WEHBA event underlines importance of industry and members

The West End Home Builders’ Association (WEHBA) Industry Luncheon is one of the largest events in the housing and land development industry. It brings together the who’s who of the development, residential construction and renovation industries. On March 23, more than 300 leaders from the homebuilding and construction industries assembled at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton, to attend this annual event.

The association’s 2023 President Terri Johns’ spoke about the 80-year history of the association. “As president, I am proud to say that our members continue to lead when it comes to innovation, education and advocacy. While there is no doubt that we now find ourselves in challenging times, by standing strong with 300 member companies, we’re able to work together to support each other in delivering the homes Hamilton, Burlington and Grimsby needs.”

Goal-oriented businesses and diverse membership

The WEHBA was pleased to be joined by the new Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, who stated that the members of the WEHBA were a “remarkable group of goal-oriented businesses and diverse membership that help build transit oriented communities, accelerate intensification and build the missing middle housing that we so critically need.”

Mayor Horwath’s remarks were followed by an address from Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who discussed the municipal government role in housing. “We know our role is to set the conditions and plans and policy, while it is your role to show us the shovel – to get that shovel in the ground and build those homes.” She added, “We know that we are stronger when we work together.” The event emphasized the opportunity for the development industry and municipal sector to work together on housing solutions.

The luncheon also featured remarks by the WEHBA 2023 Charity of Choice, the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. Danielle Zucchet, CEO of the Hospice, is engaged in a campaign to raise $25 million to build a new children’s hospice for Hamilton. The hospice will offer end of life care for children, respite and pain and symptom management services, as well as grief and bereavement support for families. Hospice care allows children and their families to find joy and create memories on the hardest of days while receiving wrap-around medical excellence, in partnership with McMaster Children’s Hospital. WEHBA is pleased to be supporting such an important project in our local community.

Lasting contributions

Every year during the industry luncheon, the West End Home Builders’ Association recognizes a distinguished member, by inducting them into the Association’s Hall of Fame. The 2023 Hall of Fame inductee was WEHBA Past President and former president of Westpark Homes, Tony Battaglia. The family of Tony Battaglia was on hand to accept this special honour recognizing his efforts and achievements throughout his distinguished career in residential construction. The WEHBA Hall of Fame was instituted in 1990 for the purpose of recognizing those members who have historically made outstanding and lasting contributions to the association, the community or the industry.