As we settle into the rhythm of 2025, I am grateful to reflect on the commitment our membership has made to o industry and our association. Our voices are being heard, and our collective effort are making an impact.
We’ve made significant strides at both the municipal and provincial levels. Some of the highlights of this year w sitting on the Panel for Advancing Projects for Small and Custom Home Builders at the OHBA Conference held in Niagara Falls. As well as hosting Matt McCurrach, President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), at our joint meeting with the Brantford Home Builders’ Association. During his visit, Matt recognized the progress we are making as an association and acknowledged how we are putting ourselves on the map as a growing and influential voice in Ontario’s housing sector. We also had the pleasure of having Mike Memee; Chair of OHBA share his insights with us at your Annual Christmas Party. Mike and his company, Mountainview Homes have now joined HNHBA, be sure to send Mike a warm welcome!
I’d like to acknowledge the positive and ongoing relationship we continue to build with Norfolk and Haldimand Counties.
I have been asked to sit on the Development Industry Liaison Committee which is being established with Norfolk County and look forward to the collaboration and continued improved communications.
As we look further into the year, we know we are not facing a housing crisis; we are facing a home affordability crisis. Rising costs are making it increasingly difficult for builders and suppliers to stay competitive, and in demand. From the cost of raw materials to labor shortages and delays in product deliveries, these challenges are pushing the limits of what we can do.
2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for our membership! We've got a lot of exciting events lined up, like our Annual AGM, Golf Tournament, Joint Meeting with the BHBA, and, of course, our Christmas Party. As well as some great joint events available through our neighbouring associations! These events are all about bringing us together and making sure we stay connected and successful as an industry.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to extend thanks to each of you for your ongoing support and everything you do to help our community thrive! Here’s to an exciting, successful year ahead.
Let’s make it one to remember!
Ike Keesmaat
President, HNHBA
The HNHBA is pleased to offer a Student Award/Achievement Program entitled, "Tools for Education." The original purpose of this program was to provide money for shops at local high schools. Through this "Tools for Education" program, the HNHBA donated a sum of $6,400 in early 2002 as well as $8,000 in the fall of 2002 to local high schools in an attempt to raise awareness about the shortage of skilled labour in the Ontario home building industry. Recipients of these donations included the construction technology classes at Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Valley Heights, Dunnville, McKinnon Park, Cayuga, and Hagersville Secondary Schools as well as Port Dover and Simcoe Composite Schools.
Bursaries are now presented in the amount of $500 to students who show interest and promise within the field of trades. Presentations are also made of higher bursaries, based on accomplishment. In 2003, Walter Ottiger was awarded a sum of $1,000 after winning gold at both the Provincial and National levels of the "Skills Canada" Competition in Woodworking. The HNHBA plans to return to its original purpose in the near future by donating further sums of money to support technology programs in local high schools.
In 2006, Fanshawe College began a log cabin project which ended tragically when a student was hit and killed by a falling tree. The HNHBA completed this project in memoriam of the young man, Jason Boterberg, in collaboration with Rob Verry, a log home builder who was conducting this project with the students in an attempt to build the log cabin traditionally. The cabin was then donated to Norfolk County to be used as a tourist information booth in Wellington Park.
Celebrating over 50 years of lights, the Simcoe Christmas Panorama is a renowned local holiday attraction. The over 60 displays in the Panorama were created by volunteers like the HNHBA. The Builder's Association constructed a "Penguin House" as part of this community program, contributing to the bright array of lights that attract many generations of visitors.