Building Excellence - Fall 2020 by NextHome

T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E C A N A D I A N H O M E B U I L D E R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

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It’s our

annual

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P LU S ed Desir Most tures Fea

es Inc., m o H F BM m, BC: Coquitla r” Grandeu d n a d l “Go

The

2020

CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement # 43643067

FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE

FALL 2020 VOL.3 ISSUE 3

BE Your Best 6 7 8 14

BMF HOMES INC., COQUITLAM, BC: “GOLD AND GRANDEUR”

PRESIDENT’S LETTER John Meinen

CEO’S LETTER

Kevin Lee

MEMBER PROFILE

Milestone Builder Group, Edmonton, AB

BY THE NUMBERS

Economic Impacts Viktoria Halim, CHBA Economist

Features

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By Braden Alexander

THE 2020 CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE WINNERS Definitely not your usual awards night…!

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HOMEBUYERS’ SURVEY RESULTS

PREPARING FOR RECOVERY, REIGNITING GROWTH

By Natasha Rombough, CHBA’s Director of Marketing and Communications

By Mitchell Osak, Consulting Partner, MNP

THE GIVING BACK PAGE Carrying on Amid COVID-19

36 FALL 2020

T H E O F F I C I A L M AG A Z I N E O F T H E C A N A D I A N H O M E B U I L D E R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

VOLUME 03, N UMBER 03 CEO Kevin Lee

EDITOR Allan Britnell

DIGITAL MANAGER Dave Gray

ART DIRECTOR/ PRODUCTION MANAGER Darrell Leighton

WEB MANAGER Regina Gadacz

DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Natasha Rombough

VP MARKETING – GTA Leanne Speers

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT Michael Rosset NEXTHOME EDITORS Wayne Karl, Rise Levy SENIOR VP, SALES NEXTHOME Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987, hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca VP PRODUCT DIVISION Fay Splett 416.371.6795, fay.splett@nexthome.ca ACCOUNT MANAGER Natalie Bayda 416.450.2903, natalie.bayda@nexthome.ca SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS Jessica Wilson 416.873.1049, jessica.wilson@nexthome.ca Natalie Chin 416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Amanda Bell

FALL 2020

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA Sonia Presotto MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE Marilyn Watling SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS Gary Chilvers, Vi Nguyen HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA Josh Rosset DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA Lauren Reid–Sachs VP PRODUCTION – GTA Lisa Kelly PRODUCTION MANAGER – GTA Yvonne Poon

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Julia Bouterakos

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Ontario/Canada Chapter

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P R E S I D E N T ’S m e s s a g e

MEMBERSHIP MAKES A DIFFERENCE ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO JOIN YOUR ASSOCIATION SO WE CAN DO EVEN MORE BY JOHN MEINEN, CHBA PRESIDENT

hen I first joined the Association, it was because a current member came to my jobsite regularly to chat. He always managed to work into the conversation this association he belonged to – the Stratford & Area Builders’ Association – telling me about what they were working on and how they were advocating for businesses like mine. And he’d ask why I wasn’t a member yet. After several months of that, I attended my first dinner meeting and I joined. I was only a member for a while before this same guy started on me again, this time to join the board. So, I did. And I’ve been heavily active in my local Association in Stratford, in a small town in Ontario, ever since. It’s a passion for me, something I really believe in. Once I became local president, I attended provincial meetings and events, and then national ones. And the more involved I got, the more I realized the importance of what we do in this Association. We advocate for homeownership, and for a business environment where Canadians have access to the type of home they need, in the area they want to live, at

FALL 2020

prices they can afford. This is a great cause, and also helps us keep on building and renovating to keep our people employed, and our families secure. At the heart of it, that’s what this Association is all about. We saw it in action this spring when COVID-19 shook up the country. At all levels, the Association stayed on top of the many changes that were happening, providing us key information and advocating for our businesses. At the national level, CHBA pushed for federal support for our businesses, and for our not-for-profit local and provincial associations. When the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) didn’t account for the intricacies of our industry, we successfully secured more flexibility on revenue calculations, which allowed more members to access the program. CHBA’s advocacy also helped secure changes to the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), getting changes to the thresholds for eligibility and opening the program to more of our businesses. These are just a couple recent examples of how the Association has been hard at work for us through the crisis. But this work is always going on, as our Association continually fights for improvements to taxation, policies and programs, development charges, improved permitting timelines, and more to help our businesses house Canadians. We are stronger together, and the more members we have, the more we can do. The Association has membership drives and recruitment campaigns, and that’s an important part of the equation. For many

locals in Ontario, that’s underway now. Most of British Columbia just wrapped up their renewal period, and things are looking positive despite the challenges many businesses faced. I believe that’s because members saw the value of the Association’s work throughout the year, and especially through the pandemic. Indeed, new members are joining thanks to the value they’ve seen in the Association through the pandemic. Which leads to another important part of the Association equation, and that is members recruiting members. It’s how I came on board. And it’s how many businessowners learn about the Association and join. Because the truth is, they’re already benefitting from the work that we do. And they should be members as well, pitching in, lending their perspectives, sharing their concerns, and making our collective voice even stronger. We all know companies that aren’t members. If each one of us spent a bit of time building a relationship with one of those companies, explaining the value that our Association is already bringing to us, and getting these new should-be members on board, imagine what we could accomplish. If our businesses worked only with members, requiring our subtrades and other companies we did business with to be members, imagine how our Association could grow, and how we could do even more. That is my challenge to you this year. Have a conversation with a non-member. Talk up your Association. Let’s come out of this period of economic recovery stronger than ever.

