-the-art facilities to rival some of the biggest names in the fitness industry. Golf simulators and putting greens, bowling alleys, programable workouts like lululemon’s MIRROR, dedicated yoga

rooms—the list is lengthy and growing. Cyclists, too, are rejoicing as secure parking expands and well-equipped repair stations make it a snap to keep their favourite two-wheeler running at optimum efficiency.

Street-level plazas usually incorporating large-scale public artwork—frequently commissioned from local artists—create an animated streetscape that encourages social gatherings from spontaneous TGIF beers and burgers with friends to meticulously planned celebrations of major life events. Did someone say graduation, marriage proposal, or 50th anniversary party?

TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

A subset of master planned communities, transit-oriented developments (TODs) are steadily gaining popularity. And as more and more people of all ages seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint, TODs are emerging as an attractive, practical answer.

Proximity to fast, reliable transit and pedestrian-friendly or pedal-powered alternatives to private, gas-fuelled vehicles are fundamental design principles in these communities. Car share and electric vehicle charging stations round out the sustainable, ecosavvy lifestyle.

A shining example, Vesta Properties’ much honoured Latimer Heights in Langley, is dotted with bus stops— meaning residents seldom need to walk more than 10 minutes to find one or wait more than 15 before they can hop aboard. There’s also fast, convenient access to the Carvolth Exchange with Park’n’Ride, and when the SkyTrain extension to Langley becomes reality, getting to downtown Vancouver will be even simpler and faster. Plus there’s an intricate trail system connecting to points north, south, east, and west.

COMPACT AND COMFY

In 2005, a trailblazer named Jake Fry burst on the scene as founder and principal of Smallworks Studios and Laneway Housing Inc. His vision was crystal clear: build compact, highly efficient, and environmentally sustainable homes without sacrificing comfort or elegance.

“In many ways, we’ve experienced a cultural amnesia about how much space we really need to live comfortably,” he said in an earlier interview. “When I grew up, it was common for a family of four to live in a 1,200- or 1,400-squarefoot house and not think anything of it. Now, people are looking back at those values and beginning to question the current premise, bigger is better.”

Jake worked tirelessly with the City of Vancouver to develop zoning bylaws to permit the laneway housing he believed was one solution to gentle densification and would also allow people to stay in the heritage neighbourhoods they loved. “Think about it. For a fraction of the cost of a condominium, you can have a laneway home with the same square footage, your own front door, plus at-grade outdoor space and more privacy.”

In 2009, his efforts paid off when the City of Vancouver gave laneway homes the green light. Fast forward 15 years, and laneway homes are well-established as a viable housing type with plenty to endear them to a diverse demographic. Multiple housing award programs have

introduced categories to honour the creativity and outside-the-box designs that are wowing an increasingly savvy market.

Yes, some are still built primarily as a mortgage helper, but many are designed with more family-focused dynamics in mind. Sometimes it’s about aging in place—adult children giving Mum and Dad privacy when they want it while still being part of the family for meals, celebrations, and simple conversation. Sometimes it’s parents creating a safe, secure environment where the kids develop a sense of independence during their university years or first steps into a career.

ONLY IN VANCOUVER, EH?

Famously infamous or infamously famous, the Vancouver Special represented a unique section of the residential construction industry for approximately three decades ending in the mid-1980s. Two-storey, boxy, and utterly predictable in design—shallow front balcony accessed through sliding patio doors, stucco façades with faux brick veneer below, matched columns frequently topped by concrete lions rampant on either side of the driveway entry—it’s estimated more than 10,000 of these mass-produced houses can still be found on Vancouver streets.

The concept was originally a clever work-around to maximize interior space. Zoning laws of the day stated that basements were not included when calculating allowable square footage. Add a lower “basement,”

Day-to-day functionality, not size, is the true measure of livability.”

-Charan Sethi, president and chief visionary officer of Tien Sher Group

usually masquerading as an unfinished rec room, to a one-level bungalow, and presto, twice the space with minimal extra cost. Bonus: once the owner had occupancy, the lower level could be—and frequently was—easily reconfigured into a self-contained suite ideal for rental, in-laws, or guests.

MINI MARVELS

In 2016, Tien Sher Group debuted the micro-suite, a new twist on the studios many have long viewed as the first rung on the homeownership ladder. Part of the Quattro master-planned community in Surrey, these highly anticipated condos boasted footprints ranging from 297 to 308 square feet and no shortage of sophisticated, contemporary finishing details—dishwasher, stacked or all-in-one washer/dryer, nine-foot ceilings, even a private balcony.

“Day-to-day functionality, not size, is the true measure of livability,” says Charan Sethi, president and chief visionary officer. “The key components of any home are a kitchen, a bathroom, plus a comfy place to sit down during the day and sleep at night. Think about a sailboat or motorhome that are often less than 100 square feet. I’ve seen people create some outstanding dinners in a sailboat galley and then serve their guests a full, sit-down dinner.”

At the time, these suites laid claim to being Canada’s smallest strata homes. And with a price tag of approximately half that of a Yaletown unit, they opened the possibility of homeownership for someone earning $15 or $18 an hour. Others have since followed Tien Sher’s lead, and while the micro-suite remains a small segment of the strata market, for those who choose them, it can be a lifechanging move.

COHOUSING

Often confused with co-ops, cohousing is actually a conventional strata property that promotes an unconventional, highly communal lifestyle. Most projects are less than 10 units and always list a large community kitchen among their shared facilities. Cohousing focuses on practical, everyday ways like-minded people can benefit financially and socially from village-style living—including regular communal meals that engage all generations.

Prices and strata fees are comparable to similar townhouses. However, since owners know and trust each other— often even informally sharing cars, recreational equipment, and child minding—day-to-day maintenance expenses can be lower. They are easy to sell and units seldom, if ever, appear on MLS since the supply is so limited—a small but growing market that could become an answer to affordability and a defense against the loneliness often found in an urban environment.

From compact and cozy to lavish and luxurious, the new home ownership dream is all about individuality. And HAVAN members are bringing those new visions to life every day.

