Building Excellence – Summer 2026

PEACEFUL LIVING IN COMPACT SPACES

Minimize noise transfer between rooms with QuietZone® Acoustic Insulation from Owens Corning.

Fire-resistant Non-combustible and ULC-rated

Indoor air quality Gold certified for low VOC emissions

Easy installation Fits snugly in wall cavities for efficient performance

EDITOR

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Michael Rosset

SENIOR VP, SALES NEXTHOME Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987 hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Amanda Bell 1.866.532.2588, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

Merlyn Minty 204.782.8692 merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 2 SUMMER 2026

INTERIM

CEO Frank Lohmann

SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

Natasha Rombough

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE

Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Gary Chilvers

HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA

Josh Rosset

DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca

VP MARKETING — GTA

Leanne Speers

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs

VP PRODUCTION — GTA

Lisa Kelly

PRODUCTION MANAGER — GTA Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR Hannah Yarkony

POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS ANALYST

Emily Fielden

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST

Chloe Perreault

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COMING TOGETHER

ADVANCING ASSOCIATION BUSINESS AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS

BY CURTIS MERCER, CHBA PRESIDENT

Each year, CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada serves as a reminder of the strength and diversity of our industry. This year’s event in Quebec City was no exception. Bringing together members, industry leaders, and partners from across the country, the week offered valuable opportunities to collaborate, celebrate achievements and advance the priorities that matter most to residential construction.

The week began with CHBA’s national Committee and Council meetings, where members discussed issues shaping the future of housing in Canada. What always stands out to me is the extent of expertise around the table and the willingness of members to share their ideas. From building code changes and innovation in construction technologies to housing policy and affordability challenges, these conversations help ensure CHBA remains focused on practical solutions that support home builders, renovators and Canadians looking for a place to call home.

The conference portion of the event in the second half of the week recognized the outstanding people who make our Associa -

tion stronger. Through the CHBA Association Leadership Awards, we celebrated the volunteers, local and provincial HBAs and Executive Officers whose dedication helps move our industry forward every day. Their commitment often happens behind the scenes, but their impact is felt throughout the Association and the country.

Of course, one of the most anticipated events of the week was the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. This year’s Glitter & Groove Awards Bash, presented by LG Electronics Canada, was Cirque du Soleil-themed, which brought magical energy to the evening and created a memorable setting to celebrate excellence in residential construction. The quality of the awards entries continues to impress me year after year. The awards showcased the remarkable talent that exists within our membership, from unique new homes and innovative renovations to large-scale communities and creative marketing initiatives. The diversity of the winners demonstrates the many ways CHBA members contribute to improving housing and communities across Canada.

Home Building Week is ultimately about connection. It was an opportunity to learn from one another, exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that make our association so effective. Through formal discussions or informal conversations between sessions, it reminded me why I am proud to be part of this industry. The passion, expertise, and commitment demonstrated by our members gives me confidence that, together, we can continue

to build and renovate not only homes, but stronger communities for Canadians.

As we look ahead, I encourage members to mark their calendars for next year’s event in Whistler, B.C., taking place May 10 to 14, 2027. I have no doubt it will continue the tradition of bringing our industry together to learn, celebrate, and shape the future of housing in Canada.

Following Home Building Week, I’ve been continuing my visits to local HBAs across the country – and I want to share a recent experience I had which put CHBA’s entire mission into perspective. When I traveled to meet members of Grand Highlands HBA, the event took place in a side section of a brewery, and after I gave some remarks outlining how the Association is working on behalf of members in their quest to fulfill Canadians’ homeownership aspirations, I was approached by a 27-year-old gentleman who happened to overhear. He shook my hand and said to me, “I just want to say thank you for what you’re doing. As a young Canadian, I don’t think I will ever be able to afford a home at the current rates.”

That single conversation hit home and reminded me of the enormous impact of the work done by CHBA and all levels of the Association. It is exactly why we as members do what we do. Behind every policy we advocate for and every barrier we fight to break down, there are real people just trying to build a future.

As I head into more travel in the months ahead, I look forward to continuing the conversation with all of you in your individual regions so that we can keep working together to build brighter futures for people like that young man.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION WITH CONTINUITY

A NEW DIRECTION, WITH CHBA’S MISSION, PRIORITIES AND COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS REMAINING UNCHANGED FOR HOUSING SUPPLY AND AFFORDABILITY

BY FRANK LOHMANN, INTERIM CHBA CEO

committed to assisting the board and association staff at all levels during this transition period.

On June 16, the CHBA Executive Committee informed all members that they had made the difficult decision to transition the leadership of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. Kevin Lee, the former CEO, played an important role in strengthening CHBA’s voice across Canada, advancing the interests of our members, and helping establish the association as a respected advocate for the residential construction industry. His contributions to the industry and our association over the last 13 years were substantial, and working alongside him for the last six years on the CHBA staff has been a privilege.

The CHBA Executive Committee has retained a search firm, and the recruitment process is already underway for a new leader to support CHBA’s strategic priorities and future direction. In the meantime, I have been appointed Interim CEO to continue our advocacy, member services and industry leadership activities. In my former role as CHBA’s Senior Director, Building Science, I became very familiar with many facets of our industry and the challenges members face, and I am

CHBA’s advocacy will continue, building on recent policy gains at the federal level. The government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update that was released in April, along with substantial announcements made prior, took positive steps in the right direction after having lost momentum after the 2025 election, when we saw a decrease on policies to support the market-rate residential sector. After another year of consistent CHBA advocacy, the Update showed signs of meaningful progress toward a more complete housing strategy – one that addresses the challenges of delivering housing across the entire continuum. The Spring Economic Update represented a willingness to address the challenges facing market-rate homeownership, and CHBA will continue to build on that momentum.

One of the most promising measures announced recently was the Improving Housing Supply Act, which earmarks $1.7 billion for provinces and territories to help increase housing supply, ideally by reducing the tax burden that adds significant costs to new homes. A deal was reached with Ontario, which will use its funding allocation to remove the HST on all new home purchases for one year. A second announcement, this time for infrastructure support and reducing development charges, was also very welcome news. It will be imperative that deals with all provinces are reached swiftly, and CHBA and provincial HBAs continue to push hard on this front.

Moreover, CHBA was particularly encouraged by the federal government’s commitment to improve the building code process. New code requirements often have good intentions, but too frequently they are introduced without fully considering their cumulative impact on housing affordability or construction complexity. The government’s pledge to strengthen affordability analysis when evaluating future code and standards reflects a recommendation CHBA’s had for years. We need safe, high-performing homes, but we must also ensure they remain attainable for Canadian families.

The Update also acknowledged that we cannot solve a housing shortage without the skilled workers needed to build homes. The Update’s investments in apprenticeships are welcome, but residential construction also has unique workforce needs outside of Red Seal trades. It will be important to ensure that federal funding and future programming support the full range of occupations required.

Overall, we are cautiously optimistic. Of course, announcements alone will not solve Canada’s housing challenges, and many of these measures still require coordinated implementation. Rest assured, CHBA and your local and provincial HBAs will remain at the forefront of those conversations advocating for you.