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C EO ’S m e s s a g e

FIGHTING FOR YOU THE ASSOCIATION CONTINUES TO WORK HARD TO GET YOUR VOICE AND CONCERNS HEARD BY KEVIN LEE, CHBA CEO

usinesses and governments across the country are currently focused on Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, while still operating within health and safety guidelines that are flexing to balance increased operations while attempting to keep a second wave at bay. All levels of the Association have worked hard to keep not only members informed, but government as well – maintaining steady dialogues with government officials. At the national level, CHBA advocated successfully for improvements to support programs, to the benefit of our member companies. Through the summer, while continuing to advocate on support, CHBA also provided the federal government with its economic recovery recommendations. Getting Building: An Action Plan for Economic Recovery in Residential Construction called for empowering the residential construction sector to get building to support the economy, homebuyers, and homeowners. Since then, CHBA has been meeting regularly with key government officials, including the Minister for Housing, his

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Parliamentary Secretary, and several CPC and NDP critics. CHBA also appeared before the House of Commons Finance Committee. CHBA and other housing industry stakeholders have also been fighting for more action on market housing and homeownership, which is unfortunately needed to offset the anti-homeownership rhetoric coming out of the head of CMHC – an ongoing concern which has been covered in the media, where the Association has been active. (CMHC’s President is set to change before the end of this year, after which we hopefully we will see an end to the confrontational rhetoric and a return to constructive dialogue between all stakeholders to address our housing challenges together.) For the best possible economic recovery, it is critical that our industry be supported, not stifled, along with Canadians’ dreams of homeownership. The impact of residential construction on Canada is substantial. In 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic arrived in Canada, CHBA’s new economic factsheets show that our industry provided more than 1.3 million jobs for Canadians, over $83 billion in wages, and nearly $143 billion in investment income. As one of the biggest employers in the country, residential construction needs to play a key role in Canada’s economic recovery. And the importance of “home” became even more apparent to many while we were urged to #stayathome and shelter in place. Our homes became offices, gyms, classrooms, and so much more. Perhaps now more than ever, homeownership is an essential part of ensuring that Canadians have a safe and healthy place to live, work, and relax. And renovation will be top of mind for many people who are experiencing a lasting

change in how they use their homes. But for those still looking to become homeowners, the serious affordability challenges and housing supply shortages that existed before the pandemic persist. CHBA’s pre-budget submission provided concrete recommendations to support the sector and incent economic activity, generate jobs, and address the underground economy so that the residential construction industry can rebound quickly and completely, while supporting economic growth. It includes specifics for stimulating the economy, like temporarily removing the GST/HST on new housing and implementing a temporary tax credit for renovation until the end of 2021. The document also addresses the role of mortgages; CHBA recommends reinstating 30-year amortizations for well-qualified first-time buyers, and making the stress test more responsive to economic conditions. Other pre-budget submission recommendations include accelerating climate goals through retrofits and innovation, and supporting seniors aging-in-place. The submission, and CHBA’s other federal government consultations, can be viewed at CHBA.ca/federal-consultations. In challenging times, the work of the Association is critically important, and CHBA’s advocacy continues, as does the critical work at all levels of the Association. It is our collective strength in numbers, experience, and insight that ensures that the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry continues to be valued among policymakers. And as our President says, let’s go get more members so that our voice becomes even stronger, and we can do even more for your businesses and our all-important industry!

FALL 2020

B U I L D E R p ro f i l e

MILESTONE’S MOMENT MILESTONE BUILDER GROUP TAKES TOP HONOURS BY ALLAN BRITNELL

FA S T FA C T S Company Name: Milestone Builder Group Brands: Park Royal Homes, Marcson Homes Location: Edmonton, Alta. Full-time employees: Approx. 40 Approximate gross revenue (2019): $40-$50 million Website: MilestoneBuilderGroup.com

FALL 2020

“Liliya – Cassidy Residence” Finalist

his year was building up to be an epic one for the Milestone Builder Group in Edmonton. Last fall, they took home, among other awards, Builder of the Year at both the Edmonton Region HBA and at the provincial level through BILD Alberta. The jewel in the crown, though, was collecting the marquee Design Excellence Award (again, along with a collection of other national accolades – see “Award-Winning Work”) at the 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. “It was a surprise. It was a perfect trifecta,” says Miles Kohan, President and CEO of Milestone Builder Group. Not bad for a company that, technically, has only been in business since 2016. Of course, between the local/provincial and national awards, COVID-19 became a global phenomenon, shutting down everything from restaurants to jobsites – and awards shows. So, instead of collecting their hardware on stage at the end of the annual conference in Banff as planned, the Milestone team celebrated their wins as part of the Virtual Awards Broadcast. But that didn’t deflate Kohan and company’s joy. In fact, “it couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s been a great morale boost to the staff,” says Kohan.

“Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye!” Category winner (Print)

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BUILDING A NEW BUSINESS

“Bosley B”

Kohan has been in the building business in Edmonton for more than 20 years, starting off in sales and marketing, then moving into management including a decade at competitor Sterling Homes where he served as vice president. While at Sterling he completed a remote MBA from the University of Wales. Itching for a new challenge, he learned that former CHBA President John Hrynkow was looking to retire and sell his company, Park Royal Homes. “I was nervous about asking him at first, but it worked out really well.” After adding another respected local builder, Marcson Homes, to the portfolio in 2019, Kohan consolidated the company under the banner Milestone Builder Group. Kohan admits that the name is a bit of a play off his own, but also says that it builds off of the idea that “there’s that milestone moment when you buy a home.” The two established brands are the focus though. “We lead with the individual brands to consumers. So you buy a Park Royal or a Marcson home.” He describes the combined company as a production, fee-simple builder of detached homes, duplexes, and townhouses, currently

Finalist

“Tristin” Finalist

“Churchill” Finalist

building in 10 different subdivisions around the Edmonton area. Home sizes range from just over 1,000 sq.ft. to just under 3,000 sq.ft. When the two brands merged, they decided to pare back from 75 pre-set building plans to their current roster which features the 38 most-popular models. “We do customize our portfolio of plans,” says Kohan. “We’ve always focussed on the higher end of the finishes,” he says, adding that they offer their clients both contemporary and traditional packages. In 2019 they built more than 120 homes.

