Terri’s commitment to shaping communities is simply who she is – a planner, a business owner, and a proud Hamiltonian. A veteran in the planning and development industry, Terri has spent decades advocating for housing solutions that support long-term community growth. As the President & Founder of Landwise (formerly T. Johns Consulting Group), the 2023 President of the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA), and a current board member of both WE HBA and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), as well as Chair of YWCA Hamilton, she has established her role as a leader and changemaker in the industry. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Terri to discuss her career journey, leadership insights, and the future of homebuilding in the West End.

A Journey Shaped by Opportunity and Determination

Terri’s involvement with WE HBA dates back to the late 1990s when she was working with Starward Homes, a developer and builder where she oversaw land acquisition and approvals. It was there that she first saw the critical role that the Association played in advocating for the industry. Encouraged by her mentor, Ward Campbell, she became actively involved in WE HBA, which led her to participate in the Development Council. “I started to participate in Development Council, and generally, was one of the only women at the table,” she recalled.

Fast forward to 2014, a pivotal year for Terri. She was presented with the opportunity to take a leap and start her own company, T. Johns Consulting Group (now Landwise). “I was given the opportunity to create a business for myself,” she reflected. “In fact, maybe I should have done it a long time ago, but I didn’t have the confidence.” When she started her own company, one of the first things she did was join WE HBA. “That was a shift—being at the table not just as a professional, but as a business owner.” Her leadership within WE HBA continued to evolve. In 2014, she took on the role of Co-Chair of the Development Council, and by January 2018 she had joined the WE HBA Board of Directors. This progression led to her serving as WE HBA President in 2023.

A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy

Terri’s tenure as WE HBA President in 2023 was marked by major achievements, including bringing surety bonds to the City of Hamilton—a move she facilitated through the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery. “It was a huge win,” she emphasized.

She also played a key role in reimagining WE HBA’s committees, ensuring they reflected the changing industry landscape. This led to the establishment of the Education Committee and Design Council. “These original committees had been in place for a long time, and our world was changing in terms of technology and building. We, as a Board, took a step back, looked at what those committees were doing, and reshaped them for the future.” Beyond WE HBA and OHBA, Terri serves as Chair of YWCA Hamilton, a role that deepened her understanding of the full housing spectrum.

Recognizing Those Who Led Before

While reflecting on her journey, Terri made a point to acknowledge the women who came before her in WE HBA leadership. “While I was with Starward, I saw Bernice Flegg step in as the first woman president in 2010, followed by Carla Agostino in 2012,” she shared. “I saw some doors were opening and opportunities being made.” She also highlighted how the landscape has changed significantly since then. “I was often the only woman at the table back then. Now, we have multiple women on the board and leading committees.” For Terri, it’s about ensuring the balance continues: “We’re not better, we’re not more, but it is critical that women be given equal opportunity. And I see that happening now.”

Challenges and the Road Ahead

When asked about the biggest challenges facing the industry, Terri highlights housing supply and policy inconsistencies. “One of the most important changes we need is indexing the HST threshold,” she said. “A house that was once $350,000 is now over $1 million, and first-time buyers are still paying HST. That needs to change.” We are hearing this message in current federal campaigns, she truly hope this comes to fruition. She also points to the disconnect of provincial and municipal policies. “The province and municipalities are all trying to help with the housing crisis. Often navigating the implementation is challenging. For me, it’s always been about housing choice. It’s creating a supply, but it’s got to be of a variety of choice, so we all get to live where we want.”

Lessons in Leadership

Throughout her career, Terri has been guided by the principles of consensus-building and authenticity. “The importance of consensus-building and being solution-driven is fundamental. Planning is always about understanding the facts and listening to different opinions from all people…facilitate those differences, prioritize what is important and arrive at a solution that works for everybody.”

Her advice to young professionals considering getting involved with WE HBA? “Come to the events, enjoy the social side, but also find which committee is your best fit… As important as those networks are, the learning opportunities are just as important.” Looking to the future, Terri envisions WE HBA, OHBA, and CHBA continuing to grow their influence by ensuring they have a seat at every policy table. “It’s critical to ensure that we’re not just part of the conversation but also influencing it… Being asked for our input on all policy that influences our sector, because it is a top-down process, and we need to have a voice.”

A Lasting Impact

As our conversation wrapped up, it was clear that Terri’s impact on the industry goes beyond policy changes and business success. She has been a trailblazer in an industry that has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. From being one of the few women at the table to leading organizations that shape the industry’s future, her journey continues to inspire the next generation of leaders in homebuilding.