HAVAN’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Thank You to Our Host, Brian Jessel BMW, and to All Our Sponsors

Provincial government establishes first film development office ‘Hollywood North’

1978

Construction begins on Robson Square

1980

DECADES THROUGH THE

Last movie shown at the Orpheum Theatre

Construction begins at Kingsway/Boundary on B.C. Tel (now TELUS) headquarters Cypress Provincial Park is created

Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada established

1974

HUDAC Greater Vancouver (Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada) incorporated Knight Street Bridge opened

Government promotes multi-plex home

1975

Vietnam War ended VanDusen Botanical Garden opened

1976

UBC’s Museum of Anthropology moves into Arthur Ericksondesigned building

Marine Building and the Hotel Vancouver designated as Heritage Buildings

1977

First blower door test performed on the Saskatchewan Conservation House tested at 0.5 ach at 50 Pa

Harbour Centre skyscraper opened with the “Lookout” tower

The average cost of a house in Vancouver increases by 125% from 1977 to nearly $180,000 Cascades Drive-In Theatre closes

1981

Woodwards first major department store to open Sundays

Thin Home built on 16 x 122 foot lot in Point Grey, is movein ready after nine years of red tape

Recession begins. House prices drop approximately 50%

The highest one-year fixed mortgage rate in history at 21.75%

Two-thirds of Greater Vancouver’s population now live outside of Vancouver, BC The Cave Supper Club in Vancouver is demolished

1982

Canada’s new constitution proclaimed BC Lions play last game at Empire Stadium

1983

BC Place Stadium opens. The world’s largest airsupported dome (60,000 seats)

Internet’s Domain Name System is created

Vancouver Art Gallery moves to old courthouse Heritage Hall reopens

1984

HUDAC renamed to Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) Apple launches first home Macintosh computer Canada Health Act passed Signing of Declaration to return Hong Kong to China

1985

SkyTrain Expo Line opens

Original Live Aid concert held at Wembley Stadium, England

Rick Hansen begins Man in Motion Tour

1986

Vancouver hosts Expo 86 anticipating 12 million people; welcomes over 22 million guests

Alex Fraser Bridge opens (longest cable-stayed bridge in world until 2005)

New Westminster Quay Public Market opens Canada Place opens

1988

GVHBA members erect and disassemble prefabricated modular ski chalet daily at Fall Home Show

1989

Free Trade between Canada and US (CUSFTA) goes into effect

Tim Berners-Lee creates the first web server and foundation for the World Wide Web

1990

TransLink SkyBridge opens connecting New Westminster and Surrey

1991

Goods and Services Tax comes into effect

1992

Federal co-operative housing program terminated

Canada turns 125

1994

NAFTA takes effect

1995

West Coast Express opens GM Place opens (now known as Rogers Arena)

New Vancouver Public Library opens GVHBA starts Coats for Kids Campaign in support of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau

1996

2001

New York City attacked on September 11th

Interest rates drop to mid to high 3%

2002

Lower Mainland population tips over into 2M residents

Millennium Line (SkyTrain) opens

Canada ratifies the Kyoto Protocol, limiting greenhouse gas emissions

The Canadian dollar sets all-time low against the U.S. dollar (US$0.6179)

2003

LinkedIn launches

2004

The Facebook launches (renamed to Facebook in 2005)

2012

New Port Mann Bridge 10lane cable-stayed bridge opens

BC’s first Passive House is built in Whistler

2013

The Ridge Theatre, home to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, closes its doors

2014

Maple Ridge incorporates as municipality

2015

YouTube officially launches with 8 million views per day

2016

2021

The first flip mobile phone goes on sale, selling over 60 million units

Hotmail begins, a free email service

1998

The Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) formed

The U.S. announces large tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber

1999

Bowen Island incorporates

2000

Benchmark price of a typical detached home in Greater Vancouver is $343,980

2007

Domed roof of BC Place Stadium in Vancouver collapses

Apple introduces firstgeneration iPhone 2G

2008

U.S. banking crisis begins, real estate markets cool Airbnb launches

2009

Living Shangri-La is completed and is the 34th tallest building in Canada

Barack Obama takes office as US president

Canada Line SkyTrain opens Bank of Canada overnight lending rate

record low of 0.25%

2010

Vancouver hosts Winter Olympics

Instagram launches and racks up 25,000 users in one day

Pinterest launches with 10,000 users

Sea-to-Sky Highway completes $775 million safety renovation to help with increased traffic

Metro Vancouver benchmark price for single detached home is $796,883

TikTok launches Builder Licensing takes effect

Foreign Buyers Tax introduced

Donald Trump wins U.S. election

The Great Bear Rainforest is protected

2017

The Government of BC enacts the BC Energy Step Code

BC Vacant Homes Tax introduced

2018

Speculation Tax introduced to select regions of BC

2019

GVHBA rebranded to Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN)

2020

COVID-19 pandemic. March 18, 2020, BC in lockdown

December, the benchmark price for a detached home in Metro Vancouver

$1,910,200

Plastic straws and bags are banned nationwide

Lumber reached all-time high of $1,600 USD/1,000 board feet spruce-pine-fir (SPF)

June 30 the province-wide COVID-19 state of emergency lockdown ends

Lowest one-year fixed mortgage rate in history at 2.79%

2023

BC Building Code now requires 20% better energy efficiency, targeting net-zero carbon by 2030 and net-zero energy by 2032

2024

Federal government launches the Co-operative Housing Development Program Metro Vancouver population

Government Relations and Advocacy

Playing the Long Game

In 2008, HAVAN’s government relations and advocacy was a small department.

In fact, it was a department of one. CEO Peter Simpson, the original GVHBA spokesperson for all things GR, had made a bold move by hiring Amy Spencer as the first full-time staff person in charge of this fundamental association pillar.

For the next four and a half years, Amy would expand outreach and visibility throughout Metro Vancouver. It was a complex task since the region is made up of 21 municipalities plus an electoral and one treaty First Nation. She also started the Government Relations Update—known affectionately as the GRU—a weekly digest of breakthroughs and challenges of interest to the industry.

In September of 2012, Mark Sakai became the second person to hold the job. “Government relations is a very long game,” Mark acknowledges. At that time, it was still a very tough game as well, and the association had to fight hard to have any form of input in government policymaking. It was a battle Mark’s department embraced.

“What we heard over and over from our members was that the municipal approvals process was a confusing and unpredictable landscape,” he says. Spanning six years, Getting to Groundbreaking (G2G) was a three-part research series designed primarily to shine a light on approvals in three areas—townhouses, low-rise wood frame, and the ever-expanding missing middle. It tackled some of the most controversial issues head on with resounding success. Ultimately, Mark adds, Bill 44 used some sections of the reports almost verbatim.

Mark made two changes to the popular GRU. The first was to break it into sections by topic and geographical regions so readers could more easily zero in on issues that were the most pertinent. The second was to shift the release date to Saturday

morning. “That way people could savour over morning coffee,” he explains.

“I also always tried to throw in something quirky at the end—like the video clip I’d seen on Facebook of a guy who created a serpentine marble-racing track on a sloped beach and then filmed the marbles as they went from top to bottom.”

In 2019, the department expanded to include the position of manager, policy and research, which was held by Jay Chadha, who eventually took over the GRU.

Fourteen years after its inaugural edition, the GRU remains a Saturday favourite among members looking for a synopsis of the previous seven days’ events and the upcoming week’s meeting agendas.

