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8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration & Networking
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM – Opening Remarks
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Tiago Do Couto, Past President, Durham Region Home Builders’ Association + Director, Land Development, The Minto Group
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Mike Memme, Chair, Ontario Home Builders’ Association
Mike Memme proudly serves as the 56th Chair of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association Board of Directors. This appointment is a testament to Mike’s deep commitment to the industry and over two decades of involvement in OHBA.
Mike’s career spans decades, always with a keen focus on building communities and helping others achieve home ownership across Ontario. Based in Thorold, Ontario, Mike is Co-Owner and Operations Manager at Mountainview Building Group, where he leads a team dedicated to building high-quality residential and commercial properties across the region. Mike became co-owner of Mountainview Building Group, founded by his father and two uncles over 40 years ago, in 1994. Today, the company builds more than 250 homes per year in the Niagara region.
A man of many passions, Mike considered careers in programming, game design, music, and law before choosing to stay with his primary passion of building communities. With more than 30 years in the industry, Mike started as a construction labourer when he was a teenager and moved up through the ranks of Mountainview Building Group.
As a strong advocate for OHBA’s mission, Mike has volunteered his time and resources to the association for over 25 years, holding numerous positions on the Board of Directors and in various committees over the years. His greatest impact, however, has been through his work guiding building code, Tarion, and HRCA policies – which he is an expert in.
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Mark Prociw, Manager, Key Accounts, Residential Market Development, Enbridge Gas
Mark Prociw is a Manager in the Residential Market Development department and Enbridge where his team focuses on Key and Strategic builder/developer relationships. Mark has been with Enbridge Gas for 17 years and started in this new role in August of 2024.
Mark is responsible for providing leadership in the market strategy for support and growth of the residential and small commercial segments. He seeks to create an excellent customer experience with new construction builders, developers and industry associations.
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM – Regional Voices: Industry Insights from Chapter HBA CEOs’
Housing affordability, industry challenges, and innovative solutions vary across Ontario’s regions. In this panel, the OHBA CEO and Chapter HBA CEOs will provide an insider’s view into these dynamics, offering a glimpse into the unique opportunities and outlooks shaping the province’s housing future.
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Scott Andison, CEO, Ontario Home Builders’ Association
Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), Scott Andison, is a seasoned leader with a diverse background in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
With executive roles in these sectors and notable positions within the Ontario government, including serving in ministries of Finance and Education, Andison demonstrates expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and program implementation.
His tenure as President & CEO of the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) solidified his passion for advocacy and association management within the housing sector.
Scott holds a Bachelor of Administration in Management and Business Administration from Laurentian University. His commitment to continued professional development is underscored by executive certificates in Negotiation from Harvard Law School, Management and Leadership from MIT Sloan School of Management, and Governance from Queen’s University.
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Jason Burggraaf, CEO, Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association
Jason Burggraaf is Executive Director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), where he focuses on municipal policy related to housing and development. Prior to joining GOHBA in 2018, Jason worked at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association for fifteen years in a number of roles, including Government Relations and Policy Advisor. He is an advocate for supply across the housing continuum, and works closely with officials and politicians across all levels of government to promote housing affordability and supply.
Jason is a member of the City of Ottawa’s public Planning Advisory Committee. In 2022 he was awarded Executive Officer of the Year by OHBA and in 2024 he was awarded Executive Officer of the Year by the CHBA.
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Mike Collins-Williams, CEO, West End Home Builders’ Association
Mike Collins-Williams is the CEO of the 320-member strong West End Home Builders’ Association (WE HBA) representing the new housing & land development industry in Hamilton, Burlington & Grimsby.
Mike is a Registered Professional Planner with over two decades of experience in the new home building and development industry working previously with the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA). He graduated from Toronto Metropolitan (Ryerson) University’s School
of Urban and Regional Planning with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and a Minor in Public Administration. Mike is a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute and the Canadian Institute of Planners. Mike is an ongoing guest lecturer at his alma mater, Toronto Metropolitan
University, and co-authored several joint publications with the Pembina Institute and TMU, including Make Way for Midrise, Make Way for Laneway and Suburbs on Track.