LOGEL HOMES

AN AWARD-WINNING CALGARY MULTI-FAMILY BUILDER

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

Twenty-five years after launching Logel Homes with a modest townhome project in Canmore, Alta., founder Tim Logel recently returned for what felt like a full-circle moment: Cutting the ribbon on a multi-family community in Three Sisters Mountain Village. It was a special experience that he got to share with his sons, Brayden and Kevin, who are now also an integral part of this family business.

Based in Calgary, award-winning Logel Homes is one of Alberta’s largest multi-family builders, with about 2,500 units in its construction pipeline.

Approximately 85 per cent of the company’s projects are midrise condominiums, with the rest comprised of townhomes and select construction management projects for clients.

They’re not just big; Logel Homes has been recognized by both industry and consumers. The company has won BILD Calgary Region’s Multi-Family Builder of the Year award six years in a row, is a leader in customer satisfaction awards, and has been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed companies for more than seven years, earning them platinum status. Over the years, the company has earned a 4.9 Google status.

The company’s volume allows it to capitalize on process efficiencies and savings, but it’s the commitment to continuous improvement and honing a top-notch customer experience that has propelled Logel Homes to impressive growth.

FROM FARMING ROOTS TO WESTERN OPPORTUNITY

Tim Logel grew up in Waterloo, Ont., where he first discovered the satisfaction of building with his hands while helping his father and uncle construct a cattle barn. “That experience of helping to frame the building is part of my DNA and it’s never left,” he says.

He set sights on getting into real estate, and his father urged him to head to Calgary, a growing city that needed housing. So Logel made the move out west. He began in real estate, then joined a single-family builder as a new home salesperson. Over 23 years, he worked his way up to vice-president, helping to build sales teams, and learning marketing, land acquisition and more before heading off on his own to start Logel Homes, joining his local Home Builders’ Association not long after.

FAST FACTS

Company Name: Logel Homes

Head Offices: Calgary

Number of Full-Time Employees: 90

Approx. Annual Gross Revenue: $200 M

Units per year: 500

“I always had it in my mind right from the early days that I did want to become a homebuilder,” Logel says. “I didn’t know what that would look like, but with the help of friends in home building and development, I was able to start our family business.”

His sons joined the effort when they were young, also learning the ropes. For Logel, seeing the second generation not only join the company but embrace the same passion has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey, and you can hear the pride in his voice when he speaks about his sons’ contributions to Logel Homes.

Kevin is the construction manager, overseeing the construction of all multi-family developments, from initial surveys to turnover to the customer. He’s been working in the family business nearly full-time since the age of 20, and says construction was a natural path

for him. “I always found that creating something tangible like we do – providing housing – is just very, very inspiring. The whole process and navigating your way through different challenges with an awesome team of trades and suppliers, is thrilling,” Kevin says.

Brayden serves as company president, helping oversee strategy, acquisitions and approvals for new projects. “What I find the most rewarding about the business is that we’re here every day looking how to innovate and learn from our customers and working on different ways to exceed their expectations and differentiate our product,” he says.

That combination of a quality product and commitment to their clients is woven through the entire business, including the extended strong and talented team, and Logel Homes is focused on getting better at what it does each year.

BUILDING FOR PEOPLE, NOT JUST INVESTORS

One of the clearest ways Logel Homes differentiates itself is in who the company is building for. “What’s unique about Logel Homes is that we’re very much focused on people that want to live in the home,” Logel says. That focus influences the company’s designs, upgrade options, sales strategies and

even the pace at which projects must be delivered.

A key component of that end-user focus is customization at scale. Logel Homes offers more than 2,000 upgrades and selections across its projects – a remarkable level of customization in the multi-family space. Buyers work with professional designers and can tailor almost every element within the unit to their preference, enabling them to make the space their own. “There are no structural upgrades, but pretty much anything else within the home has a variety of options,” Logel says. “It is something that we’ve perfected over the years.”

That customization is supported by a large, immersive show-home program. Across its active communities, Logel Homes recently opened 45 different show homes, with each development featuring a sales centre, multiple model suites and, in newer projects, a design centre. The goal is to help buyers see how a condo can feel personal, specific and deeply livable.

In the multi-family market where standardization is the norm, that sense of ownership before possession becomes a competitive advantage. As Logel puts it, customers feel they can have a personal touch on their unit the same way as if they were building a custom single-family home.

Coming CHBA Events

EFFICIENCIES AS A STRATEGY

In many major Canadian markets, the long development timelines and subsequent pricing structures of condos and multi-family unit can result in investors being the primary purchasers. Logel Homes has carved out a different path. The company is a leader in build times, moving a 100-unit building from groundbreaking to first possessions in about a year.

This efficiency comes from repetition, process discipline and a long-standing network of trades and suppliers. It’s also driven by prefabrication: Every apartment building Logel Homes constructs uses off-site prefabricated wall systems, and some also include prefabricated floor systems. That head start accelerates the rough-in and finishing phases while strengthening consistency and quality control.

“With each new project and each new building, we were able to improve our efficiencies, our quality and our ability to differentiate from our competition through innovation,” Logel says. After completing 70 buildings, those gains have compounded. The company’s schedule performance has improved alongside customer satisfaction, referral rates and its overall capacity to deliver more homes without losing control of customer experience.

CHBA National Meetings Ottawa MAY 10-14, 2027

CHBA Home Building Week Whistler, BC

Thanks in part to Calgary’s housing market, which has remained comparatively affordable even while welcoming significant migration and rapid growth, those efficiencies allowed Logel Homes to keep its units competitively priced. Apartment/condo units start at $219,900, and townhomes from $389,900, furthering their appeal.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AT THE HEART OF IT ALL

For all its operational sophistication, Logel Homes returns repeatedly to one theme: Customer experience backed up by quality construction. The company has won customer satisfaction recognition 10 times and truly values referrals, recommendation rates and direct feedback.

“We really have relied heavily on our customer feedback,” Logel says. “It’s all about the people.” Buyers are surveyed at one month and again at 13 months after possession, with one key question carrying weight: Would they recommend Logel Homes to friends or family?

The company is currently averaging a 91-per-cent recommendation score at the 13-month mark – well above what Logel describes as an already strong Calgary industry average in the low-to-mid 80s. About 25 per cent of annual sales come from past customers; evidence that the company’s systems, people and product are aligned. “What drives us is the happiness of

our customer and our team members,” Logel says.

Being so customer-focused relies on a strong internal culture. Logel Homes has grown from about 30 people six years ago to roughly 90 today, yet it maintains a hands-on approach. Rather than relying exclusively on digital portals, the team remains phone-based and highly engaged. Quality and service are intentionally intertwined throughout the entire homebuilding process.

GROWTH, DIVERSIFICATION AND GIVING BACK

Logel Homes continues to expand its condominium and townhome portfolio and has broadened its business model to act as a general contractor and construction manager for clients building purpose-built rental or other multifamily projects. But growth for the company is also about stewardship.

It has long supported community initiatives, including a Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter operating under the FearIsNotLove organization, and has participated in the Resolve Campaign to End Homelessness. One particularly meaningful effort was the James House homeless shelter, named after Logel’s father. “That was probably our greatest endeavor for the community,” he says. “As a team, our company all participated the construction of the homeless shelter, which was very rewarding.”