With 20 years of experience as an elected official, Diana Dilworth was a natural successor to HAVAN’s now flourishing GR department when Mark stepped down. Following his commitment to building strong relationships both within and outside the association, she likes to involve people with boots on the ground in government outreach, people who can bring a focused level of knowledge to the table when speaking with policy decisionmakers.

“For example, when the City of North Vancouver was conducting a development application review, they reached out to us about section 9 in the permitting process. Half a dozen builders with direct experience of this section—which I didn’t have—stepped up.” It was a win-win scenario. Municipal officials got the lowdown from industry insiders and HAVAN members got validation that their voices matter.

“We are at a watershed moment in history,” Diana says. “We used to have to struggle to get a place at the table. Now we’re being invited to the table. We’ve weathered all the storms over 50 years, and we’re still standing stronger than ever. I believe things will only get better from here going forward.”

Changing How We Build

Advances in Building Science

Construction is at a watershed moment. After decades of building methods remaining entrenched in stick framing and 2x4s, the first quarter of the 21st Century has experienced rapidly accelerating advancements in construction techniques and building science.

It’s no longer just about how we build; it’s also about the materials we build with—materials that help reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. The 2x4 is no longer king—think mass timber and ICF. Solar panels are becoming mainstream, and products such as heat pumps that reduce energy consumption are an expected norm. This new, holistic approach to home construction requires a team of highly skilled professionals. HAVAN and its members remain committed to leading the way.

ADVANCEMENTS IN BUILDING SCIENCE TIMELINE

1977

First blower door test performed on the Saskatchewan Conservation House tested at 0.5 ach at 50 Pa.

1982

Super Energy-Efficient Housing Program introduced. Triple A Starter Home promoted by Premier Bennett and HUDAC as an affordable housing option.

1983

R2000 home promoted as Home of the 21st Century.

1998

HOT2000 energy modelling system for new single-family homes developed by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) established.

2003

Built Green Canada established. The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) created to further the expansion of green building in Canada by promoting LEED rating system.

2006

EnerGuide for new homes program initiated in Canada.

2010

Canada Passive House Institute (CanPHI) founded.

2015

Construction of Site C Dam started. Will provide 1,100 megawatts of capacity and generate 5,100 gigawatt hours of energy each year—enough to power the equivalent of 450,000 homes per year.

2023

BC Building Code requires 20% better energy efficiency in new homes for BC—goal of net zero carbon by 2030 and net zero energy ready by 2032.

18-storey LEED Gold standard Brock Commons Tallwood House—built from CLT—becomes the tallest wooden building in the world.

2022

The City of Vancouver requires lowemission (electric) equipment for space and hot water heating in new low-rise residential buildings.

Lifelong Learning

Expanding Minds: Improving Skills

Continuing professional education remains one of HAVAN’s foundational pillars. Over the years, members have accessed an everexpanding selection of live and online seminars, workshops, and lab sessions to explore a diverse range of topics from technology and building science to business management, legal issues, government regulations, and more.

CPDS AND BUILDER LICENSING

In 2015, BC Housing introduced the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program as part of an enhanced licensing system. General contractors building single-family homes and small residential buildings were now required to complete the program in order to renew their builder’s licence. The Education and Training Committee immediately began work to develop courses that would meet members’ educational needs and deliver courses approved for credits. Over time, the association has become a trusted provider of builder training—one that, for many members, is their go-to first choice. Most recently, on September 30, 2022, when BC Housing added mandatory Step Code training to the CPD requirements, HAVAN developed two targeted seminars approved for accreditation.

BUILDERS’ BREAKFAST SERIES

In response to providing 20 CPD credits per year, early risers used to meet once a month for a two-hour seminar and

hot breakfast at the Conference Centre in Vancouver. The Builders’ Breakfast Series moved online during the pandemic, where it has remained. Not surprisingly, its popularity is strong as it continues to attract a diverse range of specialists and experts.

ANYWHERE LEARNING

Currently boasting a portfolio of more than 70 online seminars, eLearn was launched in 2017. Suddenly members could skip the commute and study on their own time—whether it’s 5:00 am or midnight. Most courses are pay-perview and CPD-approved, and no one will ever know if you’re studying in your PJs or swim trunks at the vacation cottage. Open both to members and the general public, eLearn has also provided HAVAN with an opportunity to leverage its educational programming to audiences beyond Metro Vancouver, something in-person sessions could not previously achieve.

SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH

After surviving the well-documented isolation many experienced from the global shutdown, mental wellness in the homebuilding industry came to the forefront. Statistics indicated the construction industry had experienced record high rates of mental illness and substance abuse during the pandemic. And so, in 2023, a panel of experts was assembled for a oneday conference in partnership with ICBA, HAVAN’s new benefits provider,

a conference that would also launch the HAVAN360 program. The keynote speaker, Corey Hirsch, former goalie of the Vancouver Canucks, shared a wealth of personal experience and practical tools to help understand, identify, and manage mental stress and illness.

BUILDING BETTER BUILDINGS

Today, faced with escalating material costs, labour shortages, and environmental pressures, building science has become a core component in homebuilding and is a main driver for industry education. These one-day conferences bring together members as well as internationally respected experts and guest speakers to discuss the latest in building science and construction technology.

TECHNICAL TAILGATES

A fun opportunity for members to share knowledge and tour projects that showcase cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, these site visits are presented by the Education and Training’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG), in partnership with the Women’s Council. Locations included innovations like the Living Building Challenge home, several Passive House projects, and mixed-use high-performance buildings.

During the first 50 years, HAVAN has moved with the times to develop and deliver educational resources that address the many diverse changes seen throughout the construction industry. With over 1.1 million views, the four-part YouTube masterclass series on high-performance buildings as well as several, behind-the-walls videos on high-performance homes that achieve higher tiers of the BC Energy Step Code are just two examples.

Looking ahead, HAVAN will continue its commitment to develop new content and new ways to deliver programming in an ever more technologically oriented world.

Navigating the Pandemic Highway

Becoming Pros of the Pivot

March 18, 2020. It was the day the world changed throughout British Columbia: the day Mike Farnworth, BC’s public safety minister, officially declared a 14-day state of emergency in response to the escalating spread of COVID-19.

As HAVAN staff shuttered the office that Wednesday afternoon, no one imagined that instead of two weeks, it would be more than two years before life began returning to semi-normal.

Unlike some provinces, BC deemed construction an essential service. Hammers still rang across jobsites as the entire industry mobilized to remain compliant with constantly changing restrictions and regulations, massive supply chain disruptions, and skyrocketing costs.