Mike brings not only an Ontario perspective to planning and development issues, but also trans-Atlantic experience as he has led seven Canadian housing delegations to Europe to learn from the most innovative development sites in Reykjavik, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Vienna, Berlin, Oslo and Malmö.
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Rebecca Schillemat, Executive Officer, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association
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Ruth Estwick, CEO, Quinte Home Builders Association
Ruth Estwick is the CEO of the Quinte Home Builders Association (QHBA), where she is a dynamic advocate for the residential construction industry in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region. Recognized for her leadership as a community champion, Ruth works closely with all levels of government and related stakeholders to position the local residential construction industry as a cornerstone of economic growth. She is a trusted collaborator, driving innovative solutions and spearheading conversations to address housing challenges while fostering strong partnerships across the industry. Working hand in hand with strong leaders amongst the membership, the QHBA continues to empower its members, help shape impactful policies, and advance the future of residential construction in the region.
9:55 AM – 10:40 AM – BREAKOUT A: Green Development, Building & Technology
Explore the cutting-edge advancements in green building technology, including heat pumps, geothermal systems, and electrification. This session will examine how these innovations are transforming sustainable development and the residential construction landscape.
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Jack Zhou, President, A&J Energy Consultants Inc.
With a background in building science, Jack Zhou has worked in low-rise residential construction since 2004 and he is the first to apply and received the Master Energy Advisor designation in Canada. Early in his career, Jack worked as a framer, insulator, drywaller, installed Hi-Velocity ductwork, and performed energy simulation. He later earned the HRAI Residential Air System Design Technician and Residential Hydronics DesignTechnician Designation and started designing HVAC systems and performing energy audits for existing homes. Jack teaches energy-efficient housing techniques through both private and public sector organizations, colleges and universities in Ontario, British Columbia, the Republic of China, and South Korea. He also works as a Technical Committee member for the Ontario Home Builder’s Association (OHBA), Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA), Natural Resources Canada ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Standard, and Canadian Associations of Consulting Energy Advisors (CACEA). Jack enjoys cost-effectively accelerating the transition to sustainable housing!
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Carl Pawlowski, Senior Manager, Sustainability, Minto Communities
Carl is the Senior Manager, Sustainability at Minto Communities Canada and has a decade of experience leading the sustainability strategy across low, mid and high-rise communities within the GTA. Carl is dedicated to creating better places for people to call home by making them more efficient, comfortable, healthier, and more resilient. Current noteworthy projects include Minto Communities’ first high-rise geoexchange system at our North Oak community in Oakville as well as our first Net Zero homes within the GTA at our Union Village community in Markham. Carl’s passion comes from a love for the outdoors, wildlife, and doing my part to mitigate the impact of climate change for my son and daughter – so that they can continue to enjoy and respect the natural world and appreciate the immense value that it provides humanity.
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Gord Cooke, President, Building Knowledge Canada
A professional engineer with more than 35 years of experience in the low and high-rise residential building industry, Gord shares his insights and passion as he advocates for better building practices and methods for improving IAQ and energy efficiency in new and existing homes. Combining solid building science with his training and technical background, his presentations and workshops have been requested by builders, HVAC contractors and new home sales professionals building throughout North America.
Lately, Gord and his team have been helping the residential construction industry make decisions that can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of homes.
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Ian McVey, Manager of Sustainability, Region of Durham
Ian McVey is the Manager of Sustainability with Durham Region where he leads collaborative efforts between public and private sector to develop solutions to intersecting challenges related to ecological and economic sustainability. Ian holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University, a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University, and has more than 15 years of professional experience working in finance, real estate, and at all levels of government.
