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.
Homebuilding excellence
The conference portion of the event in the second half of the week recognized the outstanding people who make our Association 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.
Visits with local HBAs
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.
