The 2017 Fraser Valley Housing Awards of Excellence
February 15, 2017
Driving snow, bitter winds, and icy roads simply couldn’t put a damper on the high spirits and enthusiasm that accompanied the inaugural Fraser Valley Housing Awards of Excellence Gala. On Feb. 4, 2017, almost 200 members and industry watchers gathered at the Quality Hotel and Conference Centre in Abbotsford, to celebrate the crème de la crème in the residential construction industry. And as the winners were announced, it became more evident than ever that Fraser Valley builders and renovators are taking their place among the best of the best in British Columbia.
“Fraser Valley builders and renovators have been creating amazing homes for years,” says Lesa Lacey, president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) of the Fraser Valley and co-owner of Lacey Developments Ltd. “It’s exciting to finally have an awards program that honours the expertise of the people and companies who build for the families who live right here in the Fraser Valley.”
“The Fraser Valley market is unique and totally separate from Vancouver,” notes Gary Friend, owner of South Ridge Developments Ltd., adding that Abbotsford/Mission is now recognized as it’s own census metropolitan area (CMA).
“It used to be all about price, building entry-level homes for first time buyers. Now we’ve got many small, often family-owned companies that are quietly doing excellent, cutting-edge projects without necessarily being recognized for the work they do. I believe that when builders realize what winning an award like this — one that’s judged by their peers — can do for their credibility, participation will keep getting stronger.”
Farmhouse Charm (Life Above) was one of two timber-frame projects that earned South Ridge the coveted Custom Home Builder of the Year, an innovative reimagining of an entertainer’s dream home integrated above a state-of-the-art barn.
Rav Hayer, principle of Hayer Builders Group, sees the trend toward townhomes continuing strong on the south side of the bridges. “The new single-family home in the Valley is becoming a three-level townhome with a side-by-side garage… which is our primary focus.” Innovations that wowed the judges and propelled Hayer Builders Group to four gold awards — including the prestigious Multi-Family Home Builder of the Year — included the first townhome development in Langley’s Willoughby neighbourhood to offer private, rooftop decks followed by Summit, a Surrey community currently underway that featuring an innovative, spit-level design plus rooftop decks structurally engineered to be hot-tub friendly.
In his opening remarks, Bob Finnigan, president of CHBA National, summed everything up in one short, concise statement: “An event like this inspires us and reminds us what we contribute to Canada — great homes and great renovations.”
For a complete list of winners and more information about CHBA-FV, visit chbafv.com.