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Derek Hickson, Head of Low Carbon Solutions, Enbridge Sustain
Derek Hickson is the Head of Low Carbon Solutioning for Enbridge Sustain. He works with residential, commercial and industrial customers identify cost effective opportunities for reducing carbon across their new community developments.
9:55 AM – 10:40 AM – BREAKOUT B: Funding the Future: Financing Models for Residential Construction
Dive into the financial frameworks shaping the residential construction industry. Panelists will discuss funding availability, the timing of fees, infrastructure development, and the tools essential for financial security, including surety bonds, letters of credit, and banking requirements.
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Bob Schickedanz, Co-Founder, FarSight Homes
Bob Schickedanz is a home builder, industry leader and served as OHBA President since 2019-2022. Bob’s passion for the home building and renovation industry has been with him since childhood, working alongside his father and uncles at Schickedanz Bros Limited, a family business established in 1951. After working at the MMM Group as a Professional Civil Engineer, Bob rejoined the family at Schickedanz Bros Limited as the Land Development Manager, where he was responsible for land acquisition, development approvals and site servicing at various projects across Ontario. In 2001, Bob, along with his brother Rick, co-founded FarSight Homes, the next generation of the family business.
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Gus Stavropoulos, Chief Financial Officer, Tribute Communities
Gus has been with Tribute Communities for over 20 years, and has held the title of Chief Financial Officer for the last 8. At Tribute, Gus is responsible for Finance, Accounting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Legal, and involved with investor relations, legal structures, and acquisition analysis. He is currently navigating over $1.5 billion in lending facilities and over 10 active projects. Gus is an active member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, and completed his H.B. Comm and MBA at Laurentian University. He is also an active real estate broker and registered through the Real Estate Council of Ontario.
Gus has donated his time and money to various causes over the years, and most recently participated in the Real Estate Executive Sleepout for Covenant House, and serves as a Director on the Board for Habitat for Humanity, GTA. With numerous appearances on the Hot Property show on CP24, past guest on various webcasts such as Real Stories, Unlimited, and TCS Conversations with Industry Leaders, and a monthly publication entitled “Real Estate Review”, Gus shares his experience and views on all things real estate.
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Anup Nair, Senior Commercial Account Manager, RBC
Anup Nair is a Senior Commercial Account Manager at RBC, specializing in real estate financing. With over 18 years of commercial banking experience, Anup has a deep understanding of the industry. He has been a valued member of the RBC team for 6 years, serving clients in the Durham region for the past 8 years. Anup holds an MBA in Finance from Singapore. He is a family man who loves spending time with his family and is proud to call Durham his home.
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Trevor Pinn, Deputy CAO / Treasurer, Finance and Technology, Municipality of Clarington
Trevor is the Deputy CAO, Finance and Technology and Treasurer for the Municipality of Clarington, a lower-tier municipality within the Region of Durham, which is a mix of rural and urban centers. Trevor is formerly the Director of Finance and POA Court Services/ Treasurer for the Town of Parry Sound, having served in that position from 2014 to 2017.
Trevor is in his ninth year serving on the Board of Directors for the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario. In 2020 and 2021 he served as President during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the Association quickly transitioned training and its conference online.
Trevor has presented at the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities conference on the importance of focusing budgets on the bigger issues. He also presented for the MFOA seminar “Mastering the Budget Process” and has written for The Public Sector Digest on the importance for small municipalities to develop financial policies. Trevor has presented at the MFOA Annual Conference on multi-year budgets in small municipalities. Trevor has also represented the MFOA at the Standing Community on Finance and Economic Affairs regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the Municipal sector.
10:40 AM – 10:55 AM – Networking Break
10:55 AM – 11:40 PM – BREAKOUT A: From Policy to Practice: Tackling the Complexities of ADUs
This session will address the evolving landscape of Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), focusing on navigating policy challenges, implementation hurdles, and innovative solutions to create housing opportunities across Ontario communities.
