NIAGARA FALLS — For the second year in a row, Tridel earned the title of 2017 Ontario Home Builder of the Year, awarded by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) at the association’s annual conference in Niagara Falls.Based in Toronto, Tridel demonstrated excellence not only in building design and customer service, but also in their commitment to innovative, sustainable building. Tridel has played a leadership role through provincial stakeholder engagement and piloting various initiatives to push the envelope in resilient buildings, such as SMART technology and Net-Zero Energy dwellings. Beyond the four walls, Tridel also continues to support and empower social and environmental change. This change is achieved through programs that enable youth to pursue an education in the trades, fundraising and getting involved with several charities that improve the quality of life in many communities and utilizing vacant parts of development sites to harness urban agricultural opportunities.OHBA also recognized Eurodale Developments as the Ontario Renovator of the Year. The Toronto-based company demonstrated effective sales and marketing programs beyond advertising. Eurodale engages and builds meaningful relationships while utilizing creative content to educate, inspire and delight clients.With a background in television media, Eurodale co-owners Brendan Charters and Jim Cunningham have leveraged their reputations to build a respected brand of quality at Eurodale. Taking a holistic approach to renovation, Eurodale has enjoyed success in balancing efficiency, health and aesthetics in their buildings to generate a net-positive return and reduce the home’s carbon footprint. Eurodale also demonstrated industry support and in the community by participating for six consecutive years in the Building Industry and Land Development Association’s (BILD) Race for Humanity, directing volunteers and continually supporting Habitat for Humanity and major association charitable events, and lecturing in post-secondary classrooms.Both Ontario Builder and Renovator of the Year Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate outstanding professionalism and integrity within their business, industry and community. They are part of the Prestige awards category, and Prestige award finalists scored consistently high marks from judges throughout the competition categories, while the People's Choice Award is voted in by the general public.
Pierre Dufresne
The night before the awards, the OHBA President’s Gala welcomed 2017-18 president Pierre Dufresne of Tartan Land Corporation and also recognized OHBA members and local associations for their dedicated commitment to the association.The Guelph and District Home Builders’ Association (GDHBA) received the 2017 Local Association of the Year Award. Most notable among a lengthy list of achievements of the local and its members, is GDHBA’s enthusiastic, pioneering efforts around Net Zero Energy (NZE) programs and building technologies and features that garnered the attention of the media, as well as various prestigious awards from other industry partners.Steve Deveaux of Tribute Communities was honoured as the OHBA Member of the Year. As past chair of BILD, Deveaux has shown passion for the industry and its associations. Most notably, he was very involved at the provincial level, working alongside OHBA on government advocacy efforts, including inclusionary zoning and reform of the Ontario Municipal Board, presentations at joint meetings to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and PC Leader Patrick Brown, as well as many deputations to Queen’s Park standing committees in support of OHBA positions.