Coming CHBA Events OCTOBER 13, 2020 ENTRY PERIOD OPENS 2021 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

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OCTOBER 26-29, 2020

MAY 3-7, 2021

CHBA Virtual Fall Meetings

2021 Home Building Week in Canada

FALL 2020

M E M B E R p ro f i l e

AWA R D -W I N N I N G WO R K Milestone Builder Group was a five-time finalist and three-time winner at the 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.

DIRECT PROMOTION – PRINT “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye!” Category winner

ATTACHED HOMES, LOW-RISE UNDER 1,500 SQUARE FEET “Bosley B” Finalist “Tristin” Finalist

ATTACHED HOMES, LOW-RISE 1,500 SQUARE FEET AND OVER “Churchill” Finalist

“Marcus”

Category winner

DETACHED HOMES, PRODUCTION, 2,101 TO 2,400 SQUARE FEET “Liliya – Cassidy Residence” Finalist

DETACHED HOMES, PRODUCTION, 2,401 TO 2,800 SQUARE FEET “Marcus” Category winner “Windsor” Finalist

DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD Marquee award winner

“Churchill” Finalist

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COPING WITH COVID

“Windsor” Finalist

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Across the country, builders and would-be homebuyers were blindsided by how quickly things unfolded. “Here in Alberta it was a double-black swan event. We were already in the middle of an oil crisis. And then you add in a one in 100-year event, it compounds everything,” says Kohan. Kohan says that by August, sales were down by about 55 percent. “It’s as tough as I’ve ever seen it in over 20 years.” “We went through tonnes of austerity measures,” says Kohan, including furloughing a few people, and paring all full-time staff back to a 4.5-day work week. At first, they closed their office and show homes, and put a hold on warranty work but, as construction was deemed an essential service, the jobsites stayed open. “Safety first was the priority,” says Kohan. At the time of writing, their sales office is open and it’s business as the “new” usual, with PPE and social distancing measures being taken across the company to ensure everyone’s health and welfare, employees and customers alike. Kohan has always been very involved in the industry including serving stints on the boards of both his local and provincial HBAs. He is currently on the CHBA national board of directors and is the Second Vice-President, meaning that he’ll serve as president in 2022. One project he is working on is to promote the various trades that have helped the company earn the admiration of both buyers and their peers, “To help the people that got us here,” says Kohan. With the proven calibre of their workmanship, everyone involved in Milestone is sure to have many years of rewarding returns once the customers come back in full force.

FALL 2020

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ECONOMIC IMPACTS HIGHLIGHTS FROM CHBA’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF THE INDUSTRY BY VIKTORIA HALIM, CHBA ECONOMIST

Each year, CHBA reports on the significant economic impacts of the residential construction industry across Canada at the national, provincial, and community levels. This year, CHBA widened the scope to also provide a holistic overview of the housing market and the significant economic impacts of the residential construction industry in Canada. The new publication, Residential Construction in Canada – Economic Performance Review 2019 with 2020 Outlook, will help bolster the Association’s advocacy with all three levels of government. The construction and renovation industries are crucial to the Canadian economy at large and in every single community, creating jobs at the local level that help communities thrive and become stronger. The fact sheets that CHBA produces for each CMA/city reflect estimated economic impacts of residential activity for the previous calendar year based on Statistics Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation data. The Economic Impact Fact Sheets are an important way to highlight the extensive reach the residential construction industry is having on the Canadian economy and in each of Canada’s communities.

KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE: In 2019, there were a total of 1,328,661 on-site and off-site jobs that were created in new home construction, renovation, and repair – which makes the sector one of Canada’s largest employers. Sixty-one percent of the total number of jobs were concentrated in the renovation and repair sector while 39% can be attributed to the new home residential construction sector. The number of jobs decreased slightly since

2018 (by 1%). This work resulted in $83.1 billion in wages that show up in purchases across the entire national economy and help increase economic activity. Between 2018 and 2019, the total number of wages increased by 3%. The residential construction industry is the largest single wealth-builder for most families and provides for $142.6 billion in built investment value. The value of investment increased by $2.5 billion from 2018 to $142.6 billion.

Residential Construction in Canada: Jobs New Residential Construction 516,810

Renovation and Repair 811,851

Total residential construction 1,328,661

Residential Construction in Canada: Investment and Wages Investment ($ millions)

Wages ($ millions)

$84,917

Renovation and Repair

$50,665 $57,667

New Residential Construction

$32,462

Total Residential Construction

$142,585 $83,127 0

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$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

$140,000

$160,000

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Call for Entries

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

COMPETITION OPENS OCTOBER 13

NATIONAL

AWARDS for

HOUSING EXCELLENCE

18 month eligibility period Easy online entry process Maximum alignment with other HBA awards programs New homes, renovations, net zero homes, modular, community development, and marketing Recognizes architects, designers, and marketing companies

2020 Winner, Production Home Deanmark Developments, AB

BE PART OF CANADA’S PREMIER AWARDS FOR NEW HOMES, RENOVATIONS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, AND MARKETING

2020 Winner, Custom Home Munro Homes, SK

2020 Winner, Net Zero Home Minto Communities, ON

More information coming soon at:

chba.ca/housingawards DEADLINE: DECEMBER 4, 2020

2020 Winner, Community Dev’t Macdonald Lakeshore Properties, BC

2020 Winner, Home Renovation Paine Construction and Design, BC

ome AB

K I TC H E N S a n d BAT H RO O M S

Kitchen Baths FROM TRENDY TO HIGH TECH, WE’VE COMPILED THE LATEST AND GREATEST OPTIONS FOR FINISHING YOUR CLIENTS’ KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS BY BRADEN ALEXANDER