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR LOGEL HOMES

The Logels are keen to continue their work in Calgary and Canmore, encouraged by strong response from their buyers, a young team and a clear strategic identity. There are certainly more awards in their future (most recently, Logel Homes picked up three wins in the 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence). Yet it’s the happiness of their customers and their team members that drives father and sons.

Brayden emphasizes that their real aspiration is not just to get bigger, but keep growing that legacy of quality and care. When speaking of the future, he wants to remain the top choice in Calgary for multi-family homes. “That vision of really driving value for our customers and exceeding their expectations is something we’d like to carry forward,” he says.

For his part, Logel Homes’ founder Tim is still very energized about his career and the company he’s built, and is looking forward to keep doing what he loves along with Brayden, Kevin and their entire extended team.

“Being involved with this industry and having the opportunity to specialize and improve my skill sets is very rewarding,” Logel says. “There’s always something that comes to mind to improve the business, and I think that that keeps me excited. When you start with a vacant piece of land and then you walk it later with people living there, enjoying it and hearing positive comments, it’s extremely rewarding. We’re very fortunate to be in the home building business.”

ONE GRAIN, ANY STAIN

Today’s customers want the warmth, character and authenticity of real wood

– without long lead times, complicated choices or long term performance concerns. That’s where ODL’s Rift Cut texture changes the conversation and elevates the selling experience.

Inspired by the clean, linear appearance of rift sawn wood, Rift Cut delivers a straight, consistent grain that adapts beautifully to nearly any stain colour. Unlike traditional wood

DESIGNED FOR THE SHOWROOM, BUILT FOR REAL LIFE

Rift Cut makes an immediate impression – but its value extends beyond appearance. The subtle, linear grain feels refined and intentional, offering understated luxury that works across modern, transitional and classic architectural styles. Its clean texture pairs easily with a wide range of door designs, glass options and hardware, making it simple to recommend across projects.

Equally important, Rift Cut is molded into durable fibreglass, delivering the dependable performance dealers expect from ODL:

• Long lasting fibreglass construction

• Resistance to warping, cracking and rotting

• Reliable, low-maintenance performance in real world conditions

The result is a door customers love at installation – and one you can confidently stand behind for years.

doors – or fibreglass doors that rely on multiple grain patterns or species specific textures – Rift Cut features one refined, intentionally designed texture that transforms with stain selection. One texture. Countless finishes.

For dealers, that means broader design appeal, fewer SKUs to manage and greater confidence in every recommendation. With Rift Cut, you’re not choosing a species – you’re choosing versatility.

TRUSTED TO TRANSFORM DEALER EFFICIENCY

ODL Rift Cut textured fibreglass doors are sold ready to stain, offering exceptional flexibility without added complexity. One texture becomes many looks, simplifying ordering, stocking and selling – while helping you say “yes” to more customers.

A SMARTER WAY TO OFFER THE WOOD LOOK

Traditional wood doors require early commitment to a specific species, grain pattern and finish. Even many wood grain fibreglass doors replicate that complexity through varied textures, limiting flexibility. These decisions can slow the selling process, complicate inventory and create inconsistencies from door to door.

Rift Cut simplifies it all. Its uniform grain is designed to take on the character of the stain applied, capturing the look of multiple wood styles with a single texture. Light stains create a clean, contemporary appearance, while darker stains add depth and richness. The same door adapts effortlessly, helping customers visualize more options without additional complexity.

For dealers, this versatility delivers clear advantages:

• Fewer product variations to stock and manage

• Faster decisions on the showroom floor

• Greater freedom to meet customer preferences without special orders

It’s a practical, dealer friendly solution that replaces complexity with clarity.

Every detail supports both performance and profitability:

• Ready to stain versatility

• Streamlined ordering and inventory management

• Authentic, wood inspired grain

• Durable fiberglass construction

• Sophisticated, on trend design

At ODL, innovation means making your job easier. Rift Cut brings beauty, durability and simplicity together – so you can focus on building trust, closing sales and serving customers.

ODL is a leading supplier of high‑quality entry doors and door glass solutions, with ODL Canada playing a key role in serving the Canadian market. Known for innovation and craftsmanship, ODL Canada, based in Vaughan, Ont., offers a broad portfolio of residential door products, including premium fibreglass doors designed for durability, energy efficiency and curb appeal. By combining advanced design, reliable performance and market‑specific expertise, ODL Canada supports builders, dealers and homeowners with door solutions that meet the demands of Canadian climates and lifestyles.

WINNERS OF THE 2026 CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE Winners are... And the

INTRODUCING THE

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) recently announced the winners of the 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, Canada’s premiere competition for new homes, home renovations, community development and residential marketing. Winners were awarded in Quebec City as the grand finale event of CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada, presented by LG Electronics Canada.

The award program is highly competitive, and draws the top projects from small and large companies from across Canada. This year, 900 entries were submitted into 49 categories that capture the full breadth of market-rate homes for ownership and rental.

More than 200 volunteer industry experts judged the 2026 competition. They scored entries based on project descriptions, images, and other supporting information such as floor plans included in the submission packages.

In the new home awards, including the Net Zero Home categories, the criteria focus on design, innovation, functionality, and special features. Renovation categories also assess integration within the home and how any challenges that came up were addressed. Marketing entries are judged based on concept, design, and successful execution and outcomes. For community development categories, judges evaluate the overall vision and livability of the community, as well as its architectural features, environmental and sustainability considerations, and amenities.

In the following pages, view the projects of some of the biggest awards, as well as a full list of all winners. An image gallery of all finalists can be found at chba.ca/housingawards.

BEST ATTACHED LOWRISE HOME 1,500-1,800 SQ. FT. “The Sasha” BEST DETACHED PRODUCTION HOME UNDER 1,800 SQUARE FEET “The Gregory 1” DESIGN EXCELLENCE AWARD

Marketing Awards

BEST BROCHURE/KIT

Logel Homes, Calgary: “The Livingston Central Digital Brochure”

BEST WEBSITE

Lagois Design • Build • Renovate, Ottawa: “Perfecting the Art of Living”

BEST SIGNAGE

Zenterra Developments Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Eden”

BEST DIGITAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Fifth Avenue Properties, Kelowna, BC: “The Delano”

BEST PRINT AD

Logel Homes, Calgary: “Altitude at Three Sisters Mountain Village – Reset to Mountain Standard Time”

BEST VIRTUAL TOUR EXPERIENCE

Douglas Homes Ltd., Calgary: “Fernie 3 Virtual Tour”

BEST SALES OFFICE

The Acorn Development Corp. and Gladstone Media, Toronto: “Iris”

BEST SHORT VIDEO (UNDER 45 SECONDS)

Treasure Hill, Vaughan, Ont: “We Make Homes You Never Want To Leave” with 52 Pick-up Inc.”

BEST INTERIOR DECORATING (MODEL/SHOW HOME)

Logel Homes, Calgary: “The Soleil 2”

BEST BRANDING AND IDENTITY

Everglade Development Ltd., Vancouver: “Satori Townhomes”

Renovation Awards

BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION

– $70,000 TO $100,000

Jedan Brothers Custom Homes & Renovations Ltd., Coquitlam, BC: “The Heritage Heart” with Madeleine Design Group Inc.

BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION –OVER $100,000

TENTEN Kitchens, Winnipeg, Man: “Cottage Blue Kitchen”

BEST BATHROOM RENOVATION

Empire Custom Homes Limited, Calgary: “Refined Retreat”

BEST BASEMENT RENOVATION

Sitka Concept, Penticton, BC: “Boy’s Dream Basement”

BEST EXTERIOR RENOVATION

Royal Premier Homes, London, Ont: “Chapter 2”

BEST SINGLE ROOM RENOVATION

Harwood Design Builders Ltd., Oak Bluff, Man: “High Style in High Gear”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION –UNDER $200,000

Lagois Design • Build • Renovate, Ottawa: “Achieving Hygge”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION –$200,000 TO $300,000

CCR Build + Remodel Inc., London, Ont: “Everyday Living Meets Elevated Design” with Caradoc Custom Cabinets and Integrated Electrical Solutions

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION – $300,001 TO $500,000

Sosna Inc., Vaughan, Ont: “The Sunlit Main”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION – $500,001 TO $800,000

Windrush Hill Construction, St. Catharines, Ont: “Lakeside Living”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION – OVER $800,000

Vision Pacific Contracting Ltd., Whistler, BC: “Sunridge Ascension”

New Home Awards

BEST MID -TO HIGHRISE BUILDING (COMPLETED)

Solterra Development Corp., Delta, BC: “Monaco”

BEST MID –TO HIGHRISE BUILDING (PLANNED)

Montcrest, Toronto: “The Aston Residences” with Studio Humn, and The Brand Factory

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL HOME

Minto Corporate Services, Calgary: “Spruce 1”

BEST ATTACHED LOWRISE HOME UNDER 1,500 SQUARE FEET

Minto Corporate Services, Calgary: “Sable”

BEST ATTACHED LOWRISE

HOME OVER 1, 800 SQUARE FEET

Queenscorp Group, Toronto, Ont: “The Lake House”

BEST DETACHED PRODUCTION HOME

– 1,800 TO 2,100 SQUARE FEET

Lucchetta Homes, Welland, Ont: “The Brock at WaterCrest”

FOR IMAGES OF ALL THIS YEAR’S WINNERS, VISIT

CHBA.CA/HOUSINGAWARDS

BEST DETACHED PRODUCTION HOME

– 2,101 TO 2,400 SQUARE FEET

Trico Homes, Calgary: “The Encore”

BEST DETACHED PRODUCTION HOME – 2,401 TO 2,800 SQUARE FEET

UrbanAge Homes, Edmonton, Alta: “The Austin”

BEST DETACHED PRODUCTION HOME OVER 2,800 SQUARE FEET

Everton Ridge Homes Ltd., Vernon, BC: “Sequoia”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME UNDER 2,500 SQUARE FEET

Munro Homes Ltd., Regina, Sask: “Haven on Hill Avenue”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

2,501 TO 3,000 SQUARE FEET

Alloy Homes Incorporated, Calgary: “Courtyard Bungalow”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

3,001 TO 4,000 SQUARE FEET

Whistler Builder, Whistler, BC: “Net Zero Mountain Haven”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

4,001 TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET

Bellamy Homes, Kelowna, BC: “Shoreline Estates” with Les Bellamy Design Group (1320550 BC LTD)

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET

Bravada Homes Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Bringing Belgium West”with Kayley Jane Design

New Home Spaces Awards

BEST PRODUCTION KITCHEN

Stranville Living Master Builder, Lethbridge: “The Meadow Kitchen” with Danielle Mathews Design

BEST CUSTOM KITCHEN

Bravada Homes Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Bringing Belgium West” with Kayley Jane Design

BEST BATHROOM

3rd Generation Homes, West Kelowna, BC: “Lakeside Boutique Ensuite” with Baths by Design, Express Flooring Ltd., J. Russell Electric Ltd., RK Studio Residential Design and Drafting, Robinson Lighting, and Westwood Cabinetry Inc.

BEST BEDROOM/PRIMARY SUITE

Bravada Homes Ltd., Surrey, BC: “Bringing Belgium West” with Kayley Jane Design

Lauding leadership ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP AWARDS

WINNERS OF THE 2026 CHBA ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Every year, volunteer members, HBAs and their staff work tirelessly to build strong communities, strengthen the industry and give back to cities, towns and neighbourhoods across Canada. The CHBA Association Leadership Awards honour the leaders within our Association – both individuals and our local and provincial homebuilders’ associations. This year’s honours were given out during CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada in Quebec City. Congratulations to the very deserving recipients, whom you can learn more about below.

Member of the Year –Sue Wastell

The prestigious Member of the Year award is a long-term achievement award, and it was presented this year to Sue Wastell. She has made outstanding contributions to CHBA at the local, provincial and national levels through her leadership, advocacy and dedication to members. She is a former President of CHBA, and was in high demand from local and provincial associations across the country to speak at events. Wastell chaired CHBA’s Urban Council from 2018 through COVID and beyond, providing continuity and valuable expertise as a developer. As inaugural and current Chair of the Women in Residential Construction Council, she is helping strengthen representation and support for women in the sector. Through her leadership roles, Wastell has been a committed presence at CHBA’s Day on the Hill, where members help advance policy recommendations to government to support homeownership and industry growth. Her commitment over the years makes her a very deserving recipient of the Member of the Year award.

Rooftopper Membership Recruitment Champion

– Reza Kamrani

Reza Kamrani, a member in HAVAN, is the 2026 Rooftopper Membership Recruitment Champion for his exceptional efforts to grow his local HBA. Over the past year, he recruited 20 new members through regular event participation, personal outreach and thoughtful conversations about the value of membership. A long-time Chair of his Membership Committee, he has shown sustained leadership in recruitment and retention. Through his company, he has also supported key networking and membership-building events. Hats off to Kamrani.

Executive Officers of the Year

EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE YEAR –SMALL HBA (FEWER THAN 200 MEMBERS) –CRYSTAL INGRAM

Crystal Ingram, EO of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association, has been a valuable steward for the association. Through strong

fiscal management, she expanded programs and advocacy efforts on key issues such as housing affordability and supply, development charges, infrastructure, zoning reform and building code amendments. She strengthened her HBA’s credibility with government by preparing formal submissions, briefing notes and technical feedback that informed regulatory reviews. Ingram also grew membership through direct outreach, improved retention through effective communication, and created more opportunities for engagement across companies of all sizes. Her collaborative leadership has strengthened relationships with volunteer boards, committees, industry partners, government departments and community stakeholders, leading to a doubling of partnership agreements. In addition, she increased her HBA’s media presence and helped raise public awareness of the industry’s economic and social value through consistent messaging, national participation and by sharing best practices with peers.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE YEAR –

LARGE HBA (MORE THAN 200 MEMBERS) –JARED ZAIFMAN

Jared Zaifman, EO at the London Home Builders’ Association, has modernized his HBA, fostering strong relationships with government officials and driving impactful policy advocacy. He has played a pivotal role in resolving critical challenges, such as improving relations with the City’s building officials, increasing density and height allowances, expanding urban growth boundaries and introducing innovative solutions such as creating a building connector concierge role to improve the permitting

process. Zaifman’s collaborative approach with volunteer leaders has revitalized board leadership. He instituted a new strategic plan and ensured ongoing engagement through dynamic events and programming, and his efforts have resulted in high member retention and growth, increased participation in HBA activities and a budget surplus each year. His advocacy has directly supported members’ business success by streamlining permit approvals, championing affordability initiatives and expanding networking and educational opportunities.

