By Dave Depencier
Annual Conference and AoD laid the bricks for a renewed foundation as we celebrated our community in style
Representatives from National Homes, ADhoc Studio, esQape design inc., Kirkor Architects & Planners and McOuat Partnership took the stage and, arm in arm, smiled for the camera as I handed over their Project of the Year (High- or Mid-Rise) award, and it occurred to me that this was like OHBA’s entire 2023 Annual Conference and Awards of Distinction distilled into a single moment. Five separate firms had sung in perfect pitch, combining their talents to earn top honours for their Northshore project in Burlington.
It was a theme continually repeated for multiple firms—and OHBA in general—over three marvellous days in September at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood: Look what we can achieve when great depths of talent are harnessed with a singular objective in mind! Beginning with active and productive Executive Officers and Board of Directors meetings on Day One, to the Annual Meeting of Members and a day of expert-led topical seminars, to the President’s Gala, Association Awards and Awards of Distinction, OHBA members from across the province came together to toast their own, but also to support each other with advice and expertise. I learn so much at these annual conferences—every industry function, really! It’s always humbling to be amid giants of this industry—all so willing to share what they’ve learned in their illustrious careers.
The view from 10,000 feet, of course, reveals the somewhat lengthy line of staff and trades who propped them all up—and who prop me up as I step with honour and humility into the role of OHBA’s 55th president. I thank immediate Past President Louie Zagordo for his amazing work over the past year, and I thank my executive team for their tireless efforts in recent months during a period of transition within the association. And a special shoutout to First Vice-President Mike Memme and Second Vice-President Christina Giannone! Their commitment shows you what this association is made up of. We live and breathe this industry, and I’m confident that the leadership we have at all levels will be unwavering for many years to come.
The following pages are filled with people and companies that achieved the peak of excellence with their respective projects, and who have individually earned special recognition for their remarkable work in support of OHBA’s 27 local chapters and the home-building industry as a whole.
We couldn’t have done it without our many sponsors. We couldn’t have done it without our dedicated staff. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you for your excellence, your passion and your continuing commitment to Ontario’s home-building industry. I am so excited for the future and can’t wait to see what we can achieve as a united team.
Dave Depencier
President, OHBA
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