On Wednesday, the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association celebrated the people and companies in residential construction building a city designed to last in more ways than one.

Six awards were presented at GOHBA’s annual general meeting and dinner held at the Saint Elias Banquet Centre. Special guests included Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who presented a framed proclamation declaring GOHBA Day in the City of Ottawa to executive director Jason Burggraaf and board chair Serge Desjardins of Minto Communities.

Candy King, site operations manager at Urbandale Construction, received the Pillar of the Community Award, recognizing her 25 years of leadership and service in the industry, most of it with Urbandale, a local family-owned business. “I was shocked to be even nominated,” said King, who has volunteered on a couple of GOHBA councils and committees.

She spoke proudly of her employer, calling it a leader in the building of high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

“I love construction,” said King, who worked her way up through the industry. “I love seeing it all come to fruition, from the beautiful architecture on a piece of paper to a standing structure. To me, that’s amazing.”

Candy King, site operations manager at Urbandale Construction, was presented with the Pillar of the Community Award by GOHBA board chair Serge Desjardins. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen/JVLphotography

King also pointed to the improving gender balance, noting how different it was when she first began. “When I started in the industry, there weren’t many seats at the table for women,” said King, who’s now one of three senior female leaders at Urbandale Construction.

She credited her boss, Richard Sachs, as a major influence. “His vision, the way he deals with people, the way he stays humble, kind and generous make him everything I hope to be.”

The Outstanding Company Contribution Award went to Reliance Holmes Heating & Cooling, accepted by key account manager Feddie Osman. The award recognizes the company’s participation and support of initiatives such as GOHBA’s Building Trades Council and annual Housing Design Awards.

Osman, who serves on several GOHBA councils and committees, said he often encourages others to get involved. “If you’re going to join a committee or an organization like this, you have to contribute and put in the effort. If you do, you’ll get more out of it than what you put in.”

Feddie Osman, key account manager at Reliance Holmes Heating & Cooling, accepted the award for Outstanding Company Contribution from GOHBA board chair Serge Desjardins. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen/JVLphotography

The Philanthropist of the Year Award went to Jenny Chen, CEO of Catalais Consulting. She has helped bridge GOHBA with the nonprofit sector by sponsoring the annual GOHBA memberships for several local charitable organizations.

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, Perley Health Foundation, Pleo — Family Peer Support, and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation are all GOHBA members thanks to her support.

Her efforts began as a way for her and her husband, BMO Nesbitt Burns wealth advisor Dan MacMillan, to bring other organizations invested in Ottawa’s well-being into discussions around housing solutions.

“I saw two pillars of our community operating in their own silos and saw this as a way of breaking them down, so everyone can be part of the same conversation,” said Chen.

Jenny Chen, CEO of Catalais Consulting — alongside GOHBA board chair Serge Desjardin — was named Philanthropist of the Year by the local home-builders’ association. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen/JVLphotography

Chen pointed out that many others are doing similar work without the recognition. “For me, if I can use this award to inspire people to recognize the many incredible individuals in our community who are quietly supporting causes that matter, and to help widen the room and build a bigger table so more voices are included, that’s what I hope this recognition achieves.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Paul Scissons, while flooring contractor Mike Dambra of Dambra Flooring was named All-Star New Member Contributor for his dedication during his first two years with GOHBA.

GOHBA board chair Serge Desjardins with All-Star New Member Contributor winner Mike Dambra of Dambra Flooring. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen/JVLphotography

GOHBA board chair Serge Desjardins with Lifetime Achievement Award winner Paul Scissons. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen/JVLphotography

Rosaline Hill received the Visionary Leadership Award for her work in residential infill and her practical, solution-oriented contributions that are helping improve both the industry and the City of Ottawa.

“It’s a real honour, especially because of who the award comes from,” said Hill, principal architect and senior planner at RJH Architecture + Planning. “GOHBA is a fantastic group of people.”

As a longtime member of GOHBA’s Urban Infill Council, Hill has helped advocate for more effective regulations. The council is made up of professionals who have dedicated their careers to finding practical solutions to challenges posed by urban intensification.

“We’ve always been prepared to go knee-deep into the regulations to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change to create an environment that attracts investment in housing,” she said.

She pointed to multi-unit low-rise infill as the best option. “It’s the most cost-effective housing to build in Canada, and the most affordable to construct, heat, cool, maintain and service.”

Adding more homes and people into existing neighbourhoods makes those areas more efficient and cost-effective for the city to maintain, she added. “I’m interested in understanding how to do it right, and how to do it in ways that enhance the character of the neighbourhoods people love.”

GOHBA board chair Serge Desjardins presented the Visionary Leadership Award to Rosaline Hill, principal architect and senior planner at RJH Architecture + Planning. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen/JVLphotography

This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Syntax Strategic, RBC, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, Welch LLP, and Brazeau Seller Law.
hello@carolineinthecapital.ca