“As an industry and an association, I believe we handled the challenges extremely well,” said former CEO Ron Rapp. “We were able to make an efficient, almost seamless transition to a virtual environment almost overnight—a testament to the skill and flexibility of our staff and members.

“For example, just over a week after the shutdown, we launched the first of four webinars that directly addressed the pandemic’s effect on our industry.” More than 4,000 tradespeople and contractors tuned in for the series that covered Strategies to Help Your Business Survive COVID-19, Construction Site

Safety During COVID-19, Navigating the Human Resources Side of Business During COVID-19, and Prime Contractor Responsibilities with WorkSafeBC.

With the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence gala scheduled just eight weeks later, HAVAN staff were faced with a seemingly impossible task—reinvent one of the year’s most popular events in a world where social gatherings were prohibited. The solution? The HAVAN Awards Home Edition. Check out the full scoop on the event in the awards section of this magazine. In the meantime, here are a few hints. Emceed by Bianca Solterbeck, the Home Edition was the ultimate house party with a band, mixologist, a contest for Best Dressed participant, and prize packs for finalists watching the live-stream event from home. Two years later, people still view recordings of both the 2020 and 2021 virtual galas.

“Pivot” became the mantra of sales and marketing teams everywhere

during the early months of the pandemic. Lavish presentation centres and display suites stood empty, but increasingly sophisticated virtual tours created an overwhelming demand that defied predictions of a market slowdown. People were, quite literally, buying homes from the comfort of their living room sofa.

Making trendsetting headlines in this new reality, Q5 by Tien Sher sold 138 of its 142 suites in a single day—and not a single purchaser entered the discovery centre. “We obviously couldn’t let people line up outside the way we used to,” explains Charan Sethi, president and chief visionary officer. “But we felt a social responsibility to make sure every buyer still had the opportunity to purchase the home of their choice.”

Potential purchasers received all required documentation electronically ahead of the grand opening. When Q5’s digital doors opened, they emailed an offer, Charan reviewed it in the

Pivot” became the mantra of sales and marketing teams everywhere during the early months of the pandemic.

We adapted, evolved, and never compromised quality or innovation.

order it was received, then signed electronically. A few mouse clicks later, the deal was done. Media went wild, and images of Charan at a solitary desk in the presentation centre flooded the internet.

Ron says he believes HAVAN was also the only housing association in the country that continued to successfully stage an in-person golf tournament throughout the pandemic. Since its inception, the event routinely sold out all 288 spots within days, and 2020 was no exception—although the committee did have to make some modifications to make it happen.

Golf was one of the few group activities still allowed, and demand both for tee times and outdoor wedding venues had skyrocketed.

Swaneset Bay Resort & Country Club in Maple Ridge, where the competition usually took place, was not booking

corporate events. Unfazed, the HAVAN team struck an agreement with South Surrey’s Morgan Creek Golf Course for a two-day affair with 144 golfers each day.

Rather than the traditional shotgun start, a timed start kept the number of people playing through at any given point within legal limits. Food stations, each brimming over with delectable treats, were set up on the course to replicate the camaraderie of an endof-tourney banquet, and naturally, each participant received a swag bag full of goodies. The tournament was a resounding success.

Four years after that fateful day in March 2020, HAVAN is stronger than ever. We adapted, evolved, and never compromised quality or innovation. Because it takes more than a virus to silence the residential construction industry in British Columbia.

Construction Site Trailblazers

Women Don Hard Hats and Tool Belts

They’re drywallers, carpenters, and tile setters. They’re young, enthusiastic, and an increasing number are women. Say hello to the next generation of builders and trades in the world of residential construction.

Once viewed as a career people accidentally fell into or entered because they hadn’t gone to college, the past decade has seen an escalating shift in public perception. At long last, construction is now considered a viable career choice–one with plenty of perks including the opportunity to earn a significant income.

“Right off the bat I was making $54,000 a year,” says Natasa, an energy advisor, in an interview on HAVAN’s Let’s Build a Career page. She adds that the requirements of BC’s new Step Code ensure her position will always remain in high demand.

There is still the lingering myth that construction is a man’s job. Dani

Ferenc, president of TPMA Consulting and longtime advocate for women in construction, says she’d worked in the industry for a decade–from 2003 to 2013–before she met another woman at a trade event. She laughs. “After 20 years, you’d be surprised how many people still say: ‘Oh, so you’re a safety girl,’ when I tell them I’m in construction.”

As more and more women do enter the field, many say they’re searching for opportunities to connect with other likeminded individuals. It was this desire to forge deeper, more meaningful relationships that was the inspiration behind the HAVAN Women’s Council (WC).

Established in 2018, the WC’s goal is to “engage, encourage, and empower” women who chose to enter the residential construction industry. It’s a lively group, one where members speak their minds and are exploring a host

of new roles that extend far beyond hardhats and toolboxes.

“We began by bringing in women working in the local industry to share their experience and knowledge on topics such as Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Women in Trades,” says Dawn Sondergaard, HAVAN’s senior director of marketing and communications. “Then, when the pandemic hit, we moved these Speaker’s Cafés online–which turned out to be a good thing since we could now invite women speakers from all over North America.”

Opening doors and opening minds, the council’s women-led site tours, in conjunction with the Education and Training Committee, were an instant hit. From award-winning custom homes to Weyerhaeuser’s local plant to a wholehouse deep energy retrofit that focused on aging-in-place and accessibility, these events routinely sell out in

VICTORIA

days. As a bonus, income generated from tickets helps fund HAVAN’s BCIT ACE program that assists high school students to become future generations of builders–of every gender.

Despite so many advances in gender neutrality, though, the industry is still heavily skewed toward men. “Home construction in BC is thriving, yet women still represent just 5.7 percent of the labour force. If we changed that to 10 percent, it would virtually eliminate the current labour shortage,” says Laurel James, Novell Design Build’s director and principal designer and the WC co-chair. “Many young women and their parents or school counsellors overlook the fact that this industry has many great opportunities–with an excellent income right from the beginning as one of the incentives. The Women’s Council and HAVAN are working hard to let women know homebuilding is an industry that wants

them, and there is a network here to support and empower them once they arrive.”

Social media is helping spread the word–as is HAVAN. By showcasing women working in the industry, other young women get the message: there’s opportunity in the trades, and they’re responding.

In 2022, HAVAN’s Women’s Council hosted Let’s Build a Career, a virtual career fair that attracted 414 enthusiastic guests. An intensive media campaign on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn garnered three million impressions that resulted in over 13,000 click-throughs to the landing page www.havan.ca/letsbuildacareer.

“My job is so much fun,” says Sasha, a heavy equipment operator who was also interviewed for HAVAN’s Let’s Build a Career page. “Being a woman in construction has really boosted my self-confidence. It’s very empowering

Being a woman in construction has really boosted my self-confidence.”

