Local Association of the Year

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association recognized the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) as the 2011 Local Association of the Year for its professional, effective work within the community and the association. Despite some challenging economic years, GOHBA managed to increase its membership by 10 percent per year for the past four years while supporting many committees and OHBA programs. 

(Photo: Executive director John Herbert accepts the Local Association of the Year award for the GOHBA.)

“GOHBA also pursued and won a lengthy appeal of Ottawa’s official plan with the OMB [Ontario Municipal Board], reminding politicians that you should not play politics with good planning and providing its members with leadership that will support their future business opportunities,” said OHBA President Doug Tarry. 

The GOHBA celebrates its 60th anniversary this year with many events planned for its members and the community-at-large.

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Member of the Year

OHBA also awarded John Meinen of Stratford-based Pinnacle Quality Homes with its 2011 Member of the Year Award. A steadfast supporter of the Stratford Area Home Builders’ Association, OHBA and the industry, Meinen is an active member of OHBA’s Health and Safety Committee and serves on the Board of the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association. 

(Photo: John Meinen of Stratford-based Pinnacle Quality Homes and his wife Arlene celebrate his Member of the Year award. Meinen also recieved the OHBA Rooftopper award.)

“John also understands that volunteers can sometimes be in short supply in smaller locals and that means doing double-duty, so this past year he stepped up to the plate and is serving as the president of his local again and doing his best to revitalize the organization,” said Tarry. 

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Rooftopper of the Year

In addition to being Member of the Year, John Meinen was also awarded OHBA’s 2011 Rooftopper of the Year Award for his strong recruitment of new members to his local association.

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Lifetime Achievement

OHBA presented David Horton (posthumously) with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Horton was honoured for his long-standing contribution to Ontario’s housing industry. As the organization’s executive director for 25 years, he excelled as an astute strategist, outstanding organizer and skilful communicator. 

“He served the association faithfully with over 20 volunteer presidents, endured the up and down cycles of the home building industry and ensured the organization thrived under his watchful eye,” noted Tarry, who added, “David worked diligently to help ensure housing remained affordable and that Ontarians continue to have the best-built homes in the world.” 

Horton has also been credited with greatly assisting with the creation and success of EnerQuality and earlier this year was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame.

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David Horton Leadership Award

To further honour David Horton, OHBA established the David Horton Leadership Award to recognize exceptional achievement from deserving staff at the local, provincial or national level. The inaugural award was presented to Stephen Dupuis, president and CEO of BILD. Stephen had worked tirelessly for BILD, OHBA and the Executive Officers’ Council. His experience and extensive knowledge was shared fully and openly with anyone who asked for his help or direction, and his abilities as a leader and manager are exemplary, Tarry said that night, adding, “I’m told David often remarked that ‘Stephen deserves an award every day,’ so it is very fitting that he is the first recipient of this very prestigious award.”

To purchase a copy of Ontario Home Builder - Awards 2011, click here.