Community Service Award – CHBA –Central Interior

You may have heard of the amazing work of CHBA – Central Interior (based in Kamloops, BC) and its members before, notably their Training House: An impressive community service project that has been ongoing for 36 years. Members and staff work with their local university to build a fully permitted, code-compliant home as a training site for first-year trades students. Once complete, the home is donated to the YMCA as the grand prize for the annual Dream Home Lottery, funding programs such as child and youth services, after-school care, swimming lessons and wellness initiatives. In 2025, the project engaged 84 students across multiple trades and the home was built to Net Zero Ready,

helping future tradespeople learn energy-efficient practices that benefit local housing quality. More than 90 CHBA member companies contributed materials, labour, mentorship, leadership, $17,000 in donated tools and major funding support for trades education, including $50,000 to the local university’s Trades Endowment Fund.

HBA of the Year

HBA OF THE YEAR – SMALL HBA (FEWER THAN 200 MEMBERS) –GRAND HIGHLANDS HBA

Grand Highlands HBA was recently formed through a merger of two local HBAs and a local development association. They leveraged social media, newsletters and a new website to keep members informed and engaged. The merger has strengthened members’ collective voice, expanded the HBA’s advocacy reach and enhanced benefits for members. Over the past year, Grand Highlands HBA achieved record-high membership and retention rates, introduced new committees to boost engagement and offered great member services, including monthly events, networking opportunities and a municipal monitoring service. Its advocacy efforts include extensive engagement with municipal and provincial officials, participation in committees and working groups, letter campaigns, and policy discussions to fight development charges, support

housing affordability and industry growth. With a strong focus on community engagement, Grand Highlands HBA also promotes skilled trades to youth, supports local charities by donating at least 15 per cent of its net income, and provides scholarships to students pursuing construction careers.

HBA OF THE YEAR – LARGE HBA (MORE THAN 200 MEMBERS) – HAVAN

Homebuilders Association Vancouver has built a strong and vibrant member community through active committees, targeted networking events and robust member services. The HBA offers extensive educational programming, including 24 courses and a broad selection of on-demand learning, while charitable initiatives such as Coats for Kids and student scholarships demonstrate meaningful community impact. Member engagement is reinforced through onboarding, awards and innovative events such as Construction Social speed networking. HAVAN stands out for its government relations work, tackling policy challenges, producing influential reports and participating in more than 30 municipal Development Liaison Committee meetings in 2025. With strong communications, including newsletters, podcasts and an active online presence, plus strategic governance and inclusive councils such as Women’s and Young Professionals, HAVAN continues to lead in supporting members and advancing the residential construction industry.

RENOVATORS FEELING FLAT

A LOOK AT CANADIAN RENOVATION DEMAND IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR ECONOMICS

BY EVAN ANDRADE, CHBA ECONOMIST

The renovation industry remains very important to Canada’s economy. Responsible for the improvement and upkeep of more than 17.5 million private dwellings in Canada, CHBA estimates that the residential renovation industry provided direct and indirect employment to more than 692,000 Canadians in 2025 and is associated with $51 billion in annual nominal wages paid. Similar analysis from Statistics Canada finds that an additional indirect renovation employment of 200,000

Canadians stems from industries like distribution and transportation services, manufacturing and professional services like IT and finance.

Historically, the industry output of renovations grows slowly in tandem with the increase in Canada’s housing stock and price expectations. That has not been the case this decade, which has seen a tumultuous industry output growth so far. While simple data shows renovation investment still going up slowly,

CHBA’S RENOVATION MARKET INDEX (RMI) SPRING 2026

looking at real “inflation adjusted” dollars, tells a different story. In 2025, residential renovation services output rose 0.3 per cent in inflation-adjusted terms after an unprecedented three consecutive years of economic declines between 2022 to 2024. In comparison, U.S. real investment in residential improvements rose four per cent year over year in 2025 and only suffered one year of significant contraction in 2022. Unfortunately, Canada’s renovation industry difficulties may continue for some

Number of weeks

time as the industry output fell by three per cent year over year in the first quarter of 2026.

Further, renovators are continuing to face significant material and trades price growth according to Statistics Canada’s Residential Renovation Price Index. Across all major metropolitan areas, the prices contractors charge for HVAC equipment, and their installation, are up between 6.6 per cent and nine per cent relative to a year ago. The larger story is that the price index indicates a cumulative 56-per-cent cost increase across all types of home renovations between the start of 2020 and 2026. This is over double the consumer price index growth of 23 per cent over the same period.

The lower growth and high-cost conditions led CHBA to introduce a new Renovation Market Index (RMI) in late 2025, where renovator members are surveyed for their opinion about current and future renovation market conditions. The index, which is between zero and 100, is an indicator of renovator confidence in business conditions. Scores further above a neutral score of 50 indicate builder optimism. Scores below 50 indicate pessimism.

After collecting renovator responses through late April and May, the 2026 Spring RMI was 50.3 – up slightly, but very similar to the score of 48.3 in the 2025 Q3/Q4 RMI. These results suggest another modest-to-flat growth for the industry in 2026 rather than a sorely needed rebound.

The Current Conditions Index was 52 nationwide. Three or more interior room

HAVE YOU ALREADY BEGUN INCORPORATING THE INCREASED GAS PRICES INTO YOUR QUOTES?

renovation conditions were neutral at 54. Meanwhile one or two interior rooms renovations were quite optimistic at 65. In terms of exterior renovations, new additions were 39 and exterior envelope and landscaping conditions were 42. Accessory Suites (both attached and detached) were the most pessimistic renovation category at 29, which is a growing segment but still very small. Finally, conditions for retrofits and repairs work held a neutral score of 59.

The Future Conditions subindex was a neutral score of 45. While about 10 points higher than it scored in the initial fall 2025 RMI, this could be seasonal increase rather than actual conditions improving. Renovators were neutral about the quality and pace of inquiries but far more negative about their shorter-than-average backlog. Renovator comments suggest higher costs are making clients hesitant to go ahead with projects quickly.

In a set of separate questions, renovators were also asked about the average time it takes between a building permit application and approval, excluding the time for a development permit. Chart 1 shows the average number of weeks between applying for and receiving a building permit by province. While most renovators reported somewhat reasonable timelines, there were two notable findings. The first is the significant differences between the 18-week average in British Columbia and the average timelines reported by the rest of Canada. It’s possible that the disparity is due to BC renovators

having more complex renovation projects, though other reasons could also be the cause. The second and most concerning aspect is that renovators universally felt that approval timelines are getting longer. As the volume of renovation output has fallen, processing time should be improving, not getting worse.

