2014 year in review - Canadian Home Builders Association

Canadian Home Builders’ Association—Edmonton Region
150 Summerside Gate SW
Edmonton, AB, T6X 0P5
Main: (780) 425.1020 Fax: (780) 425.1031
Email: info@chbaedmonton.ca
Committee Chairs:
Awards of Excellence Criteria Committee, Colin Wiebe, All Weather Windows Ltd.
Awards of Excellence Event Committee, Jamie Strynadka, Daytona Homes Master Builder
Board of Directors Committee, Dan Brazinha, Look Master Builder Inc.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Committee, Nancy-Bruno Romeo, Bank of Montreal
Builder Technical Committee, Derrick Hiltz, Sterling Homes (Edmonton) Ltd.
Curling Committee, Brent Rudko, Stantec Geomatics Ltd.
Economics Committee, Sandra Young, Augusta Fine Homes o/a Qualico Developments West
ERHC Committee, Wes Gunderson, Lincolnberg Homes
Golf Committee, Gil Girard, Barcol Doors & Windows
Government Relations Committee, Jason Sutton, Landmark Group of Builders
Healthy & Safety Committee, Frank Sobolewski, Daytona Homes Master Builder
Industry Advisory Committee, Steve Ruggiero, Kimberley Homes Ltd.
Membership Committee, Sheri Mitchell, Royal Bank of Canada
Next Gen Committee, Bryce Milliken, Ogilvie LLP
Professional Development Committee, Barb Onyschuk, I-XL Masory Supplies Ltd.
RCIC Marketing & Sponsorship Committee, Elizabeth Ninkovic, Alberta Hardwood Flooring Ltd.
RCIC Sessions Committee, Gary Hoeft, Vicky’s Homes Inc.
Renovation Committee, Aquilino Naccarato, Ackard Contractors Ltd.
Our Mission
We provide tools for members' success.
Our Vision
To be the voice and go-to resource for the
home building industry.
www.chbaedmonton.ca
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW
President’s Message
Dan Brazinha, Look Master Builder
As I prepare to leave my role as president and pass the baton to our incoming president, Jason
CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION—EDMONTON REGION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2014
Sutton, I cannot help but reflect on the past year- not only where we have come from but where we
are heading.
There is no better place to call home or to do business than right here in our Capital Region. With over 14,000 new housing
starts, nearly 50,000 jobs accounting for $3.1 billion in wages, and an overall investment value of $6.5 billion into our local
economy, it is clear that the residential construction industry is essential to the region’s economic strength and prosperity.
With all of this growth comes challenges. One of the most notable is the labor pinch we are all currently faced with. This year
we entered into the world of mandatory warranty, a topic which speaks volumes to the professionalism of our industry.
And perhaps most importantly, we were introduced to a new mayor and city council. It has been quite a year.
As the Board, we set some short and long term goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. We introduced a new Mission
and Vision Statement to help guide us in our daily decisions, and to constantly remind us that the CHBA-ER is the voice and
go-to resource for you, our members. We are here to help make you successful.
One of our short term goals was to increase the Association’s membership base by providing real value to your businesses.
I am proud to report that the Association is sitting at the highest membership level in its history. This is a testament not only
to you, our valued members, but to all the hard working volunteers and staff who helped make this possible.
This year the Association hosted three Leadership Dinners with mayors and councils from across the region.
A constant message that emerged was that we, as an industry, don’t just build houses, we build community. Two topics
were consistently and deliberately pushed to the forefront of the conversation. The first was that governments need to stop
downloading the cost of growth onto new homeowners. The second was that it is the municipality’s role to provide an environment where we can invest in our businesses, invest in their cities, operate profitably, and continue to be the driving force
behind development and growth.
Another one of the Board’s goals was to encourage members, both young and old, to get involved. We searched to find the
elusive “old boys club" - that mystical creature talked about in whispers and mentioned in bedtime tales - and in doing so,
realized that there is no old generation or new generation. There is only our industry. To quote a friend of mine, “You can sit