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Steve Brockstein, Vice President of Operation – Low-Rise, Tribute Communities
Steve Brockstein is the Vice President of Operations – Low Rise for Tribute Communities, and the First Vice-President for the Durham Region Home Builders’ Association. Steve has worked in the industry for 30 years, in both low rise and high rise.
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Kyle Bentley, Director, City Development and CBO, City of Pickering
Kyle Bentley has been Chief Building Official at the City of Pickering since November of 2010. In his current role as Director, City Development and Chief Building Official, Kyle is responsible for the day to day leadership and administration of the City Development Department, which consists of the Planning & Design Division, Building Services Section, and the Sustainability Section. Before joining the team there, Kyle worked in the private sector as a Project Manager and Structural Engineer for a number of consulting firms, including AECOM, Read Jones Christoffersen, and Barry Bryan Associates.
Kyle has extensive project management experience, both within the public and private sectors, and has been involved in a variety of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. Kyle is currently heavily involved in a number of major projects within the City of Pickering, including the Seaton community development, Pickering Forward (Official Plan Review), the Community Climate Adaptation Plan, and the comprehensive review of the Development Application Review Process (DARP).
Kyle is a member of the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA), was previously an Executive member of the Large Municipalities Chief Building Officials (LMCBO) group, and is currently Chair of Engineers Architects Building Officials (EABO).
He is a keen advocate for a team-based approach to project delivery and his experience within both public and private sectors allows him to bring a unique perspective to customer service and stakeholder engagement.
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Paul Wirch, Principal Planner, City Development, City of Pickering
Paul Wirch is a Registered Professional Planner who has spent his career working in the municipal sector supporting the creation of complete communities. He has broad experience in development review, secondary planning, drafting sensible zoning regulations, public engagement, and streamlining municipal processes. He currently serves as Principal Planner in Policy with the City of Pickering where he is part of the team that created new zoning opportunities for additional dwelling units. Together with the Town of Whitby, he is currently working to make pre-approved models for detached additional dwelling units available to the public.
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John Taylor, Director of Planning, Town of Whitby
John has been a professional land use planner for over 25 years. He started his career as a private planning consultant and transitioned to the public sector in the mid 1990’s. He is currently the Director of Planning at the Town of Whitby. John has been a guest speaker at several universities and planning symposiums providing his expertise on the role of government in the land use and development approval process in Ontario. John likes to focus on solutions rather than problems and can often be found at the hockey arena or golf course in his spare time.
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Alex Muzanovic, Principal, Muzanovic Design Inc.
Deeply passionate about housing on both a mass scale and for an individual or family, Alex Muzanovic founded his firm in 2021. Accredited with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as a certified House and Small Buildings Designer, Alex Muzanovic graduated from the Architectural Science program at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) in 2002 and has been designing homes ever since.
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Paul Murray, Owner, LCM Project Management & General Contracting
Paul Murray has built over 2 million square feet with 40+ years of experience in new residential construction and renovations. LCM Project Management & General Contracting is the recipient of 4 DRHBA Awards.
When not boating or enjoying live blues music, he resides outside of Uxbridge with his wife Lori and their dog Harlee.
10:55 AM – 11:40 PM – BREAKOUT B: Innovative Energy Systems: Shaping the Next Generation of Power
Join this panel to uncover the future of energy systems, from heat source recovery and district energy to steam-to-hot water conversion. Experts will share insights into the latest innovations driving sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure.
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Ian McVey, Manager of Sustainability, Region of Durham
Ian McVey is the Manager of Sustainability with Durham Region where he leads collaborative efforts between public and private sector to develop solutions to intersecting challenges related to ecological and economic sustainability. Ian holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University, a Master’s in Environmental Studies from York University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University, and has more than 15 years of professional experience working in finance, real estate, and at all levels of government.
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Michael Conte, Engineering Manager, FVB Energy Inc.