The results of both the RMI and CHBA’s Housing Market Index (HMI) are presented to researchers and economists at the Bank of Canada, who are highly concerned that the war in Iran could both increase the rate of inflation and/or reduce economic growth. Renovators were asked in the RMI if they have already begun incorporating their higher transportation costs into their pricing. About one in five renovators had explicitly raised their quotes because of the initial gas or diesel price increase. Yet, out of the 46 per cent that stated they had not yet raised their prices, a large majority of them commented that current demand would not allow them to raise prices without losing an outsized number of potential projects. This corroborates with widely negative views held about short backlog and high customer price sensitivity.

These results are incredibly powerful in conveying common industry issues at the federal level, bolstering CHBA’s renovator advocacy.

For the full results of CHBA’s RMI surveys, visit chba.ca/rmi. CHBA is always looking for renovator members to provide their input –to participate in the survey, please email rmi@chba.ca.

RENOVATORS’

EXPERIENTIAL RENOVATION EVENTS

NEW WAYS HBAS ARE CONNECTING HOMEOWNERS WITH RENOVATOR MEMBERS

BY SARAH CARON, DIRECTOR, RENOVATION SERVICES, CHBA

Across Canada, local home builders’ associations (HBAs) are finding new and effective ways to connect renovators with homeowners who are actively planning projects. Rather than relying solely on traditional home shows or passive marketing, some HBAs are leaning into curated, experience-driven events that foster meaningful conversations, build trust and showcase the value of working with qualified professional renovators. Two standout examples from the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) demonstrate how targeted, high-quality engagement can deliver lasting results for both renovator members and homeowners, while reinforcing the value of programs like RenoMark.

HAVAN HOME DESIGN + RENO SHOW

The HAVAN Home Design + Reno Show has evolved into a focused, one-day event tailored specifically to homeowners preparing for renovation or custom home projects. Held at VanDusen Botanical Garden, the show leverages a relaxed, boutique setting that supports more productive, in-depth conversations between attendees and industry professionals. This intentional shift away from large-scale, high-traffic home shows reflects a broader industry trend toward quality over quantity, prioritizing informed decision-making and meaningful connections.

The event’s format underscores this philosophy. With a curated group of more than 20 member exhibitors and a series of expert-led panels, homeowners are guided

through the full renovation journey, from early planning and budgeting to permits and construction. Importantly, the use of a paid ticket model helps ensure that attendees are genuinely planning projects within the near term, creating strong alignment with exhibitor services and improving the quality of leads generated. Feedback from both homeowners and members confirms the effectiveness of this approach, with participants noting the value of having a “safe space” to ask questions and gain confidence before proceeding with a renovation.

Beyond the show floor, HAVAN extends the impact of the event by equipping attendees with practical tools, including its Construction Guide, which supports informed decisionmaking long after the event concludes. This

combination of education, engagement and follow-up reinforces the association’s role as a trusted source of guidance and positions participating members as credible, professional partners in the renovation process.

GOHBA RENOTOUR PARADE OF HOMES

While HAVAN’s event focuses on curated conversations in a single venue, the GOHBA RenoTour Parade of Homes demonstrates the power of immersive, real-world experiences. The event invites attendees to step inside completed renovation and custom home projects across Ottawa, offering a rare, firsthand look at craftsmanship, design and innovation in action. This format allows homeowners to move beyond inspiration and truly understand the outcomes of professional renovation work – something that photos or online galleries simply cannot replicate.

Since its launch in 2015, GOHBA’s RenoTour has been closely aligned with the RenoMark program, created to showcase the expertise of verified RenoMark renovators and help homeowners understand the value of hiring qualified, reputable professionals. The connection to RenoMark is central to the event’s success. By featuring verified members and emphasizing industry standards, RenoTour reinforces consumer confidence and elevates the profile of the renovation sector as a whole. This value is reinforced by industry leaders like Jacob Kirst, GOHBA Renovators’ Council Chair. “At Lagois, we’ve participated in the RenoTour over the past 11 years because it reflects values that are important to us: Transparency, professionalism and raising the standard of residential renovation,” says Kirst. “It gives homeowners the opportunity to walk through real projects, ask questions and better

“ These events demonstrate that when HBAs create an environment that prioritizes quality engagement, education, and trusted credentials like RenoMark, both homeowners and renovators benefit. ”

understand the process behind a successful renovation. It also gives homeowners a chance to meet the team of client advocates behind every successful client journey, the designers, project managers and craftsmen who work together with homeowners to bring these projects to life.”

For participating renovators, the benefits extend far beyond the day of the event. RenoTour provides a powerful platform to present completed projects to highly engaged homeowners, allowing visitors to experience the quality and detail of the work firsthand. In addition, the event’s digital component – featuring 3D virtual tours accessible for up to a year – ensures continued visibility and lead generation long after the physical tour ends. This blend of in-person and digital engagement supports sustained business growth while strengthening brand recognition and credibility.

RAISING THE STANDARD FOR HOMEOWNER ENGAGEMENT

What unites both of these events is a shared emphasis on trust, education and meaningful interaction. Whether through curated conversations in a garden setting or immersive walkthroughs of completed homes, both models prioritize homeowner confidence and informed decision-making. They also highlight

the importance of positioning renovators not just as service providers, but as knowledgeable advisors and partners in a complex process.

RenoMark plays a critical role in this ecosystem. By anchoring these events in a recognized standard of professionalism and accountability, the program helps differentiate participating renovators in a competitive market. At the same time, it provides a clear signal to homeowners that they are engaging with qualified, vetted professionals. This is an essential factor in building trust and driving project commitment.

As the renovation market continues to evolve, these types of targeted, experience-driven events offer a compelling blueprint for success. They demonstrate that when HBAs create an environment that prioritizes quality engagement, education and trusted credentials like RenoMark, both homeowners and renovators benefit.

In an era where homeowners are seeking clarity, confidence and connection, the HAVAN Home Design + Reno Show and GOHBA’s RenoTour Parade of Homes stand out as leading examples of how to meet those expectations. By bringing renovators and homeowners together in meaningful, memorable ways, these events are helping to shape the future of renovation engagement across Canada.

GROUNDWORK BEFORE GROWTH

HOW THE CIB’S IHI PROGRAM CAN SUPPORT DEVELOPERS

BY ALEX RYAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK

Housing developments in Canada are being pulled in different directions. On one hand, market downturns and a slowing economy mean individual developments are struggling to pencil. On the other, restoring affordability to housing markets requires building and selling millions more homes within the decade. Developers struggling to sell today are being told they need to build even more, creating pressure and uncertainty.

Addressing both challenges requires the right tools – many of which must tackle their underlying causes. After all, no near-term policy fix can resurrect the housing market, restore affordability or eliminate economic uncertainty. However, some projects may not need to wait for market rebounds to get started, especially if their key challenges relate to enabling infrastructure.

For these challenges, lending from blended finance institutions like the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) can lower project risk and

improve market returns. The CIB, through its Infrastructure for Housing Initiative (IHI), aims to support project economics enough for developers to keep tackling the country’s housing challenges.

RESOLVING CANADA’S HOUSING SHORTAGE REQUIRES… BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE?

It’s no mystery that Canada needs more housing. Even if studies from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC), the Parliamentary Budget Office, think tanks and indeed the CIB differ on exact numbers, all agree that the country needs to build millions more homes than currently forecasted. This will require rapidly growing the pace of construction, with certain regional markets having a disproportionate share of the lift.