- Sasha

to get out there and be able to do everything a man does.” She grins. “And sometimes do it better.” She adds her income of $50,000 per year not only allows her to put money toward the racing truck that’s her hobby, but also made it possible to buy her daughter the pony she’d set her heart on.

Looking ahead, Dani sums it up. “If we work together to find ways everyone is equally respected, when we get to a point where we no longer even see gender, we will fill the positions and build a stronger industry.”

Builders Expo Showcasing Supplier Innovation

The idea was simple—help HAVAN suppliers and service providers gain more of the brand exposure they deserved. It would be the first residential construction tradeshow in the Lower Mainland to focus exclusively on B2B opportunities, and with plenty of networking and food, it was destined to become a classic.

That first year, the Members Expo took place in the Executive Plaza Hotel at the junction of Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Burnaby. More than 200 industry people attended, eager to discover the newest, most innovative materials and technology. It was, according to one visitor, “crowded but cozy.”

By the end of the second year, it was evident the event was so well-received that it had outgrown its venue. In year three, the Members Expo moved to the Hard Rock Casino, a snazzy, recently opened building in Coquitlam with plenty of space to accommodate the

rapidly increasing attendance. The casino rebranded to Great Canadian Casino Vancouver in 2023.

This year, the Members Expo itself underwent a rebranding and became the Builders Expo. More than 90 premier industry suppliers were on hand and over 700 attendees packed the floor.

Reflecting the industry’s landscape, displays had a strong focus on building science, innovation, and sustainable practices. One key draw for builders was a presentation prepared by CHBA BC’s Pauline Rupp who presented an update on Building Codes and Energy Efficiency Standards. Many a friendship has been formed over exquisite finger foods and discussion about the latest trends and technologies that are shaping the residential construction landscape.

On top of all this, parking is free and plenty of prizes are up for grabs. So what’s not to love about that.

Displays had a strong focus on building science, innovation, and sustainable practices.

The Parade of Homes

A Peek-a-Boo into Dream Homes

It’s hard to resist a parade. And when it comes to a parade featuring some of the most creative, innovative, and architecturally stunning homes, it’s virtually impossible. Just how far back the tradition of people opening their homes to strangers is difficult to trace. We know that for several years in the early 1970s, the Lower Mainland Homebuilders Association held a Parade of Homes. There’s been a Surrey Parade of Homes, the Delta Posh Homes Parade, and Street of Dreams on Eagle Mountain in East Abbotsford.

But for GVHBA, it began in 1993, long before social media had exploded into people’s daily lives. Ken Sawatsky, president of Kenorah Construction & Design and one of the original members of the Renovation Council, proposed a new consumer outreach initiative—a Parade of Renovated Homes. For a $5 entry fee, the public was invited inside a series of renovated houses situated throughout the Lower Mainland. It was a fundraiser, community outreach, and member publicity event all rolled into one.

The next year, when a few council members questioned the time and effort that putting on such an event entailed, it was Mark Ashcroft, who was the owner of API Construction and the Reno Council chair at that time, who had the answer. “He told us it was the single most powerful marketing event his company had ever participated in,” recalls Ralph Belisle, founder of TQ Construction.

Due to the success of the Parade of Renovated Homes, GVHBA launched the Parade of New Homes in 2002 to feature new-home developments built by the association’s community builder members, companies like Morningstar Homes and Vesta Properties. This event took place over nine days to accommodate the number of participating locations, and the event advertising included a free in-newspaper Parade Guide so potential homebuyers could plan their self-guided route.

As with most programs, sponsorship dollars were needed to support this new event. “I went to Homeowner Protection Office [now known as BC Housing], and explained the concept,” says Peter Simpson, then CEO. “Shayne Ramsay, who was head of the organization back then, asked how much it was going to cost. I was thinking $10,000, but I said $15,000. And he said, ‘I’m in!’ Just like that.” Peter still smiles at the memory.

Both Parades continued attracting thousands of people to members’ projects over the years until 2009, when the economic downturn hit and the two events were no longer feasible to present.

In 2012, the Parade of Renovated Homes was resurrected as the Parade of Renovated and Custom Homes, bringing together an impressive collection of custom-built and renovated homes. The event was then rebranded as the Parade of Homes in 2019 but fell victim to COVID-19 shutdowns.

The Parades were an effective means for the public to see, firsthand, the incredible work of our members and to emphasize the benefits of building, buying, and renovating with a GVHBA/HAVAN member.

Consumer Connections

Helping Homeowners Build, Buy, and Renovate Their Dream Homes

Even before the advent of TV and radio programing like Shell Busey’s The Build-It Show or Property Brothers with Drew and Jonathan Scott, folks were fascinated with all things home related. Seems it’s just human nature.

Helping consumers design, build, renovate, and protect the largest investment most people will make in their lifetime is woven into the association’s DNA. Opportunities to connect with HAVAN members are diverse, both in content and delivery, but all are consumer-centric and easy to enjoy.

HOMEBUYER FORUM

Originally known as the First-Time Homebuyers Seminar, this popular event routinely drew more than 700 people to listen to a panel of industry

professionals provide market updates on the ins and outs of purchasing a home. As the world moved online—especially due to COVID-19 restrictions—videos became the ideal vehicle for greater reach. The event is now rebranded as a Homebuyers Masterclass.

HOME IN THE DOME AT THE BC SPRING HOME + GARDEN SHOW

A decades-long tradition, HAVAN’s participation in the BC Home + Garden Show was far more than seminars and mainstage presentations—it was five days of innovation and creativity. A yurt, the ultimate doghouse, one of Vancouver’s first laneway homes, and a log house built with beetle-killed denim pine were just a few of the outside-thebox homes consumers would happily line up to tour.

Although the association no longer has a dedicated display, companies with their own booths have become HAVAN ambassadors who hand out the current Contact Directory and answer questions.

For years, consumers ooh’d and ahh’d as they browsed the Ask a Pro Gallery showcasing some of the members’ many award-winning renovations. Renovators, frequently the company founders and principals, were on hand to field questions, offer advice, and for a few seasons, cheer on visitors who attacked a board in the Hammering Contest. In 2017, Home Show guests could even test out the trending immersive 3D home tours using goggles with Matterport software.

VANCOUVER FALL HOME SHOW

HOME DESIGN + RENO SHOW

Now set against the lavish greenery of the VanDusen Botanical Garden and led by the Design Council, HAVAN’s Home Design + Reno Show is popular with homeowners looking for onpoint information about trends and innovations. Some 20-plus designers, renovators, builders, and suppliers are on hand to answer questions and offer practical solutions to the question: “How can I build or adapt the home I love?”