Michael Conte is the Engineering Manager of the FVB Energy Inc. Toronto office. He is a senior mechanical engineer with over 15 years of energy engineering experience relating to Low Carbon District Energy planning, alternative thermal energy production, power generation, and distribution piping systems. His experience includes working with a variety of energy sources, from natural gas and oil-fired steam to hot water boilers, sewer heat recovery, geo-exchange, cogeneration waste heat recovery, biomass boilers, large scale heat pumps, thermal storage, centrifugal chillers, and absorption chillers. Michael’s varied experience includes a multitude of concept development studies, feasibility studies, capital and operating cost estimating, detailed design, distribution system planning, energy transfer station design and energy plant design, as well as providing project management and support throughout all phases of district energy projects.
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Kausar Ashraf, Senior Manager, Energy Transition, Power Advisory
Kausar is a Toronto-based electricity sector professional with over 15 years of experience in the energy industry. She supports clients with understanding the impacts of growing electrification trends on energy systems. She has extensive experience bridging the technical capabilities of energy systems with policy and regulatory frameworks. As an electricity system planner Kausar has developed electricity plans across short, medium, and long-term time horizons. These plans include an understanding of transmission, conservation-demand management programs, distributed energy resources as well as traditional generation assets. Kausar has worked closely with various stakeholders to better understand how energy systems are transitioning. This includes local utilities, governments across all levels and various grass-roots interest groups. Her work also includes evaluating the impacts of electricity rates, conservation programs and behavioural programs on the electricity grid. Kausar has been involved in program development and delivery, procurement and market design.
Before joining Power Advisory, Kausar worked for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for over ten years. While at the IESO she held various management roles in System Planning, Operations, Conservation-Demand Management, Operations and Market Renewal. She has also held positions with Ontario Power Generation and Enbridge Gas as well as conducted research on behalf of think tanks including; the Centre for International Governance Innovation, Carleton Sustainable Energy Research Centre and the Centre for Trade Policy and Law.
Kausar holds a Bachelor of Environment and Business and a Masters in Global Governance from the University of Waterloo.
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Usman Khan, Supervisor, Load Forecasting and Station Planning, Elexicon Energy
Usman Khan is the Supervisor of Load Forecasting and Stations Planning at Elexicon Energy, where he leads a team dedicated to ensuring sufficient and reliable capacity across the company’s service territory for existing and new customers. Before joining Elexicon Energy, Usman worked at international consulting firms, addressing challenges related to grid modernization and system planning. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Power Systems, both from the University of Toronto.
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM – Navigating Legislative Shifts: Insights into the OLT and PPS
Gain clarity on legislative changes impacting Ontario’s residential construction sector. This session will focus on the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), providing practical insights to navigate these shifts effectively.
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Matthew Cory, Principal, Malone Given Parsons
Matthew is responsible for guiding planning initiatives through municipal and regional approval processes. His work includes master planning and project management for landowner groups, growth management and policy creation for municipal clients, and the preparation and management of development applications for individual landowners. Matthew is familiar with best practices of sustainability in the planning process, smart growth and growth management techniques.
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Robert Howe, Partner, Goodmans LLP
Rob Howe is a partner in the Municipal and Land Development Group at Goodmans. His practice focuses on land use planning and public infrastructure matters for private and public sector clients. Rob has a wide range of experience in land use planning matters, appearing regularly before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly Ontario Municipal Board), the Ontario Court of Justice, and before municipal councils. He has represented both landowners and municipalities regarding development proposals throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that include major residential and mixed-use greenfield development, as well as large industrial and retail developments. He has also been involved in significant hearings regarding municipal official plans engaging topics that include environmental feature protection, cultural heritage conservation, Growth Plan policy and land budget/urban area expansions.
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Networking Lunch
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM – Economic Update: Looking Ahead at the Housing Market
Explore economic trends shaping the housing market and uncover expert insights into the future of residential construction and development in Ontario.
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Rishi Sondhi, Economist, TD Bank
Rishi has been called before the House Finance Committee to testify on housing; he was also named “storeys” magazine’s 2024 most influential people in real estate. He was also part of the team that won the 2024 most accurate Canadian forecaster award from international firm Focus Economics.