Each of these new housing units, regardless of form, size or method of construction, will need supporting infrastructure. New developments will require site-specific infrastructure

like local utility connections, pipes and new roads, while municipalities require community infrastructure like water treatment and pump stations and larger transit infrastructure such as stations, tracks or maintenance facilities.

Some of this infrastructure exists today, but much of it will need to be built. Analysis has shown that meeting needs for some new units could require investing more than $100,000 per home. Developments may also be cheaper, if units are smaller or if excess capacity exists, but none will be free. Our recent report, Groundwork before Growth, identifies that hundreds of billions of dollars in new infrastructure spending will likely be required within the decade to support the home construction which aims to restore affordability.

These are big challenges, but headwinds are not new for housing developers. Market conditions, policies and regulations and land-use planning are already material cost and risk factors. In many cases, these headwinds

pose bigger barriers than infrastructure costs. But larger, more complex developments and major municipal projects may have hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure costs that actively increase their price tags. For these projects, finding ways to accelerate construction or lower capital costs can be the difference in getting a home to market.

WHAT PREVENTS ENABLING INFRASTRUCTURE FROM BEING BUILT TODAY?

One reason lowering building costs can make a difference is because both municipalities and developers – the two parties tasked with building – face barriers to investment.

Developers, responsible for building on-site infrastructure and often contributing towards the cost of off-site infrastructure, face financing and pre-sale requirements that make them sensitive to market downturns. As a result, projects are frequently delayed or halted to manage these risks. When multiple developers are working on the same site, it is also common for one developer to make the upfront investment then get repaid by the others, creating a “first mover disadvantage” which causes real hesitation.

Municipalities face a different set of constraints. Responsible for delivering community infrastructure, they must operate within debt limits and balanced budget requirements that restrict spending. Their reliance on tax revenues is another limiting factor, as they are often

not high enough to meet all infrastructure needs. Cities and towns also generally cannot borrow against the expected revenue from future growth, meaning the pace of building infrastructure may perennially lag behind the pace of building homes.

Each party manages their challenges differently, but the real drag comes from cumulative effects. Prime sites sit quietly as the two parties negotiate with each other over who should pay. Too often, the prospect of receiving a grant from another level of government (for example, free money that would overcome the impasse) creates another incentive to delay. Unless these impasses are overcome, the real-world outcome is that project costs increase, and fewer homes are built.

HOW CAN INNOVATIVE FINANCING RESOLVE THIS CHALLENGE?

Solving this challenge requires finding ways to lower risk for developers and get the costs of financing off the municipal balance sheet. One tool that does both is the CIB’s IHI.

As the federal Crown corporation tasked with investing in infrastructure, the IHI program offers loans to both developers and municipalities to cover the costs of enabling infrastructure for new housing. These loans do not need to be repaid until projects start generating revenues through sales and are offered at the Government of Canada’s borrowing rate.

The value of this program is simple: It lowers the cost of capital for new infrastructure and helps both parties to manage the biggest risks to investing. For municipalities, IHI lending helps prioritize enabling infrastructure while reducing the risk of being on the hook for overbuilding. For developers, it reduces revenue risk associated with market downturns and supports those developers worried about subsidizing the competition.

A DIRECTION WORTH FOLLOWING

No infrastructure lending tool can fully overcome all challenges, but lending tools like IHI can help resolve some key tensions that slow the pace of development. As markets and policies evolve, the CIB remains a willing and eager partner for parties looking to get started today on tackling Canada’s housing challenges.

Alex Ryan is a Managing Director, Public Infrastructure, at the Canada Infrastructure Bank and is responsible for the CIB’s Clean Power and Housing sectors. Within Clean Power the CIB focuses on power generation, transmission, distribution and storage, and the CIB’s Infrastructure for Housing Initiative focuses on enabling infrastructure for housing development by working with the public sector, communities and private sector developers. He can be reached at aryan@cib-bic.ca or investments@cib-bic.ca.

DEVELOPERS’ corner

CANADA’S BEST NEW COMMUNITIES

FEATURING TOP DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE 2026 CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE

BY CHLOE PERREAULT, COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST, CHBA

Each year, the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence spotlights the most thoughtful and forward-looking residential developments in the country. This year’s Best New Community award finalists exemplify the impressive variety of developments and communities that our country boasts. They impressed the judges in the five main scoring criteria: Community vision, architectural features, environmental and sustainability considerations, community amenities and special features, and livability.

From vibrant urban hubs to nature-connected neighbourhoods and heritage-inspired enclaves, these five projects show that the most compelling developments aren’t just well planned – they’re also deeply livable, intentionally connected and designed around real everyday needs.

A new benchmark for urban living

INNOVA, by Cascadia Green Development, sets the tone for this year’s finalists by showing just how much a thoughtfully planned urban community can deliver. The project transformed an existing a low-density site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood with a modern West Coast design where homes, retail and social infrastructure work together as one connected whole.

With 172 homes and 22 commercial spaces, including two daycares, shops, restaurants and

services, INNOVA delivers the kind of convenience many buyers now expect. What makes it especially compelling is the way it brings together the rhythms of daily life, creating a neighbourhood where residents can live, work and connect without needing to go far.

That sense of livability carries through in the design. Widened sidewalks, a central lane, active storefronts and social courtyards help create a safe, animated environment, while layered amenities, from rooftop terraces to

indoor gathering spaces, support both quiet moments and community interaction.

Sustainability runs throughout, from energy-efficient systems and stormwater strategies to transit connectivity and EV-ready infrastructure.

It’s easy to see why INNOVA earned the win. More than anything, it reflects a broader shift in what buyers’ value most: Complete communities that offer convenience, flexibility and a vibrant urban lifestyle all in one place.

FINCH DRIVE (SQUAMISH, BC) | BY DIAMOND HEAD DEVELOPMENT

Nature, Net Zero, and a connected community

Finch Drive by Diamond Head Development is a thoughtful response to its setting: A sustainability-led community shaped by Squamish’s remarkable natural landscape. Designed to integrate with the hillside, the homes use natural materials and forms that visually recede into their surroundings.

The first two phases of the community were labelled Net Zero through CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling program, and all of

the duplexes and townhomes feature geothermal heating and cooling. The high-performance construction makes this community a leading example of low-impact living.

With direct access to trails and parks, along with growing amenities such as daycare and shared spaces, Finch Drive is clearly designed for buyers who want to stay closely connected to nature without compromising on comfort or community.

Heritage-inspired living with a modern community focus

Lēah by Conwest Developments offers a boutique, village-style community that feels deeply rooted in Fort Langley’s historic character. Organized around a central pedestrian mews, the 41-home development puts walkability, connection and aging-inplace design at the heart of the experience. Its heritage-inspired architecture, gable roofs, natural materials and muted tones help it blend seamlessly with the surroundings, while greenspaces and outdoor amenity areas encourage neighbours to gather and connect.

With direct access to the Fort-to-Fort Trail and a strong emphasis on comfort and belonging, Lēah stands out as a refined community for families and downsizers alike who are looking for both lifestyle and connection.

THE KING WILLIAM (HAMILTON, ONT.)