on the sidelines and have your future determined for you, or you can get involved and be the voice that contributes to your
own destiny.” I am confident that our message has been heard. Today’s AGM is evidence of that, as a record 16 candidates
are vying today for four open positions on the Board.
None of what we do would be possible without the countless hours put in by our volunteers and the generous contributions
of our sponsors. I can't thank you enough. I would like to thank the CHBA-ER staff and my Board of Director colleagues for
your support and commitment over the past ten months. And finally, thank you to our valued members. You are the force
behind the community we build and the heart of this industry. It has truly been a great experience serving as your president.
I look forward to being involved with this great organization for years to come.
“CHBA-ER is our voice for the home building industry. The association gives you an opportunity to
participate in the creation of the communities we live in. I believe it is critical to both be involved in, and
give back to such an amazing industry and volunteering for CHBA-ER is the best way to do so!”
- Colin Wiebe, Business Development Manager, All Weather Windows
Dan Brazinha,
President
CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION—EDMONTON REGION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2014
CEO’s Message
Sharon Copithorne
Volunteering, the act of freely giving of a person’s time, is a commitment made for many reasons.
It is truly
commendable that our members give their most valuable resource, their time, to benefit the Association to
which they belong.
The motivation to volunteer is based on one or a multitude of reasons which may include: a desire to make a difference, to influence
change, to network, to grow personally and/or professionally. Whatever the reason may be, we thank you for this commitment to your
industry and the Association.
Through your committee work, the Association is gaining recognition for industry’s role in the region. By building relationships with
municipal governments and other associations and organizations, your efforts support the industry every day. As an organization we have
incorporated many modifications to ensure these efforts are supported and remain focused, strategic, and effective.
At their Strategic Planning Session in June, the Board of Directors established a new Mission and Vision Statement (see front).
They reinforced a commitment to government advocacy and membership recruitment and retention. Throughout the year, the Board made
many significant decisions relating to fiscal management and the direction of various key initiatives.
The effective implementation of the Board’s decisions were carried out by the Association’s staff, who deserve acknowledgement for their
dedication to our success. Thank you!
We’ve had a great year and are looking forward to an even better 2015!
Sharon Copithorne
Chief Executive Officer
“The world is run by those who show up.”
Board of Directors:
Dan Brazinha
President
Jason Sutton
Vice President
Steve Ruggiero
2nd Vice President
John McCaffray
Secretary/ Treasurer
Alphonse Pilon
Presidential
Appointment
Rod Taverner
Past President
Tally Hutchinson
Director
Colin Wiebe
Director
Bob Moon
Director
Peter Jackson
Director
Stewart McAndrews
Director
Dan Hanna
Director
“I volunteer for CHBA-ER because it provides me an opportunity to connect with the peers in my
industry, and a tangible way to affect change in areas which challenge our business.”
-Sandra Young, Vice President, Augusta Fine Homes
Sharon Copithorne
CEO
“Associations need passionate Volunteers to thrive! Volunteering is my way of “paying it forward” for the
kindness, advice, and support that I have received during my lifetime. I love this association and cherish the
memories and friendships gained while volunteering.”
- Rick Zolmer, Business Development Manager, Plygem
“Since 2000, I made it a personal mandate to volunteer on at least one CHBA committee, with some years as many as three at a
time. I believe volunteering is the perfect balance between contribution, personal growth and professional development.
The benefits I have personally derived have been immeasurable, and I highly recommend anyone serious about making a
lifetime career in our industry do the same.”
-Miles Kohan, Vice President, Sterling Homes
2013/2014:
A Year in Review:
Membership:
Industry Advisory Committee (IAC):