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM – Rethinking Parkland: Creative Approaches to Shared Space
As land becomes scarcer, innovative approaches to parkland design are essential. This panel explores creative solutions to maximize shared space in urban settings.
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Dave Murphy, Vice President, Land Development, Brand Group and Owner of SSM Developments Inc.
With 25 years of experience in land development, engineering, and construction, David Murphy has managed projects from planning through to construction and registration, delivering 500–600 housing units annually for leading homebuilders. His expertise in navigating Ontario’s regulatory processes, optimizing designs, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders positions him as a trusted industry leader. David’s multidisciplinary perspective ensures engaging and insightful discussions as a panel moderator.
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Paul DiProfio, Director, Landscape Architecture Division, NAK Design Strategies
A landscape architect with 30 years of experience, Paul is a design professional overseeing a department of 40 designers and technical staff in one of the largest Landscape Architecture & Urban Design practices in Canada. He has worked on hundreds of landscape development projects, representing both public and private clients in Canada and the United States. Paul has led multidisciplinary teams on diverse open space development projects including parks, naturalized engineered channels, stormwater management ponds, cemeteries, urban squares, POPS, gardens, arboretums, streetscapes, natural heritage system restoration, and urban trails.
With a current focus on high rise and infill developments, Paul is actively working with developers in shaping residential and mixed-use developments in the GTA, integrating creative, cost effective and robust solutions for private and public outdoor amenities. He is also one of three principal designers leading the design effort for all municipal parkland in the Lakeview Community on behalf of the City of Mississauga. Regardless of the size of the project, Paul challenges clients to push the envelope and embrace public space as a catalyst for placemaking, public investment and urban renewal.
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Mike McLean, Senior Vice President, Fieldgate Developments
Since 2003, Mike has been a key part of Fieldgate Developments’ Management Team that has driven Fieldgate’s growth over the last two decades as a leading Land Developer in the GTA and peripheral markets. His responsibilities entail all aspects of development from Acquisitions to Assumptions for Low and Medium Density projects. Mike provides strategic direction, mentoring and guidance to staff on major project decisions. Mike is a key liaison between our owners, builders and industry partners. He is also an industry advocate and active member of several BILD Sub-Committees and GTA Development Groups and Regional Advisor for BILD GTA.
Mike is a graduate of Lakehead University and Fanshawe College, in Civil Engineering. He worked as an engineering consultant in Windsor and the GTA prior to joining Fieldgate.
When he’s not at work, you might find Mike tinkering in his workshop, officiating hockey games, or exploring snowmobile trails. He also has a green thumb, spending winters harvesting sap for his award-winning maple syrup. In the summer, Mike and his wife, Brenda, can often be found in their vibrant sunflower fields, which has become a favourite community hotspot.
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John Romano, Commissioner of Community Service
John Romano is the Commissioner of Community Services at the Town of Whitby. With over 30 years of dedicated service, John began his career with the municipality in 1989 as a part-time staff member. Over the years, he has held various positions of increasing responsibility across numerous divisions, including Operations, Facilities, and Parks Planning and Development.
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John Taylor, Director of Planning, Town of Whitby
John has been a professional land use planner for over 25 years. He started his career as a private planning consultant and transitioned to the public sector in the mid 1990’s. He is currently the Director of Planning at the Town of Whitby. John has been a guest speaker at several universities and planning symposiums providing his expertise on the role of government in the land use and development approval process in Ontario. John likes to focus on solutions rather than problems and can often be found at the hockey arena or golf course in his spare time.
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM – Networking Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Mayors Panel: Municipal Strategies for Ontario’s Housing Future
Join a dynamic discussion with regional mayors as they address housing challenges, growth strategies, and visions for the future of Ontario communities. This session offers a unique perspective from municipal leaders shaping the province’s development landscape.