BY FENGATE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LTD. & HI-RISE GROUP

Elevating rental living through design and experience

The King William reimagines urban rental living through a high-density, amenity-rich model in downtown Hamilton. Developed by Fengate Capital Management Limited and the Hi-Rise Group, it brings together 581 rental homes, retail space and two residential towers to create a lively mixed-use destination.

One of its biggest draws is the 40,000 sq. ft. of amenities, including co-working areas, fitness spaces and a rooftop pool – features that bring a more lifestyle-focused approach to rental housing. With exceptional walkability and strong transit connections, the development reflects the growing demand for flexible, experience-focused urban living.

DAWSON’S LANDING (CHESTERMERE, ALTA.) | BY QUALICO

Master-planned community rooted in recreation and family life

Dawson’s Landing by Qualico is a large-scale, master-planned community designed with family life in mind. Spanning 260 acres, it combines a broad mix of housing with parks, pathways and future schools and retail, creating a setting that feels both expansive and intentionally connected.

A key innovation is its Stormwater Kidney systems, which enhance water quality while doubling as a visible community feature.

With a future EcoPark, extensive trails and year-round amenities, Dawson’s Landing presents a vision of suburban living that feels grounded in nature, recreation and long-term livability.

LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE: WHAT DEFINES CANADA’S BEST NEW COMMUNITIES?

ACROSS ALL FIVE FINALISTS, SEVERAL KEY THEMES EMERGE:

1. LIFESTYLE-FIRST PLANNING

Today’s buyers are choosing communities based on how they want to live, with walkability, convenience and access to nature playing a much bigger role in decision-making.

2. AMENITIES THAT MATTER

From daycares and retail at INNOVA and The King William, to trails and parks at Finch Drive and Dawson’s Landing, the most meaningful amenities are the ones that support everyday life, not just occasional use.

3. SUSTAINABILITY AS A BASELINE

From Net Zero Homes to stormwater innovation, sustainability is longer just a bonus for many buyers – it has become a baseline expectation built into the strongest projects.

4. DIVERSITY OF HOUSING OPTIONS

Flexibility is key. Communities that offer multiple housing types and tenure models are better positioned to attract a wider demographic.

5. AUTHENTIC SENSE OF PLACE

Whether urban, heritage-inspired or nature-focused, each finalist succeeds by reflecting its setting in a meaningful way.

Taken together, the 2026 finalists make one thing clear: There’s no single formula for success in community development. What matters most is the alignment between design, location, lifestyle and what buyers genuinely value.

For developers, that message feels especially relevant. The future of residential development is about creating complete connected communities that people can truly imagine themselves being part of.

BY THE numbers

CONFERENCE RECAP

A SNAPSHOT OF CHBA’S HOME BUILDING WEEK IN QUEBEC CITY

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

CHBA

’s annual Home Building Week took place on May 4-8 in historic Quebec City. The event, which is comprised of National Committee and Council meetings in the first half of the week and dynamic conference programming in the second half, brings together industry leaders from across the country. Members conducted the business of the association, exchanged information relevant to their businesses, networked, heard from inspirational speakers, and celebrated award winners – all within one of Canada’s oldest and most charming cities. It was a week to remember.

Mark your calendar: Next year’s conference is taking place May 10-14, 2027 in Whistler, BC. We hope you can join us!

5 DAYS

52 HOUSING AWARD WINNERS

10 MEETINGS

7 ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS

3 ENGAGING SPEAKERS

477 REGISTRANTS

23

CHBA ALLIANCE NETWORK MEMBERS

CHBA’s Alliance Network brings together leading companies and organizations that share a commitment to keeping our housing industry strong, growing and prosperous. These companies helped sponsor Home Building Week and shared business solutions with members in meetings, through Ted-style talks, and in the conference HUB.

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THE ENTRANCE THEY’LL LOVE. THE QUALITY AND BUILD YOU TRUST.

Since 1945, ODL has been a trusted, familyowned leader in entryway innovation, proudly serving Canada from Vaughan, Ont. We offer steel and fibreglass doors, decorative doorglass, frames, and enclosed blinds. Our Canadianassembled fibreglass doors combine energy efficiency, durability, and design-forward woodgrain aesthetics builders trust.

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SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH EATON’S SPA PANEL

Eaton’s spa panel features a reliable protection for spa pumps and hot tubs. They are designed to save time as our panels are prewired, offering ground fault circuit protection device and a disconnect switch in a single simple device.

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WHITEHOUSE URBAN DESIGN

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SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIALS

Owens Corning, a global leader in sustainable building materials, offers integrated solutions in Composites, Insulation, and Roofing. With 18,000 employees across 30 countries, we create value for customers while fostering sustainable communities through material innovation.

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COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) 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 chba.ca/giving-back

The Home Depot Canada Foundation invests millions to end youth homelessness

A safe, stable home is the foundation for a successful life. That belief has guided CHBA Alliance Network member Home Depot Canada’s commitment to preventing and ending youth homelessness across the country. Since 2014, The Home Depot Canada Foundation has invested an impressive $94 million in programs and partnerships that help young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness find stability, support and opportunity. Looking ahead, that commitment will grow to $125 million by 2030. One of the Foundation’s most impactful initiatives is TradeWorx, which launched in 2021 to create pathways into the skilled trades for youth facing housing insecurity. With more than $12 million invested to date, TradeWorx has supported more than 1,000 young people through industry-recognized training, employment opportunities, mentorship, housing supports and mental health services. By addressing the root causes of homelessness while creating pathways to meaningful careers, The Home Depot Canada Foundation is helping young Canadians build brighter futures.

Regina & Region HBA members raise $16,000 for Habitat Saskatchewan with Project Playhouse

London HBA renovators help make safety upgrades to kids’ camp

For generations, Camp Kee-Mo-Kee in Komoka, Ont., has given kids a place to spend time outdoors, build lasting friendships and make positive summer memories that stay with them for life. This spring, members from the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA)’s Renovators’ Council stepped in to help keep that experience safe. The renovators replaced the previous stairs with safer more spacious decks to increase camper comfort and accessibility to the cabins. The project continues LHBA’s Renovators’ Council’s tradition of hands-on community service. For some LHBA members, the project was personal. Several had spent their own childhood summers at Camp Kee-Mo-Kee or had other connections to the camp since it’s a long-standing community pillar. Through taking care of a practical, safety-focused upgrade, LHBA members helped the camp direct more of its resources toward youth programming, creating a better, safer summer for the kids.

Earlier this year, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, in collaboration with the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA), brought Project Playhouse to the Regina Spring Home Show. The first-year fundraiser encouraged local teams to design and build auction-ready playhouses, which were displayed during the show and sold in support of Habitat Saskatchewan. RRHBA members used their skills, materials and creativity to support Habitat Saskatchewan’s work helping more families access safe and affordable homeownership. The completed playhouses each brought a different approach, with creative designs, excellent craftsmanship and plenty of interest from show attendees. Participating RRHBA members included North Ridge Development, Nu-Fab Building Products, All Weather At Home, Collaborative Construction, and Fries Tallman. The initiative raised an impressive $16,000. Nu-Fab Building Products received the Judge’s Choice award and Collaborative Construction and Fries Tallman received both People’s Choice and Most Sustainable awards.

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