Monthly Permit Reports track local permitting activity. CHBA-ER members account for approximately 75% of
single-family and multi-family builders across the Edmonton Region.


There were 466 CHBA-ER members at year end (August 31st) 2014; a difference of 80 members and a 21%
increase since 2010.
Builder Technical Committee (BTC):

Over 220 volunteers participate on 20 committees.

Processing times for permits and inspection services continued to be a principle focus of concern. The City of Edmonton’s
process of expedited applications has moved past being a pilot project and is now part of the regular application process
for a number of companies. Time frames for obtaining an expedited approval are significantly better than for nonexpedited applications.

Self-verification of foundations for new single-family homes started in 2014 as a pilot project. Over the summer it
evolved into another tool available to home builders. Today, any home builder can complete a self-verification
process for foundations on single-family, semi-detached and town-house projects of three or less units per building.
The process is acknowledged to save at least 3 working days per home.

The BTC is working with the City of Edmonton to consider more housing types for expedited applications, more options
for self-verification, and even the greater use by home builders of third party inspection services.
Events & Networking:


More than 1600 people attended the 2014 Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala, making it one of the most
successful events in CHBA-ER history.
Enthusiasm for our in-house selection of Builder Breakfast topics has resulted in unprecedented attendance.
A new venue was needed to support the surge in attendance.
Communications & Professional Development:

Social media, an expanded website, weekly newsletters, and our quarterly Industry Insider magazine keep
members informed.

With more than 30 luncheons, dinners, and breakfast meetings, a golf tournament, and a slo-pitch tournament,
the past year was a busy one for CHBA-ER events.

With 56 sessions, 38 quality speakers, a sold out Sales Rally, and more than one thousand industry professionals
through the door, RCIC 2014 was a huge success. It was the best attended, highest revenue generating RCIC to
date.
Meetings with the Current Planning Branch team at the City of Edmonton became part of the regular industry liaison
process with the City. Engaging the chairs of BTC, RC, GRC and IAC, these meetings provide a key avenue to engage with
the key staff in the City.
Economic Committee (EC):

In the last year the Economic Committee has seen expanded participation. Committee Chair, Sandra Young, recently
joined the City of Edmonton Corporate Forecast Committee as CHBA-ER’s representative.
Health and Safety Committee (HSC):

The HSC held two well attended Safety Barbeques in 2014 as part of a very effective strategy to get the safety message
out to workers in the field.
Government Relations (GRC):


Leadership Dinners were held in Edmonton, Leduc and Spruce Grove. These dinners provided a launching board
to issue-driven meetings with the administrative staff in those communities.
The GRC is the lead on municipal zoning amendments, including the City of Edmonton’s Height and Grade
Zoning provisions. While still a work in progress, Committee members (along with members from BTC and RC)
developed clear and defensible industry positions on this important amendment. Other key City of Edmonton
initiatives included the Energy Transition Strategy, Blatchford Project, Evolving Infill Initiative, and Growth
Coordination Strategy.
“I volunteer for the CHBA ER because I want to give back to an organization that supports the good work we are committed to delivering
to our customers on every project. Volunteer work is important on so many levels and we all have something to contribute. At Aquarian
we strive to be a leader in the renovation market and in our industry in general. That said, volunteering within CHBA ER provides an opportunity to demonstrate leadership through volunteer work at the committee level. Being involved in decision making that affects the
work we do at Aquarian is important and it is my hope that my volunteerism may also benefits other members and the work they do.
An additional benefit to volunteering with CHBA ER is the wonderful opportunity to get to know and associate with other amazing
members who also strive to make a difference in the construction and renovation industry. Together we all get stronger.”
-Marie Soprovich, President, Aquarian
Renovation Committee (RC):

The RC is working diligently to increase the engagement of renovators in industry activities and to help increase the number of renovator submissions into the Awards of Excellence in Housing.

Committee members are regularly highlighted in the Home Décor & Renovations Magazine and the group often engages
in shared advertisements.
“Volunteering for the CHBA Edmonton Region has several benefits. I receive information
quickly about technical, political, and sales issues, there are tremendous networking
opportunities, and it provides an opportunity to give back to the industry.”
-Mark Turner, VP of Operations, Mattamy Homes