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FALL 2020

K I TC H E N S a n d BAT H RO O M S

SAVING SPACE IN THE SMALL BATHROOM Muse iWash integrated bidet toilet

Somehow Icera has managed to cram a complex derriere-cleaning cyborg into a surprisingly small silhouette with its new Muse iWash integrated bidet toilet. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking heated seat, cleansing mists, warm air dryer, oscillating sprayers, handheld remote with a magnetic wall mount, and the ability to save two presets. Retails for $3,195 USD, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never have to worry about toilet paper shortages again. IceraUSA.com

Bain De Ville bathtub

From BainUltra comes a bathtub designed to fill the gap between tiny urban bathrooms and the need there for full relaxation. The bathing well is deep (17" or 20") while the skirt is sleek and integrated, designed to slip into small alcoves. Extras include 44 jets, heat that radiates from the entire shell, and an aromatherapy option. BainUltra.com

Rev-A-Shelf vanity organizer

Designed to fit around your sink plumbing, the L-shaped vanity organizer from Rev-A-Shelf can store up to 90-lbs. of bathroom stuff in its six acrylic bins and vinyl-lined lower shelf, all of which slide out on a track for easy access. A small-space lifesaver, the system is designed to fit a 24" by 30" cabinet. Rev-a-Shelf.com

FALL 2020

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

HIGH-END DESIGNS FOR STYLISH BATHROOMS Mendicino freestanding bathtub For something a little more earthy, check out the freestanding Mendicino tub from Native Trails, made from a proprietary mix of cement and jute fibre, called NativeStone. The material is 40 percent lighter than standard concrete, naturally insulating, and scratch- and stain-resistant. It comes in four colours: ash, slate, pearl, and earth. NativeTrailsHome.com

Lenova freestanding tub faucet

A freestanding tub requires a freestanding faucet, and Lenova has recently launched a sleek, angular, stainless-steel model with the right stuff for a modern bathroom, including a compact and self-contained design, a nearly 12-inch spout, a handheld showerhead option, and a ceramic cartridge to prevent drips. LenovaSinks.com

Isenberg Serie 240 faucets

Well, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a plus: the latest design series from Isenberg faucets come with distinct cross-shaped handles in unexpected materials, including concrete, wood, nickel, and chrome. The series is available in 15 offerings for the bathroom, such as shower valves, freestanding tub filler, and wall- or deck-mounted sink faucets. IsenbergFaucets.com

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Kueco 19073 toilet paper holder

The latest collection of bathroom fixtures from Kueco, dubbed Edition 90, offers an elegant array of smoked glass and chrome-plated shapes with the surprising beauty of objet dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;art and the functional sensibility of good German design. The 19073 toilet paper holder provides a sleek little landing spot for your phone while you take the throne. Kueco.com

FALL 2020

K I TC H E N S a n d BAT H RO O M S

THE SHOWER OF THE FUTURE Vand shower system

Worried about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the water? The Vand shower system diverts the flow through two filters before it hits your body: one to catch impurities, such as dirt, rust, and chlorine, and the other filter adds vitamins and minerals. The filters can be customized to the local water supply, removing exactly whatever is lurking in the H2O. MyVand.com

Luxe linear shower drains

Linear thinking at its best: the stainless steel linear shower drains from Luxe only require a single pitch toward the drain, allowing for stable bathroom floors. Left exposed, the metal drains look sturdy and modern, but you can also cover them in floor tile thanks to the tile insert option. LinearDrains.com

Nebia by Moen showerhead

A new win for the war against water waste: the Nebia by Moen showerhead that employs atomization technology to break the stream into smaller droplets, allowing for more coverage with less water. The ring-shaped showerhead sends this high-tech mist to all the right places, with an optional wand attachment to reach the rest. Moen.ca

FALL 2020

QuickDrain invisible linear shower drain

QuickDrain has disappeared its linear shower drain altogether, hiding it under the base of the wall behind magnetic panels covered in your choice of tile. Another benefit of linear drains is that the single direction slope of the floor allows for larger tiles (which means less grout and easier cleaning). QuickDrainUSA.com

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K I TC H E N S a n d BAT H RO O M S

COLOUR IN THE KITCHEN Ruvati Terraza farmhouse sinks

Ruvati has taken its deep, on-trend farmhouse sinks beyond the landscapes of grey and white and into three stunning metallics: brass tone matte gold, copper tone matte bronze, and matte black gunmetal. The stainless-steel sinks are overlaid with a durable, stain-resistant nano-PVD finish and shored up with a heavy-duty SoundGuard undercoating. Ruvati.com

BlueStar matte finish ovens

Looking for a little colour in the kitchen? BlueStarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ovens, ranges, ventilation hoods, and fridges come in more than 1,000 shades, and now in matte and textured options as well, doubling their offering. The matte look softens the colour, for a calmer kitchen vibe, and is good for hiding fingerprints. BlueStarCooking.com

Eureka Float shelving system

Get it all out in the open with the Float shelving system from Marathon Hardware, which offers modular and customizable shelving options that blend seamlessly with existing closed cabinetry or can stand on their own for a chic, simple kitchen storage solution. Made from matte black aluminum, the Float system is true to its name, designed to appear as if hovering on the wall. MarathonHardware.com

FALL 2020

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K I TC H E N S a n d BAT H RO O M S

AI TAKES OVER THE KITCHEN Fotile self-adjusting range hood

Robots will save us after all! This self-adjusting range hood from Fotile detects what’s in the air, whether it’s smoke, grease, or even a gas leak, and starts to filter the stuff you breathe. The hood’s Silent Volute technology allows for fast but quiet airflow, and the striking design is right at home in any modern, stylish kitchen. FotileGlobal.com

Atlas Granite touchscreen

Atlas Granite, a Canadian company, calls it MASST: Make Any Solid Surface Touchscreen. The projection unit is installed in the bottom of an upper cabinet, which then projects a screen onto the countertop below that is activated with the swipe of a hand, allowing home chefs to keep an eye on the recipe without risking an oil spill on their laptop. AtlasGranite.ca