Back in 2008, it was a biannual, renovation-focused seminar and expo held at the Croatian Cultural Centre and led by the Renovation Council. In 2015, the Better Business Bureau came on board as a partner, and the show was moved to the Hard Rock Casino for a one-time, two-day event. The consensus, however, was to provide a more boutique ambiance, and the event was moved, once again, to its current home at VanDusen Gardens.

With the onset of a digital world, HAVAN’s marketing team continues to find innovative ways to connect consumers with professionals who help them build and renovate it right...the first time.

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE PODCAST

Launched in 2020 with the help of a BC Hydro grant, this series of more than 60 podcasts featuring HAVAN members and special industry guests such as Bryan Baeumler of HGTV fame and the Honourable Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon soon developed a devoted following. Envisioned as a way homeowners could connect with industry professionals, each episode now averages 13,000 YouTube views with a total of 21,000 downloads and growing. Co-hosts Lee Gunson from jPod Creations and Mike Freedman from AI Technology and Design ask the tough questions so consumers can discover new ways they can build or renovate right—first time, every time.

BUILT TO LAST THE AGES

A person’s home is their castle. And when a gallant knight errant in full armour and chain mail comes upon a For Sale sign in the High-Performance Home Campaign’s video portion, he soon discovers that today’s homes are light years from the drafty castles of yore. After helping the knight into floor

protector booties, the realtor tours him through the property where he jousts with the automatic garage door opener, is amazed by invisible triple-glaze patio doors, and soon relaxes in the must-free dungeon—errrr, lower level, soundproofed media room. All captured for posterity on YouTube.

To continue the knight’s adventures into 21st Century construction techniques, HAVAN staff donned armour to pose for supporting print ads and then made an in-person appearance at the Fall Home Show.

Hosted by Todd Best of Best Builders and his sidekick Flynn, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of today’s high-performance homes. Todd’s vintage 1965 Dodge Power Wagon is featured in every episode and serves as a reminder of the advancements in automotive technology for protection, comfort, and safety— just like the evolution of industry-leading homebuilding practices.

BUILT IN VIDEO SERIES

The HAVAN Fall Classic Golf Tournament

Par-Tee with a Purpose

Grab your clubs and sun visors, because when autumn arrives it means one thing. It’s time for the much-loved Fall Classic Golf Tournament, one of HAVAN’s premier networking events and a highlight on the association’s annual calendar.

The first tournament took place at the Surrey Golf Club. For several years GVHBA tried different venues until demand had increased to the point a two-course venue was needed, and it was moved to the Northview Golf & Country Club in Surrey. In 2015, it was moved again to Pitt Meadows’ Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club–the only other two-course club in the Lower Mainland. Initially, the event was a stroke and shotgun start with 288 golfers. It’s since evolved into a shotgun-only tournament for 312 golfers and typically sells out within days–if not hours–often with a lengthy waitlist.

Now hosted by the Suppliers Council (with BAKA Communications as presenting sponsor for the past 12 years) the event has grown to have more than 60 sponsors. Participants savour breakfast, on-course food trucks, beverage sampling stations, course activations, and an end-of-the-day

Participants savour breakfast, on-course food trucks, beverage sampling stations, and course activations.

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reception and banquet that includes live and silent auctions in support of HAVAN’s BCIT Scholarships.

There’s always a little chaos in the mix, too, as staff and volunteers from Dick’s Lumber & Building Supplies navigate the predawn start. “One year, 350 participant gifts–which happened to be blankets so the swag bags were unusually bulky–were accidentally left outside overnight in the yard works area,” says Dan Glavind, senior director of sales marketing of Dick’s Lumber and the current golf chair. “When we finally located them, it took a convoy of cars, trucks, and golf carts to get the dew-covered boxes back up to the welcoming area in time for the start.”

Another year, he recalls bear cubs were out in full force–swinging off golf hole flags, climbing into golf carts, and clambering over cars in the parking lot. As disconcerting as it was, this spontaneous interaction with nature inspired the Bear Necessities

Sponsorship–a social cart that drives around and captures photographs of wildlife on the course–photos that included deer, bears, birds, snakes, and, of course, HAVAN golfers.

HELPING STUDENTS TODAY BECOME TOMORROW’S LEADERS

This year will mark the tournament’s 26th year raising funds to support scholarships for BCIT’s Carpentry Framing and Forming Foundation. As of the 2024 AGM, HAVAN has donated $104,300 to students preparing to enter the construction industry–funds that can, and do, change their career trajectory.

In one particularly heartwarming twist of fate, one scholarship recipient and the company who took them on as a summer apprentice were reunited years later.

When one of the local high schools asked Mark Cooper, owner of

Shakespeare Homes & Renovations in North Vancouver, to participate in a summer jobsite placement program, he readily agreed. “I knew it was a fantastic opportunity for them to get a taste of the industry and gain some real-world experience.” Mark even gave the young man some of his tools which he joked were “probably older than you are.”

Five or six years later, Mark was presenting that year’s BCIT scholarships and recognized one of the names–Luke Evans. “The last time I’d seen him, he was just about my height: now he was a six-foot-five grown adult. It was a proud moment for me as well.”

The following day, Luke called to ask if Mark would sponsor him for his apprentice certification. It took less than two months before Luke was a member of the Shakespeare Homes team, although it’s unknown whether or not shooing bears off jobsites was ever one of his responsibilities.

Next Generation of Professionals Inform. Involve. Engage.

It was standing room only at the first meeting of the U40 Committee in 2012. And no one was more astonished than the core group of organizers.

“We’d booked a boardroom thinking 15 to 20 people might come—if we were lucky,” recalls Matt Robinson, principal of Monarch Floor & Window Coverings. “More than 40 showed up. People were crammed into the hallways because we just couldn’t fit in any more chairs.”

The committee’s primary goals were ambitious but straightforward: make GVHBA more relevant, collaborative, and, yes, fun for the increasing number of younger professionals who were joining the association. “A large part of our mandate was to design high-value networking events as well as training and mentoring opportunities,” says Yosh Kasahara, Alabaster Group of Companies’ COO and the U40’s inaugural committee chair.

The concept resonated with members—both under and over 40. Early events included whiskey or wine tastings, mentorship breakfasts, and strapping into the driver’s seat for a spin around the track at Richmond Go Karts.

But this younger echelon of members also embraced friendly competition. On pub nights, teammates might be found racing to be first to get a cotton ball over the finish line without touching their partner. All spatulas were on deck during the popular Cook-Off Challenge hosted by Kitchen Craft where teams demonstrated their finest flambé and sauté skills. And there was plenty of sweat and suntan lotion as more than 60 fitness fanatics attempted the gruelling Grouse Grind challenge.

In 2020, U40 rebranded as the Young Professionals. But their mission was unchanged—enhance the sense of being part of a forward-looking organization in a world where connections are ever more important.

