WE HBA was proud to receive the 2025 CHBA Membership Retention Award, presented at the Canadian Home Builders' Association National Leadership Awards in Victoria, BC. This national recognition is awarded to local associations that achieved a membership retention rate of 90% or higher over the past year. The award reflects the strength of our membership community and the ongoing value members find in being part of WE HBA.

WE HBA CEO Michael Collins-Williams was named Executive Officer of the Year – Large HBA at the 2025 Canadian Home Builders' Association National Leadership Awards. This national honour recognizes exceptional leadership and service from Executive Officers at HBAs with over 200 members.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry and four years leading WE HBA, Mike has consistently championed housing policy, industry collaboration, and member success. His work has helped position WE HBA as a strong and trusted voice locally and nationally.

The West End Home Builders' Association was honoured with the Home Builders' Association of the Year award at the Canadian Home Builders' Association National Leadership Awards in Banff, Alberta. This prestigious recognition names WE HBA as the top-performing local HBA across the country for 2022. WE HBA launched a new Strategic Plan, drove impactful policy changes, expanded member programming, and strengthened partnerships across the region — all while growing our membership and elevating our communications efforts.

A special congratulations as well to WE HBA member Tom Cochren of Thomas Cochren Homes, who received Member of the Year for his exceptional contributions to the residential construction industry.

At OHBA's 2023 President's Gala, WE HBA CEO Mike Collins-Williams was honoured with the David Horton Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and long-standing service to the home building industry. Mike began his journey with OHBA in 2003 as a young policy analyst mentored by the late David Horton. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, helping shape key advocacy priorities before taking on the role of CEO at WE HBA in 2020. During his time in the role, he championed the industry locally and provincially, co-chaired OHBA's Advocacy Coordination Table, and offered support to fellow Executive Officers across Ontario. The award held deep personal meaning for Mike, serving as a tribute to the mentor who helped launch his career.

In a standout year, the association was recognized for growth, advocacy, and community leadership. New member services were introduced, government relations efforts expanded, and a new Women in Industry Committee was launched to help bring more women into the residential construction sector. The team also supported skilled trades students through funding programs at the local college and maintained strong partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA. A strategic rebrand strengthened communications and engagement, leading to significant social media growth and a 16% increase in membership ahead of the pandemic.

The Hamilton-Halton Home Builders' Association (now West End HBA) was proud to receive the 2019 Local Association of the Year Award from the Ontario Home Builders' Association, recognizing a year of impactful advocacy, membership growth, and community leadership.

The award highlighted our work supporting Ontario's skilled trades pipeline through partnerships with local schools, job fairs, and post-secondary institutions. It also recognized the launch of our Women in Industry Committee, focused on supporting women in construction and development. Our strategic restructuring, renewed focus on member retention, and strong voice on key policy files such as the Growth Plan and Bill 108 made 2019 a standout year.