“You can count on Steve,” said Dufresne. “He always answers the call and has been an important partner with OHBA as we worked together to develop association strategy and policy positions. You will also almost always find him at a major OHBA event — his support and expertise are much appreciated.”Harry Herskowitz, partner in the law firm DelZotto, Zorzi LLP and past chair of the Tarion Warranty Corporation, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution and leadership. Herskowitz served as chair of Tarion from 2008 to 2014 after having served on the board since 1999. In his law practice, he leads the firm’s real estate department.Laura Higgs, executive officer of the Sudbury and District Home Builders’ Association (SDHBA) was awarded the David Horton Leadership Award. During her nearly 10-year tenure as EO, Higgs has grown SDHBA’s membership and has a vision to go even bigger by expanding to other Northern communities.Three members were recipients of a special recognition award for their outsinding leadership and contributions to the association. Jon Whyte of Mountainview Homes serves as the chair of the OHBA Land Development Committee and is the president of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association for the second time. Danielle Rinaldi of Rinaldi Homes was also honoured for her infectious enthusiasm and can-do attitude whenever presented with a task – from fundraising to community group outreach to conference administration. Lynda Busch, Niagara Home Builders’ Association executive officer, has been serving the association for 17 years and works tirelessly to ensure that every event and meeting goes off without a flaw.OHBA AWARDS OF DISTINCTIONProject of the Year Lowrise: Doug Tarry Homes for HOPE, St. Thomas (credit to Geerlinks Home Hardware Building Centre & Home Furniture Store, GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc.)Project of the Year Highrise or Midrise: Spallacci Homes for 101 LOCKE, HamiltonPeople’s Choice Award: Losani Homes for Central Park, Hamilton (credit to McOuat Partnership, TCGpr)Most Outstanding Production Built Home (one storey): Rinaldi Homes for Carrier Residence, Fonthill (credit to: Artcraft Kitchens, Aristocrat Floors, St.Catharines Building Supply, Gibbys Electronic Supermarket)Most Outstanding Production Built Home (two storeys up to 2,500 square feet): BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd. for Fairview Estates Phase 2 “Fairmont” – LaSalle (credit to: Philip Fernandes Designs)Most Outstanding Production Built Home (two storeys 2,501 square feet and over): Fusion Homes for Solterra “The Belvoir,” GuelphMost Outstanding Attached Multi-Unit Home (semi/townhome/stacked): Rinaldi Homes for: Entertainment Central, Niagara Falls (credit to Artcraft Kitchens, Aristocrat Floors, St. Catharines Building Supply)Most Outstanding Custom Home (up to 3,000 square feet): Art House Developments for Grand/View, OttawaMost Outstanding Custom Home (3,001 to 5,000 square feet): RND Construction for Revelstoke Drive, Ottawa (credit to Christopher Simmonds Architect Inc.)Most Outstanding Custom Home (5,001 square feet and over): Profile Custom Homes for The Glass Corner “Custom Home,” Mississauga (credit to David Small Designs)Most Outstanding Midrise (4 to 10 storeys): North Drive Investments Inc. for 4 The Kingsway, Toronto (credit to Richard Wengle Architect Inc., Janet Rosenberg and Studio)Most Outstanding Highrise (11+ storeys): Molinaro Group Inc. for Paradigm, Burlington (credit to Graziani & Corazza)Most Outstanding Highrise or Midrise Condo Suite (4+ storeys up to 800 square feet): Woodcliffe Landmark Properties and MOD Developments for Waterworks “B5,” Toronto (credit to Diamond Schmitt Architects, L.A. Inc.)Most Outstanding Highrise or Midrise Condo Suite (4+ storeys 801 square feet and over): North Drive Investments Inc. for 4 The Kingsway “Penthouse,” Toronto (credit to: Janet Rosenberg and Studio, Richard Wengle Architect Inc.)Most Outstanding Home Renovation (up to $250,000): OakWood for Entertainers Dream, OttawaMost Outstanding Home Renovation ($250,001 to $500,000): RND Construction for Stairway 2 Haven, Ottawa (credit to Ha2 Architecture Design)Most Outstanding Home Renovation (over $500,001): Slotegraaf Construction Inc. for Britannia Residence “Britannia Road Residence,” Burlington (credit to Cynthia Zahoruk Architect Inc., R S Field Design/Baudit)Most Outstanding Kitchen Renovation: Men At Work Design Build Ltd. for: Gladstone, TorontoMost Outstanding Bathroom Renovation: OakWood for Entertainers Dream, OttawaMost Outstanding New Home Kitchen (new lowrise home up to 2,500 square feet): Homes by Hendriks for Gourmet Cuisine, Grimsby (credit to Aristocrat Floors)Most Outstanding New Home Kitchen (new lowrise Home 2,501 square feet and over): Losani Homes for Central Park “The