Supporting Communities

More Than a Feeling

When it comes to giving back, HAVAN members are a generous bunch. Often it’s simple things done in the background— perhaps passing along tools to a young person starting out or donating proceeds from the Parade Passport sales to Frank Hurt and Guildford Park Secondary Schools’ trades departments. But when HAVAN members open their hearts, some charity drives become celebratory events enjoyed as much by the givers as the recipients.

COATS FOR KIDS

It was an unusually cold, November day in 1993. Peter Simpson, CEO, was heading to the GVHBA office in Surrey when he noticed something that shook him to the core. Many of the children he saw heading to school were wearing light, summer coats—in some cases, they weren’t wearing a coat at all. “This wasn’t war-torn Syria. This was Greater Vancouver.”

By the time he arrived at work, Peter had the broad strokes of a plan. It was elegant in its simplicity. Get members to use their offices, sales centres, and warehouses as drop-off depots where people could donate winter clothing and

blankets for children in need. In no time, 30 companies signed on, and the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau had agreed to distribute whatever was collected. Donations began pouring in almost immediately.

Twenty-nine years later, the annual Coats for Kids campaign remains a Christmas tradition. In 2023, 75 HAVAN member companies provided 88 drop-off locations across 14 Metro Vancouver municipalities. On December 7, members gathered at Trail Appliances’ Vancouver showroom for the Chill Out For Kids holiday wrap-up party raising an additional $12,000 to support families in need.

RAMPS

Pizza and pop were the payment for one life-changing humanitarian outreach. When a Burnaby woman suddenly found herself confined to a wheelchair, Ralph Belisle (TQ Construction) and John Friswell (CCI Renovations) spearheaded a solution that would allow her to stay in the house she loved but could no longer access.

On the appointed day, a team of volunteers arrived and rang the doorbell. Armed with hammers, tape measures, hard hats, as well as a truckload of donated building supplies, the crew wasted no time constructing a ramp

to her front door. By the end of the afternoon, a life had been changed. Cost to her? Zero.

DUNKING FOR DOLLARS

It’s a time-honoured fund-raising tradition. People pony up money to watch someone be dunked into icy water. And at the 2019 summer social hosted by Caesarstone Burnaby, attendees egged on a stream of people willing to take the plunge.

Over the afternoon, participants engaged in some friendly competition as they vied for the honour of being crowned the most expensive dunkee. Top contenders Renée Auer and Larry Clay both brought their A game raising $1,000 between the two of them. In total the event raised $5,800 for NightShift Street Ministries.

EASTER SEALS HOUSE

The Renovation Council has also helped renovate Easter Seals House twice in the past decade to help support families of sick children living away from home.

haven-50th-half-pg-ad-anniversary-specs.pdf 1 2024-03-29 12:26 PM

HAVAN Heroes

Look up, way up. Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it’s the fearless band of HAVAN Heroes.

Starting in 2019 and continuing for four years, groups of as many as 36 association members jumped from the top of some of Metro Vancouver’s tallest towers and rappelled down the façade to the ground below. There were plenty of white knuckles and wobbly knees as these brave souls—each dressed in HAVAN T-shirt, tights, cape, and mask–harnessed themselves securely to what looked like an impossibly “thin” line and dropped out of sight over the edge.

Below, spectators gasped and cheered them on, caught up in the sheer adrenaline rush of the event. When the heroes once again had feet on solid ground, there were plenty of hugs all round.

So why would anyone hurl

themselves off a perfectly solid high rise? It was all in the name of raising funds to support Easter Seals. And raise money they did.

In 2019, 14 heroes rappelled 25 storeys (328 feet) down the side of the Guinness Tower at 1055 West Hastings Street in Vancouver raising $23,000. The following year, 25 heroes—including Wendy McNeil, acting CEO—took on the 25-storey City Central tower in Surrey raising an astonishing $55,000. The year 2021 saw 20 heroes plunge 28 storeys down the Metrotown Tower at Metropolis bringing in a total of $22,000. And in the final year, 2022, 36 heroes rappelled those same 28 storeys to raise $36,800.

The total donations of $136,800 over four years help provide children and young adults access to the summer camp and work experience programs that will help build brighter futures.

HAVAN Leadership Awards

Honouring Our Members

Hip, hip, hooray! There’s nothing quite like a pat on the back for a job well done. And the HAVAN Leadership Awards are all about acknowledging members who consistently go above and beyond to enhance the residential construction industry’s professionalism throughout the Lower Mainland.

Not every award is presented each year. When they are, it’s a “very big deal,” as more than one member has described them.

PETER SIMPSON AWARD

Named in honour of HAVAN’s

longest-serving CEO, this award recognizes a member who consistently demonstrates a high level of integrity, promotes homebuilding ideals, and maintains a positive attitude. Even after moving to the other side of the country, Peter still sends a handwritten letter of appreciation and phones the winner to congratulate them.

When Simone Sunderland, president of Green Sheet Construction Data, received the inaugural award in 2012 she said it was life changing. “It engraved in my mind that integrity is essential—

Congratulations to HAVAN on your 50th Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary

THANK YOU

the be all and end all of a business. This knowledge has been a guiding light ever since. Eleven years later, I still weigh the easy thing to do against the most integral thing to do. I continue to pass these values on to my team as well as my kids on a daily basis.”

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Since its inception half a century ago, HAVAN has always relied on the generosity of members who volunteer countless hours, year after year. So, it was natural to create an award celebrating individuals who consistently step up to the plate.

When Faye Bork from Dick’s Lumber received this honour in the same year the Peter Simpson Award debuted, it caught her completely by surprise. A tireless and fearless volunteer for the association’s two premier events—the HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence and the Fall Classic Golf Tournament—among many others, Faye says she’d never expected to have her work recognized. “None of us do it for the recognition. We do it because it’s important to contribute when you belong to an association. It’s part of good teamwork.”

GARY SANTINI EDUCATION & INNOVATION AWARD

A legend in the building industry, Gary Santini was known as a staunch advocate for continued professional development in the homebuilding industry. He held many roles throughout his long, illustrious career including president of CHBA National. This award is presented to a company or individual who has shown outstanding commitment to supporting education and technical innovation. RJR Construction—now a 45-year member—was the first recipient.

RON RAPP ADVOCACY AWARD

Named after HAVAN CEO Ron Rapp, this award recognizes the member (individual or corporate) whose advocacy work, on behalf of HAVAN, represents Ron’s passion and leadership in government relations— at both provincial and municipal levels—as well as advocacy and public relations. It’s this advocacy

I continue to pass these values on to my team as well as my kids on a daily basis.”

