Events and Achievements
WE HBA Board of Directors Highlight Series
This year, we launched a blog series celebrating the journeys and experiences of our dedicated Board of Directors. So far, we've featured David Ionico, Terri Johns, and Charles Wah—with more stories to come. Stay tuned!
New WE HBA Photo Catalogue
Our new 2025 WE HBA photo catalogue has been a hit! This collection features memorable moments from events over the years, highlighting the people and initiatives that shape our association. Check out the collections here.
Industry Luncheon
We were honored to hear from MP Scott Aitchison (Shadow Minister of Housing) and Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, and appreciate our Chair, David Ionico, for delivering a powerful and passionate speech. A big congratulations to Gabriel DeSantis on his Hall of Fame induction and to Neil Rodgers and Dave Depencier for winning the Paul Wright Memorial Award! This event was made possible by the support of Kirin Air Systems and RBC—thank you!
Awards of Distinction
On April 16th we recognized the highest levels of achievement in the home building industry. This year's Awards of Distinction covered building, design, and promotion in Hamilton, Burlington and Grimsby. More than 200 nominees were judged by Toronto, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara and London area members who are directly involved with the related award categories. Presented by DJB Chartered Professional Accountants. See all of this year's Award Winners Here.
U40 Bowling
With 85 bowlers hitting the lanes at Splitsville Hamilton, this sold-out event was an incredible night!
Business After Hours at Kirin Air
The Business After Hours was all about great connections and community. Thank you our WE HBA Platinum Sponsor Kirin Air Systems for a fantastic evening of networking
Business After Hours at Kirin Air
Members of our Education Committee spoke with students at Cathedral High School who are exploring careers in the skilled trades. Anthony Salemi (WE HBA), Monica Carnicelli (Carriage Gate Homes), and Jason Laskis (DC Air) delivered an engaging presentation on career pathways, industry opportunities, and the vital role of skilled trades and home building in our communities.
WE HBA Welcomed New Manager of Government Relations, Amanda Stringer
Amanda joined us earlier this year having previously served in Government Relations and Communications at the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS®. We've already seen the impact of Amanda's knowledge and collaborative approach in strengthening our advocacy and advancing the interests of the residential construction industry.
Building Science and Innovation Tour of Brampton Brick
The WE HBA Building Science and Innovation Council toured the Brampton Brick facility in Cambridge. We had the chance to learn about their materials, production press, and innovative use of Carboclave curing — a greener, safer alternative to autoclave methods.
Women in Industry Spring Social
In collaboration with the WE HBA Women in Industry Committee, the WIN Spring Social brought industry professionals together at Turkstra Lumber for professional headshots and an evening of meaningful connection and conversation.
Natasha Paikin Represents WE HBA on CHBA's Women in Residential Construction Council
CHBA's Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) held its first in-person meeting, bringing together a remarkable group of leaders from across the country. We're proud that Natasha Paikin, a member of the WE HBA Board of Directors, is a part of this national council.
National Recognition for Mike Collins-Williams
This national honour, Executive Officer of the Year, presented by the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA), was awarded to Mike in recognition of his exceptional leadership. With over two decades of involvement in the home builders' association community—and four years as CEO of WE HBA—this award reflects his continued commitment to advancing the industry.
WE HBA Received National Membership Retention Award
Presented during the CHBA Leadership Awards, this award celebrates associations that have achieved a membership retention rate of 90% or higher over the past year. This recognition is a testament to the ongoing value our members see in being part of the Association. Through advocacy, networking, professional development, and the many opportunities that membership provides, our members continue to stay engaged and invested in building a strong and thriving home building industry.
New Blog Posts Year-Round
WE HBA regularly shares blog posts featuring relevant industry insights, major event recaps, original articles, and updates from OHBA and CHBA. View the latest posts.
Design Council Tour of DeSantis Homes
Design Council visited the DeSantis Homes Design Studio for a tour of their stunning space, featuring lake views and a demo of their award-winning virtual tour software for Livingway Urban Towns. We also welcomed Angela Payne from LEED HR, who led an engaging and motivating session on resilience and flexibility for leaders in the workplace.
Building Science and Innovation Tour of New Horizon Development's 870 Queenston
Incredible turnout for the New Horizon Development Group tour of 870 Queenston. The project features spacious, thoughtfully designed suites, 20% of which are below-market affordable rentals. We appreciate New Horizon Development Group for welcoming us and sharing a closer look at the vision behind this impressive development.