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Louise Foster, Vice President, Land Development, Tribute Communities
Louise Foster is the V. P. of Land Development for Tribute Communities and has worked with Tribute for over 12 years. She currently is a Board member on the BILD Board of Directors, is actively involved in the Government Relations Committee for DRHBA and sits on the CTC Source Protection Committee, a provincially established committee under the Clean Water Act. Louise has been heavily involved in many of the communities in Durham and has overseen the successful development of 1000s of units in this Region.
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John Henry, Regional Chair & CEO, Durham Region
Elected as Durham’s Regional Chair and CEO in 2018, John Henry served as the Mayor of Oshawa from 2010-2018, and Regional Councillor for Oshawa’s Ward 5 from 2006-2010. He has previously served as a member of the Regional Planning & Economic Development Committee, as Chair of the Durham Region Local Housing Corporation, member of the Durham Region Transit Executive Committee and the Durham Environmental Advisory Committee. Born and raised in Oshawa and a dedicated volunteer, John has a vested interest in the future development, prosperity and quality of life for Durham residents, while keeping a close eye on
fiscal responsibility.
John is a graduate of R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I., Durham College, George Brown College and Panasonic’s Corporate School. He is also a trained Industrial Fire Fighter, Ice Rescue Specialist and Dive Rescue Specialist.
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Kevin Ashe, Mayor, City of Pickering
Mayor Kevin Ashe has been a resident of Pickering for over 55 years and comes from a family deeply rooted in local politics and community service. His late father, George Ashe, served as the first Mayor of the then Town of Pickering, in 1973, paving the way for Mayor Ashe’s own civic engagement.
Mayor Ashe was first elected as Ward 1 City Councillor in 2003 and was re-elected by Ward 1 residents in 2010 and 2014. In November 2015, he was appointed as Regional Councillor for Ward 1, re-elected in 2018, and remained in that role until he was elected as
Mayor in 2022.
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Shaun Collier, Mayor, Town of Ajax
Since his election as Mayor in 2018, Shaun Collier has worked to bring long-term social, and environmental sustainability to the Town of Ajax, while strengthening our economic position.
Under Mayor Collier’s leadership, Ajax has become a champion of economic development by cutting red tape. In his first term as Mayor, development related construction value in Ajax topped $1-billion dollars.
Continuing the Town’s strong history of environmental stewardship, Mayor Collier has fought for growth within our urban boundaries and has been vocal against the development of the Carruthers Creek headwaters.
In 2019, Mayor Collier introduced the Ajax Mayor’s Gala with the aim of addressing homelessness and supporting not-for-profit and community groups. Under his leadership, more than $1-million dollars have been invested into the community.
Mayor Collier is also an Armed Forces Veteran, accountant, and a chartered director. He raised his two children in Ajax and is proud husband to Rose Collier.
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Adrian Foster, Mayor, Municipality of Clarington
Adrian Foster is serving his fourth term as Mayor of the Municipality of Clarington. Adrian and his wife Deborah live in Courtice. Deborah is an ordained minister with The United Church of Canada. Adrian has been formally recognized for his service to the community. He was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal in 2002, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012 and was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship by the Rotary Club of Courtice in 2008. Adrian has represented the Municipality on a wide variety of boards and committees. Amongst other commitments he sits as Chair of the Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Committee, Chairs the Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities and serves as a member of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization Municipal Forum.
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Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby
Elizabeth Roy is currently serving her first term as mayor of Whitby after being elected in 2022. She was first elected to Whitby Council in 2006 and served two terms as West Ward Councillor, followed by two terms as Regional Councillor. Her time as a councillor was spent being a vocal advocate for the community. Before that, Elizabeth was a Durham District School Board trustee for nine years, including serving as board chair. She also worked as a medical radiation therapist for 34 years, practicing at Princess Margaret Hospital and the Durham Regional Cancer Center. Over the years, she has volunteered her time with many community organizations and causes, from the Denise House and Windreach Farm, to Lakeridge Health Whitby Foundation and Durham Hospice. She is a proud mother of three and grandmother of two.