- Simone Sunderland

that has helped elevate HAVAN’s influence within the industry and has made an incredible impact on the association.

HAVAN HERO AWARD

Honouring a corporate or individual member who has been exceptional in creating innovative initiatives to promote and enhance the residential construction industry’s professionalism both within HAVAN and the community at large.

HALL OF FAME AWARD

Honours a member who made contributions that have brought an historical change in the housing industry at local, provincial, or national levels—contributions that have stood the test of time.

CHAIR AWARD OF HONOUR

Presented at the discretion of the current chair, the Chair Award of Honour recognizes outstanding service to the association.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Member of the Year Award goes to a member whose outstanding volunteer contributions help further HAVAN’s strategic goals.

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Honours a member who has shown outstanding leadership and contributions to the association and its members.

ROOFTOPPER AND CONNECTION AWARDS

Rounding out HAVAN’s in-house member acknowledgements are two awards presented by the Supplier Council. The Rooftopper is awarded for the most member referrals over the course of a year. The Connection Award honours the builder, renovator, or supplier who does business with the most association members.

Hats Off to Our Incredible Volunteers

HAVAN is proud to be a member-driven organization since its inception 50 years ago. In addition to a core group of over 100 volunteers who invest countless hours every year in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles, there’s never a shortage of opportunities for any member to help support the association’s growth and core values—networking, education, and advocacy.

We salute and thank the dedicated volunteers who serve on HAVAN’s nine committees and councils as well as the special task forces that ensure the 30+ annual events and special initiatives are always executed with excellence. With their help, HAVAN is empowered to be the voice of the residential construction industry on behalf of all its members.

Happy Anniversary

Our Gratitude to Board Leaders

Charting the Course for Industry Growth

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Directors for their exceptional service and dedication. The diverse leadership over the years has been crucial in steering us towards our goal of becoming the voice of the residential construction industry.

Insightful guidance has shaped strategic initiatives, ensuring HAVAN remains aligned with its mission and values. Expertise and diverse perspectives have fostered a culture of innovation and excellence, empowering

the association to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

The progress we’ve made is a testament to the board’s commitment, helping to strengthen our position within the industry, enabling us to advocate effectively on behalf of members, and drive meaningful change so this industry can build the housing that is so desperately needed in this region.

As we continue to strive towards our shared goals, we deeply appreciate your ongoing support and leadership.

HAVAN’s MISSION: To support a collaborative, and innovative, homebuilding industry

HAVAN’s VISION: To be the Trusted Voice of the Homebuilding Industry

OUR HOW: Advocating, Connecting, Educating (ACE)

Happy Anniversary

THANK YOU

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Tireless Staffers

It’s a lean’n’mean team in the HAVAN office. Just 10 staffers who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure every event, every educational opportunity, and every membership outreach delivers maximum impact.

“After working as CEO for five years, I can’t say enough about the HAVAN staff who work so hard to ensure the member experience is consistently above expectation,” said the late Ron Rapp, former CEO. “They are resilient and adaptable–sometimes, especially during the pandemic, making changes on the fly that were so invisible, no one even realized an adjustment had been necessary.”

The longest serving staff member and a born-and-raised Vancouverite, Wendy McNeil, acting CEO, joined the team in 2001 and has never looked

back. “People are often surprised when I say how long I’ve been with the association and ask what keeps me here. My answer is always the same—I have the privilege to work with a talented and dedicated team, collaborate with passionate members who are trailblazers in this industry, and thrive in an organization that values innovation, cooperation, and an entrepreneurial spirit.”

“As an association, we’ve come such a long way,” says Renée Auer, vice president of membership and sales, who joined the staff a year later in 2002. “Despite multiple worldwide financial crises and COVID-19, we’ve continued to grow and prosper. We now have 1,100+ members–most averaging 10 years or more, and four who have been here for the full 50 years. That is a very big accomplishment and a testament to our ability to provide what our members need and want–which is definitely worthy of celebration.”

CONGRATULATIONS TO HAVAN ON 50 YEARS OF SERVING MEMBERS!

For five decades, HAVAN has been at the forefront of shaping and advancing Metro Vancouver’s homebuilding and renovation industry. This rich history of success is what makes us proud to be a partner and continue collaborating with HAVAN through the affiliation with CHBA BC.

Together, we ADVOCATE | EDUCATE | INNOVATE | ELEVATE for all our members.

At CHBA BC, we are committed to providing value to members. We do this through our core strategic activities, which includes:

1.Advocacy

2.Education

3.Energy Programs

4.Technical and Building Innovation

5.Georgie Awards

6.Homebuilder’s Initiative

They are about creating opportunities and driving growth in the homebuilding industry.

CHBABC.ORG

Building Tomorrow: Henri Belisle Looks to the Future

Second generation builder, one-time psychology major, carpenter, rappelling hero, and HAVAN’s current chair, Henri Belisle is bullish about the association’s future.

Despite spending many hours on jobsites during his growing up years, Henri says he originally had no plans to join the family business founded by his parents Ralph and Hélène Belisle. But when the couple asked him to help renovate the forever home they’d recently purchased, Henri discovered a new side to his affinity for making things with his hands. In 2014 he became Red Seal certified, and since then, he’s never looked back.

“I believe that a continued focus on the three main pillars of our organization—advocacy, connection, and education [ACE]—will continue to make HAVAN an increasingly influential voice for the residential construction industry. Having opportunities to connect with all the really cool people who belong to this group of professionals—people whose values align with your own—that’s a large part of our strength.”

Encouraging younger people to consider a career in the construction industry is a cause Henri continues to champion. “It’s not just kids coming out of high school who need to be convinced. It’s also their parents and teachers. So many trade school ads show happy people on jobsites. I think we need to show a tradesperson who employs three or four people and is now able to own a boat and a quad for their cabin on Lake Okanagan because they’re making six figures and had minimal debt coming out of school. Most doctors and lawyers take years to pay off their student loans.”

He also hopes more women will enter the industry in the next decade. “If we doubled women’s trades participation

from five percent to 10, it would solve a lot of our labour issues. Technology has changed everything. You don’t have to haul 100 pounds of material onto the roof anymore. If you’re skillful, diligent, and have good attention to detail, you can have a very good life.”

Creating more comprehensive designations is also high on his list of priorities for the future. “Having a certification process so people can’t just get a business license and call themselves a renovator or a contractor is going to shape how homes are built going forward.” And that, he adds, will be a triple win—for consumers, for the industry itself, and for upcoming generations.

Henri Belisle is HAVAN’s chair as well as president of TQ Construction.

If we doubled women’s trades participation from five percent to 10, it would solve a lot of our labour issues.”

HENRI BELISLE CHAIR, HAVAN

Young Henri Belisle and father Ralph Belisle

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