Barsys automated cocktail machine

Not shaken or stirred, but machine-mixed to perfection. The Barsys automated cocktail machine is essentially a robotic bartender, mixing spirits (which sit upside down on top of the machine) with your preferred mixers (held inside the machine’s internal canisters) at the press of a button, without spilling a drop. TheBarsys.com

Diamond Cabinets biometric secured drawer

It’s the cookie jar on lockdown: a kitchen drawer for your most precious goodies that can only be opened with the right fingerprints, keeping would-be thieves and curious kids from accessing your pills, passports, jewels, or whatever else you want to keep safe. Pull the drawer to reveal a touch pad, then press with your finger to open all the way. DiamondCabinets.com

FALL 2020

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K I TC H E N S a n d BAT H RO O M S

DREAMY KITCHEN FAUCET

American Standard Studio kitchen faucet

Having a hard time choosing between a big, functional commercial faucet and a sleek designer option? The Studio faucet from American Standard combines both, with a simple, slim, but highly versatile pull-down faucet with a flexible stainlesssteel coil, packaged in a minimal silhouette. It comes in a variety of colours including matte black, stainless steel, and polished chrome. AmericanStandard.ca

Grohe water filtration system

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FALL 2020

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

Home Buyer

Preference powered by Avid Ratings Canada

Survey

CHBA Members access the full survey results for free!

Get Essential Insight

into today’s new home buyers Covering more than 50 in-depth areas of home design, building features, buying preferences, and demographics, the 2020 CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey is the source for insight into what new home buyers want, how they search for a new home, what they’ll trade-off to get the features they want, and what they’re willing to spend.

What you get The National Report – over 200 pages of data, charts and analysis. All report data is searchable and indexed for easy navigation. Comparable results by 7 customer segments:

If you’re in the home building business, this nationwide

• • • • • •

CHBA members get the full 2020 CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey package for free – that’s a $495 value!

Full access to Avid Reports – the powerful online data engine allows you to do custom analysis on the questions, customers and housing markets of interest to your company. Get custom data on what you need to know the most.

market research study – powered by Avid Ratings Canada – is essential business information.

GET YOUR COPY TODAY | chba.ca/buyersurvey

1st time home buyers 1st/2nd move-up buyers Relocation buyers Luxury/custom buyers Active adults 2nd home buyers

ine the est d to

2020 C H BA a wa rd s

HERE ARE THE

FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT YOUR USUAL AWARDS SHOW…!

had planned on announcing the winners of the 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence during a gala event to wrap up our annual conference in Banff, Alta. But, as we all know, things didn’t go according to plan. With COVID-19 shutting things down around the world, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel our event. Instead, we put together a Virtual Gala Experience. You can view the full program at CHBA.ca/HousingAwards. Here, we highlight the work of some of the companies who took home multiple awards and our marquee categories, plus a complete list of winners. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists for the amazing work you’ve done!

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

FALL 2020

2020 C H BA a wa rd s

Paine Construction and Design Kelowna, BC / IanPaineConstruction.ca

Rosehaven Homes Oakville, ON RosehavenHomes.com

Paine Construction is the first-ever winner of the new Renovation Excellence Award.

RENOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD

MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD with McOuat Partnership

WHOLE HOME – OVER $1 MILLION “Sheerwater Renovation”

DIGITAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN – MID- TO HIGH-RISE “KiWi Condos” with McOuat Partnership

WHOLE HOME – $150,000 TO $300,000 “McKinley Residence” with Stirling Woodworks

PRINT AD “KiWi Condos” with McOuat Partnership

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BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

Milestone Builder Group Edmonton, AB / MilestoneBuilderGroup.com

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | 2,401 TO 2,800 SQUARE FEET “Marcus”

DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD

DIRECT PROMOTION – PRINT “ K i s s Yo u r L a n d l o r d G o o d b y e ! ”

Munro Homes Regina, SK / MunroHomes.com Munro Homes was the runner-up for the Design Excellence Award. DETACHED HOMES – CUSTOM | UNDER 2,500 SQUARE FEET “Opulent In-Fill on Quinn Drive”

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | 2,101 TO 2,400 SQUARE FEET “The Pratt Showhome in The Creeks”

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2020 C H BA a wa rd s

My House Design/Build/Team S u r r e y, B C / M y H o u s e D e s i g n B u i l d . c o m

RENOVATION – EXTERIOR “Skaha Vista”

RENOVATION – KITCHEN – OVER $100,000 “Dramatic Lines”

Rinaldi Homes

Minto Communities

St. Ca t h a r i n es, O N / R i n a l d i H o m es.co m

To r o n t o , O N / M i n t o . c o m

ATTACHED HOMES – LOW-RISE UNDER 1,500 SQUARE FEET “Unit 1 @ Drapers Creek”

ATTACHED HOMES – MID- TO HIGH-RISE CONDOMINIUM OR APARTMENT PROJECT (PLANNED) “The Saint” with figure3, NAK Design Strategies

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | ONE-STOREY BUNGALOW “Scandinavian Escape”

BROCHURE/KIT “123 Portland” with NAK Design Strategies and U31

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BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

ENTRY-LEVEL HOME AFFORDABILITY AWARD “The Small Home Initiative”

NET ZERO HOME AWARD “The Hampton”

Blue Ocean Construction Inc.

Minto Communities Inc.

