VICTORIA, B.C. – The 67th Canadian Home Builders’ Association National Conference was held in Victoria, British Columbia, at the Fairmont Empress Hotel and Victoria Conference Centre over the weekend of March 5-7. The National Conference is an annual opportunity for members to come together to celebrate achievement and to exchange ideas. It’s also an opportunity to welcome the new national president.
In his inaugural address, Victor Fiume called on the federal government to explore sustainable routes to tackle the growing problem of housing affordability.
“When we talk about housing affordability we must focus on fundamentals — on what a home actually costs — not on conditions that are artificial or temporary,” Fiume said. “Across Canada, government-imposed costs on a new home range as high 18 per cent, and continue to rise, as municipalities increase their taxes, fees, charges and levies.”

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation was invited to speak to the guests in attendance. The Minister spoke about the role of the residential construction sector in the economy as well as the challenges both faced in 2009 and the government’s Economic Action Plan.
“Despite some very difficult circumstances, your industry rose to the challenge,” said Finley. “It kept moving forward and did what it does best — generate jobs and provide quality housing for Canadians.”

Ontario and B.C. shine at SAMs
The SAM Awards were dominated by the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, with the two accounting for every one of the 23 awards. B.C. builders took home 15 prizes, with Ontario builders collecting the other eight.
The American Standard Grand SAM Award, which recognizes the CHBA builder member who best combined excellence in both the building and marketing of new homes, was won by the Dockside Green Partnership of Victoria. The firm was a finalist in the New Home Awards - Multi-Family, and all six marketing categories.
The CHBA National SAM Awards presented by American Standard Brands and Trane Canada recognize outstanding performance in new homes and renovation design, innovative technology and construction techniques, and outstanding marketing and sales activities. The competition is open to all new home builders, renovator and developer members of the CHBA. An independent panel of judges selected from across the country reviews all entries.

Awards Recognize Contributions to the Association
The CHBA also presented its annual awards. The prestigious Beaver Award, which is presented to the outstanding builder member of the year, was presented to Don Doolan of the CHBA-Calgary Region. Peter Rebello of the CHBA Manufacturers’ Council took home the Maple Leaf Award as the outstanding non-builder member for 2009. Former CHBA president and CHBA-Edmonton Region member, John Hrynkow, was presented with the Gordon S. Shipp Award in recognition of leadership, dedication, and continuous lengthy service to the CHBA at the national level.
The Colonel Boss Award, which recognizes the HBA making the greatest progress and achievement compared to the previous year went to the CHBA-Saskatchewan. The Community Service Award for the betterment of the way of life of people in its community went to the CHBA-Calgary Region. The Harry J. Long Memorial Trophy awarded to the HBA with the greatest increase in membership went CHBA-Central Vancouver Island. The Dave Bell Memorial Award for the promotion of education and training programs for members and consumers went to CHBA-BC.