Burlington Mayor Speakers Series
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward hosted a panel of housing industry experts at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on Monday May 26th, including WE HBA Chair David lonico as part of the Mayor Speakers Series. The "Tackling the Housing Crisis in Uncertain Times" event also featured panelists: Ward 4 Councillor Shawna Stolte and Jim Dunn, Ph.D. Associate Dean at McMaster University and director of Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative (CHEC).
Annual Golf Tournament
Our Annual Golf Tournament at Heron Point Golf Links was a success! With a fantastic turnout and great weather, it was one of our biggest events of the year. A huge thank you to our presenting partners, DJB Chartered Professional Accountants and Enercare, for helping make the day such a success. Check out the Photos and Video of the day.
Meeting with Leaders to Make Change
WE HBA was pleased to meet with Burlington MP & Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance, MP Karina Gould and Hamilton Mountain MP & Chair of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage, MP Lisa Hepfner to discuss GST reform and new housing tax relief for all Canadians.
Summer Social
Despite the rainy weather, the WE HBA community came together for an evening of connection at Barangas on the Beach in Hamilton. Guests enjoyed drinks and a lovely dinner under the covered patio, with great company and waterfront views.
New Website Page for Government Advocacy Letters & Submissions
Check out the selection of public submissions from our Government Relations team on key planning, policy, and regulatory matters. These letters represent our ongoing efforts to support smart growth, housing supply, and policies that reflect the realities of our industry. View the webpage here.
Government Relations Wins & Progress
Hamilton Site Plan Lapsing
WE HBA and member engagement with the City resulted in the City revising its Site Plan Approval lapsing policies in the industry's favour.
Hamilton Development Charges and CBCs
WE HBA's advocacy, through a joint letter with partner associations and numerous delegations to Council, have resulted in the City responding to the current market downturn with an across the board two-year 20% reduction in DCs, which Council voted in support following a extensive advocacy and multiple presentations this spring and summer by WE HBA. The City has also, following advocacy by WE HBA, repealed its Community Benefits Charges By-law.
CHBA Municipal Benchmarking Study
Hamilton's last place placing in the CHBA / Altus MBS was used by WE HBA to drive results, including the DC review and direction to staff to review planning processes. We are leveraging these alarming results in public and government relations communications to push for major changes at City Hall.
Hamilton Urban Boundary Expansions
WE HBA, working with members and partners as well as Dr. Mike Moffat, delegated to Planning Committee in support of adding land to the urban area to support family-friendly housing supply. WE HBA has been very active in this critical file to unlock future land supply in the City of Hamilton.
Hamilton Green Building Standards
WE HBA delayed the implementation of the City's GBS due to cost concerns and our joint provincial work with OHBA will result in a complete overhaul of standards impeding on provincial jurisdiction.
Hamilton Engineering Working Group
Launched as a working group of the City's Development Industry Liaison Group, the City's Growth Management division is engaging with engineering members on streamlined engineering processes and improving communication.
Burlington Flood Hazard Mitigation and Hydro
WE HBA continues to work with the City, Burlington Hydro, and Conservation Halton on how to address these two issues to unlock more housing supply.
Burlington Surety Bonds
Throughout 2024, WE HBA and members advocated through our seat on the Pipeline to Permit Committee for the City to adopt modern pay-on-demand surety bonds, resulting in the Committee and subsequently Council directing staff to implement this financial tool in support of liquidity. Transfers of Letters of Credit to Surety Bonds were recently approved for use in June.
Burlington Pipeline to Permit Committee
P2P Committee continues to meet and discuss various issues such as zoning, permits, housing-enabling infrastructure, and more. WE HBA is represented by Mike, as well as through WE HBA member Elisha Van Kleef of New Horizon Development Group.
Burlington Community Improvement Plan
WE HBA was involved heavily in consultation regarding the City's Housing Accelerator Fund application as well as the CIP, writing several letters and delegating twice on the matter. Applications are now open for ARU grants as well as municipal fee waivers.
Grimsby Development Industry Liaison Task Force
Modelled after Hamilton DILG and Burlington HDLC, WE HBA and NHBA collaborated to launch the Task Force to improve communication between the Town and the industry.