B u r n a b y, B C / B l u e O c e a n C o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m

Ottawa, ON / Minto.com with Building Energy Inc. and Switch Energy

MODULAR INNOVATION AWARD “Sunset Dunes”

Supreme Homes Tr a c a d i e - S h e i l a , N B / S u p r e m e H o m e s . c a

Premier Island Homes Charlottetown, PE / PremierIslandHomes.ca

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

FALL 2020

2020 C H BA a wa rd s

THE COMPLETE LIST of the 2020 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence Winners As part of the Virtual Gala Experience, category winners were presented with inflatable pink flamingos. Natasha Rombough, CHBA’s Director of Marketing and Communications explains why. “The trophy manufacturer was shut down due to COVID so our normal trophies (which are birds in flight) weren’t ready. So these were our replacement ‘birds.’ Easily mailed and inflated, very visible on camera, and obviously unpretentious.”

MARKETING AWARDS SIGNAGE & LOGO Camrost Felcorp, Toronto, ON: “Exchange District” with Gladstone Media BROCHURE/KIT Minto Communities, Toronto, ON: “123 Portland” with NAK Design Strategies and U31

SALES OFFICE Distrikt Developments Inc., Toronto, ON: “Distrikt Trailside” with figure3 INTERIOR DECORATING Brookfield Residential, Calgary, AB: “Catania”

RENOVATION AWARDS

WEBSITE Wastell Homes and Joey Ai, London, ON: “Kokomo Beach Club”

KITCHEN – UNDER $70,000 Keystone Ridge Developments Ltd., Toronto, ON: “Condo Kitchen in The Sky”

DIGITAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN – LOW-RISE Empire Communities and Pureblink, Vaughan, ON: “Life Reimagined”

KITCHEN – $70,000 TO $100,000 Clay Construction Inc., Langley, BC: “Blue Horizon”

DIGITAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN – MID- TO HIGH-RISE Rosehaven Homes, Oakville, ON: “KiWi Condos” with McOuat Partnership

KITCHEN – OVER $100,000 My House Design/Build/Team Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Dramatic Lines”

DIRECT PROMOTION – PRINT Milestone Builder Group, Edmonton, AB: “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye!”

BATHROOM Marvel Pro Contracting & Renovations Ltd., Kelowna, BC: “Luxury Masculine Retreat” with Epic Electric, Hannah Katey Interior Design, and Red Giant Mechanical

PRINT AD Rosehaven Homes, Oakville, ON: “KiWi Condos” with McOuat Partnership

ANY SPACE Bachly Construction, Oakville, ON: “Beaumont Wine Cellar”

VIDEO Ultimate Homes and Renovations, Calgary, AB: “You Deserve This – Renovate Your Dream Home”

EXTERIOR My House Design/Build/Team Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Skaha Vista”

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WHOLE HOME – UNDER $150,000 Enzo Design Build Inc., West Vancouver, BC: “Ocean Drop” WHOLE HOME – $150,000 TO $300,000 Paine Construction and Design, Kelowna, BC: “McKinley Residence” with Stirling Woodworks WHOLE HOME – $300,001 TO $500,000 Ardington + Associates Design Inc., Ottawa, ON: “Beyond The Pale” WHOLE HOME – $500,001 TO $1 MILLION Coulson Design Build Inc., Amherstburg, ON: “French Country Makeover” WHOLE HOME – OVER $1 MILLION Paine Construction and Design, Kelowna, BC: “Sheerwater Renovation”

NEW HOME AWARDS ATTACHED HOMES – LOW-RISE UNDER 1,500 SQUARE FEET Rinaldi Homes, St. Catharines, ON: “Unit 1 @ Drapers Creek” ATTACHED HOMES – LOW-RISE 1,500 SQUARE FEET AND OVER Nu-View Homes, Sidney, BC: “SeaScape Penthouse”

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

Distrikt Developments Inc., Toronto, ON: “Distrikt Trailside” with figure3

Clay Construction Inc., Langley, BC: “Blue Horizon”

ATTACHED HOMES – MID- TO HIGH-RISE CONDOMINIUM OR APARTMENT PROJECT (COMPLETED) Concert Properties, Toronto, ON: “88 Scott”

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | 1,800 TO 2,100 SQUARE FEET Deanmark Developments, Calgary, AB: “Wick House”

ATTACHED HOMES – MIDTO HIGH-RISE CONDOMINIUM OR APARTMENT PROJECT (PLANNED) Minto Communities, Toronto, ON: “The Saint” with figure3, NAK Design Strategies

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | 2,101 TO 2,400 SQUARE FEET Munro Homes Ltd., Regina, SK: “The Pratt Showhome in The Creeks”

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | ONE-STOREY BUNGALOW Rinaldi Homes, St. Catharines, ON: “Scandinavian Escape” DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | UNDER 1,800 SQUARE FEET Lacey Construction, Deroche, BC: “Kermode Cabin” with E3 Eco Group Inc. and Keltic Canada Development Co. Ltd.

DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | 2,401 TO 2,800 SQUARE FEET Milestone Builder Group, Edmonton, AB: “Marcus” DETACHED HOMES – PRODUCTION | OVER 2,800 SQUARE FEET BMF Homes Inc., Coquitlam, BC: “Gold and Grandeur”

Lacey Construction, Deroche, BC: “Kermode Cabin” with E3 Eco Group Inc. and Keltic Canada Development Co. Ltd.