Corsica,” HamiltonMost Outstanding Highrise or Midrise Condo Suite Kitchen: Domus Developments for North Point Lofts “Layout A Suite 412,” London (credit to: Dynamic Kitchens)Most Outstanding New Home Bathroom: Oke Woodsmith Building Systems for Sunsets and More, Municipality of BluewaterBest Video Lowrise Project (1-3 storeys): Doug Tarry Homes for HOPE, St. ThomasBest Video Highrise or Midrise Project (4+ storeys): Woodcliffe Landmark Properties and MOD Developments for Waterworks, Toronto (credit to L.A. Inc.)Best Use of Social Media: Doug Tarry Homes for HOPE, St. ThomasBest Website (Builder or Renovator): Empire Communities for: Ask Empire (credit to Pureblink)Best Lowrise Ad Campaign (1-3 Storeys): Freed Developments for Touchstone Resort, Bracebridge (credit to The Brand Factory)Best Highrise or Midrise Ad Campaign (4+ Storeys): Tridel for Aquabella, Toronto (credit to The Brand Factory)Best Project Logo Branding (for individual community logo): Fusion Homes for The Studio at the Metalworks, Guelph (credit to Blackjet)Best New Home Sales Office (up to 1,500 square feet): Geranium for Vista Flats & Towns, Whitchurch–Stouffville (credit to: Builder Insight Group)Best New Home Sales Office (1,501 square feet and over): Rosehaven Homes for Affinity Condominiums, Burlington (credit to RN Designs, Engine Advertising Inc., Neezo Renders)Best Design/Decor Centre: Fusion Homes for: Solterra “The Belvoir,” GuelphBest Interior Decorating - Model Home/Suite (up to 2,000 square feet): Kylemore Communities for The 6th Angus Glen “Suite 203,” Markham (credit to: Sabrina Albanese Design Inc.)Best Interior Decorating - Model Home/Suite (2,001 square feet and over): Great Gulf for Great Gulf Westfield “Newhaven,” Mississauga (credit to: figure3)Best Lowrise Project Sales Brochures (1-3 storeys): Losani Homes for Central Park, Hamilton (credit to: McOuat Partnership, tcgpr)Best Highrise or Midrise Project Sales Brochures (4+ storeys): Fusion Homes for The Studio at the Metalworks, Guelph (credit to: Blackjet)https://ohbaaod.ca/
Based in Toronto, Tridel demonstrated excellence not only in building design and customer service, but also in their commitment to innovative, sustainable building. Tridel has played a leadership role through provincial stakeholder engagement and piloting various initiatives to push the envelope in resilient buildings, such as SMART technology and Net-Zero Energy dwellings. Beyond the four walls, Tridel also continues to support and empower social and environmental change. This change is achieved through programs that enable youth to pursue an education in the trades, fundraising and getting involved with several charities that improve the quality of life in many communities and utilizing vacant parts of development sites to harness urban agricultural opportunities.OHBA also recognized Eurodale Developments as the Ontario Renovator of the Year. The Toronto-based company demonstrated effective sales and marketing programs beyond advertising. Eurodale engages and builds meaningful relationships while utilizing creative content to educate, inspire and delight clients.With a background in television media, Eurodale co-owners Brendan Charters and Jim Cunningham have leveraged their reputations to build a respected brand of quality at Eurodale. Taking a holistic approach to renovation, Eurodale has enjoyed success in balancing efficiency, health and aesthetics in their buildings to generate a net-positive return and reduce the home’s carbon footprint. Eurodale also demonstrated industry support and in the community by participating for six consecutive years in the Building Industry and Land Development Association’s (BILD) Race for Humanity, directing volunteers and continually supporting Habitat for Humanity and major association charitable events, and lecturing in post-secondary classrooms.Both Ontario Builder and Renovator of the Year Awards are presented to companies that demonstrate outstanding professionalism and integrity within their business, industry and community. They are part of the Prestige awards category, and Prestige award finalists scored consistently high marks from judges throughout the competition categories, while the People's Choice Award is voted in by the general public.