By Mike Collins-Williams, CEO of West End Home Builders’ Association
On March 23, the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA) held its Annual Industry Luncheon at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton. The WE HBA Industry Luncheon brought together more than 300 leaders from the residential construction and renovation industries, to recognize distinguished members and celebrate the bold steps the Association has made towards increasing housing affordability and choice in Southern Ontario. The WE HBA Luncheon, which is one of the largest events in the housing and land development industries was proudly sponsored by RBC Royal Bank and KirinAir Systems.
Distinguished guests and speakers included Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, and Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice CEO Danielle Zucchet. Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward discussed the municipal government’s role in housing. “We know our role is to set the conditions and plans and policy, while it is your role to show us the shovel — to get that shovel in the ground and build those homes,” adding that “we know that we are stronger when we work together.” Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath stated that the members of the WE HBA are a “remarkable group of goal-oriented businesses and diverse membership that help build transit-oriented communities, accelerate intensification, and build the missing middle housing that we so critically need.”
The event presents a showcase of our Industry’s strengthened relationship with the local governments and emphasizes the importance of increased communication and collaboration between the development industry and the municipal sector, in finding housing solutions and making our cities welcoming and attainable. “The mutual goal between the home building industry and our municipal government partners is to provide aspiring homeowners and young families with housing attainability and choice, by increasing the supply and variety of housing opportunities. We are working together with mutual respect and understanding towards inclusive, healthy, and complete communities,” says Mike Collins-Williams, WE HBA CEO.
The Association’s 2023 President Terri Johns addressed the assembly and spoke about WE HBA’s 80-year history: “The WE HBA stands today because of our willingness to learn and adapt to the ever-changing social and environmental climates with innovative ideas throughout the last eight decades.” she added. Terri Johns also noted, “The issues our industry faces today are not so different than the obstacles our founding members faced. The narratives we hear today about sprawl are from people living in the communities built by our members that were then called growth. Now, it is on us to continue growing for the generations of tomorrow. The relentless commitment of our Association has resulted in thousands of homes and jobs which have supported the success of many businesses and community uses that make our cities world class.”
The Industry Luncheon also featured remarks by the WE HBA 2023 Charity of Choice the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. Danielle Zucchet, CEO of the hospice, is engaged in a campaign to raise $25 million to build a new children’s hospice for Hamilton. The hospice will offer end-of-life care for children, respite, and pain and symptom management services, as well as grief and bereavement support for families. Hospice care allows children and their families to find joy and create memories on the hardest of days while receiving wrap-around medical excellence, in partnership with McMaster Children’s Hospital. WE HBA is pleased to be supporting such an important project in our local community.
Every year during the Industry Luncheon, the West End Home Builders’ Association recognizes a distinguished member, by inducting them into the Association’s Hall of Fame. The 2023 Hall of Fame posthumous inductee was WE HBA Past President and former President of Westpark Homes, Tony Battaglia. Tony Battaglia was remembered and recognized for his professional and personal achievements as well as his long-standing contribution and dedication to the homebuilding industry. The family of Tony Battaglia was on hand to accept this special honour recognizing his efforts and accomplishments throughout his distinguished career in residential construction. The WE HBA Hall of Fame was instituted in 1990 for the purpose of recognizing those members who have historically made outstanding and lasting contributions to the Association, the community or the industry.