DETACHED HOMES – CUSTOM | 2,500 TO 3,500 SQUARE FEET Wedgewood Developments, Kamloops, BC: “Devils In The Detail” with Custom Spaces by Cristalee and Motivo Design Group Inc. DETACHED HOMES – CUSTOM | 3,501 TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET Profile Custom Homes, Burlington, ON: “The Last House” with David Small Designs DETACHED HOMES – CUSTOM | OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET Brenmar Construction Corp., Ottawa, ON: “Rideau River Front Home” ENTRY-LEVEL HOME AFFORDABILITY AWARD Blue Ocean Construction Inc., Burnaby, BC: “The Small Home Initiative”

DETACHED HOMES – CUSTOM | UNDER 2,500 SQUARE FEET Munro Homes Ltd., Regina, SK: “Opulent In-Fill on Quinn Drive”

MARQUEE AWARDS MODULAR INNOVATION AWARD Supreme Homes, Tracadie-Sheila, NB and Premier Island Homes, Charlottetown, PE: “Sunset Dunes”

NET ZERO HOME AWARD Minto Communities Inc., Ottawa, ON: “The Hampton” with Building Energy Inc. and Switch Energy

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AWARD Macdonald Lakeshore Properties LP, Lake Country, BC: “Lakestone”

MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Rosehaven Homes, Oakville, ON with McOuat Partnership

RENOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD Paine Construction and Design, Kelowna, BC

DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD Milestone Builder Group, Edmonton, AB

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

FALL 2020

The two-car garage on this 2,314-sq.ft. model by DVL Homes, a Detached Production Home finalist in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, doesn’t overshadow the home’s exterior architectural elements.

I N S I D E R i n fo

MARKET RESEARCH THE RESULTS ARE IN FOR THE 2020 CHBA HOMEBUYER PREFERENCE STUDY

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, CHBA’S DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

he results are in for the 2020 CHBA Homebuyer Preference Study, powered by Avid Ratings Canada. It’s the largest nationwide market research study of its kind in Canada. Now in year six, the 2020 study surveyed 27,647 new homebuyers from 115 builders across 8 provinces in Canada, which is the largest sample of new homebuyers as well as the most participating builders since the study was launched in 2015. The study asks Canadians who have recently purchased a new home to answer questions on more than 50 in-depth areas of home design, building features, community preferences, and more. Because respondents are also asked about their demographics, results can be analyzed by location, buyer’s age, previous buying experiences, and more. And for the first time this year, the full study results are available for free for CHBA members – a value of $495.

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The survey results offer a lot of insight in many areas of home design and purchasing preferences, much more than we can get into in any single article. Since everyone loves lists, we’ve compiled the top ten desired features for 2020 to give you a snapshot.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Walk-in closets have been bumped from the top spot this year, replaced by energy-efficient appliances. Energy efficiency in general has been gaining more traction in the top ten over the last several years, and accounts for four of

High-efficiency windows are needed for Net Zero homes like this one by Naikoon Contracting Ltd., but also improve comfort and efficiency in all homes.

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

This kitchen by Falcon Heights Contracting Ltd., a Custom Home category finalist, has two islands to maximize counter space, socializing, and flow.

the top ten spots in 2020. Overall energy-efficient homes come in at number three, followed by high-efficiency windows at number four. New to the top ten last year was the desire for an air exchange system (HRV/ERV), which holds steady at number nine again this year.

STORAGE SPACE Canadians are looking for space to keep their belongings organized both inside and outside of the home. Three of the top ten spots include walk-in closets, linen closets, and two-car garages. Home designs that maximize storage, even for those that have less square footage to work with, are a step ahead in attracting buyers.

KITCHEN FOCUSED It’s no surprise that two of the most desired features center around the kitchen, a central space in the home. The popularity of kitchen islands isn’t going anywhere and ranks as the fifth most desired feature. With an open-concept kitchen, which comes in at number six, it’s possible to incorporate an island even into smaller homes. We see the trend reflected in

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

This 1,491-sq ft. Attached Production Home by award finalist Park Ridge Homes makes the most of its floorplan by incorporating an open-concept kitchen and an island.

the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, where all five finalist projects in the Attached Production Home under 1,500 square feet category boasted islands with seating.

LET IN THE LIGHT Finally, large windows continue to make the list of the most desired home features in Canada, and allow light to flood through the home, especially in open floorplans. Just make sure they’re energy efficient!

ACCESS THE SURVEY RESULTS Delve deeper into the 2020 CHBA Homebuyer Preference Study to find out what homeowners and renters want more of, and what they’re willing to trade to get it. And before you decide where your upcoming marketing dollars are going to go, have a look at how Canadians are looking for their next home purchase, and which tools help them decide which home to buy. CHBA members can access the full survey results for free at chba.ca/buyersurvey.

FALL 2020

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UNMATCHED STRENGTH Deckorators Voyage decking, containing their patented mineral-based composite technology, provides the industry’s best strength-to-weight ratio. Featuring a fibre-like structure, Voyage has unmatched strength that is nearly 35 percent lighter than traditional composites. Voyage varied-plank decking is now available in three different widths to create that custom, wood floor look. DECKORATORS Deckorators.com

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FALL 2020

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BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

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BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

I N S I D E R i n fo

PREPARING FOR RECOVERY, REIGNITING GROWTH A GUIDE FOR SMALL- AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES

BY MITCHELL OSAK, MBA, CONSULTING PARTNER OF MNP

he pandemic has hit every industry and business hard, none more than smallto medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – which represent the bulk of residential construction companies. This is of serious concern not only because jobs and shareholder wealth are at risk but also because this cohort is a major driver of Canada’s economic growth, trade, and innovation. SMEs matter. They are a critical contributor of employment, economic activity, and family wealth. While definitions vary, a Canadian SME is roughly defined as a company with between $1 million and $250 million in revenue, and having 1-499 employees. According to the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the SME segment represents 99.8 percent of all Canadian businesses and is responsible for 54.2% of all economic output. SMEs share much in common and have unique needs relative to large companies and sole proprietors. They are typically owner operated, regionally based, and concentrated in several labourintensive sectors including manufacturing, construction, business services, wholesale trade, retail, and hospitality.

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Yet the SME segment is not unsophisticated or passive. The BDC reports that 90 percent of all Canadian exporters, representing 25 percent of our total exports, have fewer than 100 employees. At the same time, SMEs are especially vulnerable to economic downturns and unexpected disruptions and often lack the resources to bounce back quickly. Specifically, SMEs don’t have the same advantages as larger companies in terms of market power, access to capital, multijurisdiction revenue diversification, and depth of management and capability. When looking at the residential construction sector, 69 percent were micro businesses, with fewer than five employees, according to a Statistics Canada 2019 report. Small enterprises of five to 99 employees accounted for 31 percent. COVID-19 has hit this sector particularly hard, with many SMEs facing corporate insolvency or experiencing significant revenue declines. While government support has helped, most SMEs would recognize financial relief is not indefinite; in many cases it is insufficient to maintain pre-COVID operations and growth prospects.

