At a time when housing supply, affordability, and development timelines continue to dominate public debate, leaders from across the residential construction sector gathered on February 19th for the 12th Annual Industry Luncheon hosted by the West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA). The event, the association’s largest of the year, brought together builders, renovators, developers, policymakers, and industry partners from across the West End to discuss how collaboration can help address growing challenges in housing delivery.
Held against the backdrop of job losses and increasing regulatory complexity, the luncheon served as a forum for dialogue between industry and government, with speakers at all levels emphasizing the need for alignment if housing goals are to be met.
Opening the program, WE HBA Chief Executive Officer Mike Collins-Williams highlighted the role of industry associations in bridging conversations between the residential construction sector and decision-makers.
That message was echoed by Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who addressed the importance of municipal and industry collaboration as communities across the region continue to grow. Ward spoke to the pressures municipalities face in balancing growth, infrastructure, and community needs, while underscoring the value of working closely with builders and developers to deliver housing responsibly and efficiently.
The remainder of the luncheon was guided by Charles Wah, WE HBA First Vice-Chair, who moderated the program and acknowledged the broad range of industry professionals and elected officials in attendance.
From a provincial perspective, Christina Giannone, Chair of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, addressed the mounting challenges facing Ontario’s residential construction sector. Her remarks focused on regulatory pressures, housing supply constraints, and the need for sustained advocacy to ensure builders and renovators can continue to deliver much-needed housing across the province.
Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Hon. Graham McGregor, expanded on the province’s role in supporting growth while protecting Ontario’s heritage. He spoke about archaeological clearance processes, economic development, and the importance of the construction industry in building complete and resilient communities, emphasizing the need for balance as development accelerates.
Recognition and community impact were also key themes throughout the luncheon. The Paul Wright Memorial Award was presented by The Hamilton Spectator to Mike Memme of Mountainview Building Group, recognizing his leadership and long-standing contributions to the residential construction industry. The award honours individuals who have demonstrated a lasting commitment to both the industry and the broader community.
Attendees also viewed a video presentation highlighting the work of Keaton’s House, WE HBA’s charity of choice, reinforcing the association’s ongoing engagement with community-focused initiatives beyond housing and construction.
Federal housing priorities were addressed by Hon. Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington, who spoke about national housing and community development objectives. Gould emphasized the importance of coordination between federal programs and local implementation, noting that collaboration with industry stakeholders is critical to achieving meaningful outcomes.
Looking ahead, the luncheon’s central message of cooperation was reinforced during the 2026 Chair’s State of the Industry Address delivered by Dani Gabriele. Gabriele outlined the association’s priorities for the coming year, focusing on advocacy, leadership, and continued engagement with government partners as housing challenges evolve. She spoke about her deep belief in building communities people can afford and choose to live in. Gabriele noted the reality of the current economic situation with the message that projects aren’t being delayed because builders are being cautious, but that they are being cancelled because the cost of delivering homes far exceeds what the market can bear.
The event concluded with the induction of Peter Turkstra, owner of Turkstra Lumber Company Limited, into the WE HBA Hall of Fame. Inducted by Aldo DeSantis, Turkstra was recognized for his long-standing commitment to the industry and his contributions to the association over several decades. Peter passionately spoke about jobs losses in the industry being caused by all three levels of government, that are taxing local companies, employing local residents out of business.
The WE HBA Industry Luncheon continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, recognition, and alignment, reflecting the growing importance of collaboration as the residential construction sector works to meet the housing needs of the West End.