To further complicate their outlook, they see other looming business risks. Public health officials warn of a second wave of COVID-19 occurring within the next six months. A U.S.–China trade war is not out of the cards, which could raise SME input costs and reduce market access. Finally, SMEs may see their own supply chain and channel partners go bankrupt or pivot to new markets as they themselves try to cope with the effects of the pandemic and recession. Most leaders we speak to have adjusted and are beginning to explore how they can reignite their growth engines and improve operational resilience. The challenge is to understand what has changed and its impact

BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA

on their future operating environment. We have identified a number of these transformational developments, which could include: • The potential for a significant drop in consumer demand due to higher unemployment, potentially higher taxes, and reduced disposal income; • A reduction in available capital for investment and working capital for companies with weak balance sheets; • Fundamental shifts in consumer behavior, both in terms of reduced aggregate demand and a shift to online commerce; • The possibility of significant labour shortages in certain regions, sectors, and skillsets (even with high overall unemployment) due to pandemic effects, internal migration between localities, and restrictions around immigration; • Changing practices towards work, office, and travel, and how it impacts business development, infrastructure management, customer service, and role definition. What can SMEs do today to stabilize their business and position themselves for future growth? We recommend taking the following steps today to set your business up for a

more sustainable future. 1. Get an in-depth grasp on your financial situation, both from a cashflow and balance sheet perspective. You need up-to-date and accurate information to make key decisions; 2. Revisit customer and channel needs as they may have shifted. For example, customers may be trading down within categories, deferring, or even abandoning purchases; 3. Reconsider your operating model. The ability to quickly and efficiently scale operations will be important when the economy re-inflates. Firms should consider new operational approaches such as outsourcing non-core activities and forming strategic partnerships with other SMEs offering complementary services; 4. Accelerate digital adoption. Though it may be painful, now is an ideal time to automate manual, routine activities and digitally enable operations and value delivery. In particular, the use of advanced data analytics can improve decision making, optimize spending, and enable tighter customer relationships; 5. Retool your supply chains to build resilience and reduce operational risk.

Prudent leaders should look to diversify your supplier base, including adding local vendors; 6. Prioritize talent management. The operational agility required in these difficult times puts a premium on having a skilled yet flexible workforce. Companies should emphasize generalist skills sets and IT competencies in their recruiting and revisit their training and succession plans; 7. Explore untapped markets. Firms facing a recessionary environment should seek out new markets that could be disrupted with existing strategies, products, brands, and capabilities. This could be a geographic expansion and/or increasing the share of wallet of existing customers; 8. Be realistic – some business may not bounce back to what they were pre-COVID-19. It may be time to consider a strategic pivot. Building a recovery plan doesn’t have to be a challenge you face alone. MNP is ready to support businesses as they explore opportunities and examine their path ahead. To learn more, contact Mitchell Osak, MBA, Consulting Partner of MNP, at 416-263-6985 or mitchell.osak@mnp.ca.

Planning for Pandemics: Small- and medium-sized businesses need to build a recovery plan to get back on their feet.

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t h e G I V I N G BAC K p a g e

CARRYING ON AMID COVID-19 C

HBA members have been building, developing, and renovating Canadian homes for generations. We are sharing the extraordinary contributions CHBA members make in their communities every day through our ongoing #CdnBuilt for Generations campaign. Here are a few recent stories. To read more stories follow our hashtag or visit blog.chba.ca/category/giving-back.

NHBA 2020 Scholarship Fund Program Since 2012, the Niagara Home Builders’ Association Scholarship Fund has awarded over $38,000 in scholarships to students entering their first year of post-secondary education. The fund is dedicated to encouraging youth to enter careers in construction, and the importance of continuing education beyond high school. To raise funds, NHBA holds an annual “Golf Classic” with members of their association for a day filled with golf, networking, and fun to support the scholarship fund. Although the event was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, NHBA proudly continues to support their community’s youth, members, and communities. Thanks to the generosity of the NHBA association and its members, six students have been awarded scholarships this year.

Last year’s scholarship winners (no photos were taken in 2020 due to COVID).

The Frances Tarry COVID-19 Relief Fund

Doug Tarry Homes, a member of both London HBA and St. Thomas and Elgin HBA, has initiated The Frances Tarry COVID-19 Relief Fund in loving memory of Doug Tarry Jr.’s mother. The fund, dedicated to assisting local charitable organizations experiencing operating challenges due to the impact of COVID-19, is a proud partnership formed with the Elgin–St. Thomas Community Foundation. To date, over $19,000 has been given to local COVID-19-related causes and projects. Recipients include the local YMCA, food bank, two projects with the Victorian Order of Nurses, Grace Cafe, Strong Start, and Victim Services Elgin. The fund in memory of Frances Tarry is still open to receive donations at ESCF.ca.

BILDCares 20 Days, 20 Charities

Local association BILD Central Alberta supports charities and community organizations through their BILDCares initiative. This year, they ran a “20 Days, 20 Charities” initiative, beginning on July 10th which ran for 20 consecutive days. Each day, BILD Central Alberta featured a local charity they support directly, creating further awareness of the charity and encouraging support from their social networks for each charitable mission. “We want to create a positive impact and share a message of support, one that created a feel-good ripple effect in the community,” said a member of the association. BILD proudly supports charities and non-profits ranging from hospitals to food banks. You can view their involvement via their social channels with the hashtags #BILDCares and #CharitySpotlight.

FALL 2020

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