Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) marked its 75th anniversary during its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday (April 8), an event highlighted by robust financial results, industry awards, and a special proclamation from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
The meeting, held at the Saint Elias Banquet Centre, brought together builders, developers, renovators, and industry partners for what GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf described as the largest AGM in recent history.
Mayor Sutcliffe opened his address by praising the association’s tremendous growth, noting that its membership has increased by 67 per cent since 2021. To honour the association’s long-standing impact on the city, Sutcliffe officially proclaimed April 8, as “Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association Day”.
“About 26% of all new multi-residential housing in Ontario is being built right here in Ottawa,” Sutcliffe said. “More than a quarter of all multi-residential is happening here in Ottawa, even though we represent 7% of the population in the province.”
Sutcliffe also emphasized the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness and speeding up housing initiatives. The city has passed a motion to accelerate the construction of 550 supportive housing units, reducing the target timeline from 10 years to five years. Additionally, Sutcliffe shared that Ottawa is the first city in Canada to reach an agreement in principle with the new federal agency, Build Canada Homes, to construct 3,000 housing units, the majority of which will be affordable.
On the financial front, GOHBA is reporting its fifth consecutive year of financial growth and security. For the fiscal year ending Oct. 31, 2025, the association posted an operating net surplus of just over $168,000. This was driven almost exclusively by the success of GOHBA’s special events, which generated nearly $463,000 in net revenue.
The approved 2026 budget projects a stable membership base of 453 members and will hold membership fees at the same level as 2025. Recognizing the rapid growth of its event programming, the association has also invested in expanding its staff complement with a new permanent head of events.
The AGM also served as an occasion to honour members who have made exceptional contributions to the industry and the broader community, with over 30 nominations received this year.
The 2026 GOHBA Award winners are:
All-Star New Member Contributor: Mike Dambra from Dambra Flooring was honoured for his exceptional dedication and meaningful contributions within his first two years of involvement.
Philanthropy Award: Jenny Chen was recognized for her leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to inclusion that has strengthened both the industry and the community.
Outstanding Company Contribution: Reliance Holmes Heating and Cooling received the award for going above and beyond in advancing the industry, supporting employees, and demonstrating social responsibility.
Pillar of the Community: Candy King from Urbandale Construction was celebrated for her steadfast leadership and lasting impact over 22 years of building major Ottawa communities.
Visionary Leadership Award: Rosaline Hill, Principal Architect, Senior Planner, Development Consultant at RJH Architecture and Planning, was honoured for her significant impact in advocacy and residential infill, driving practical, solution-oriented improvements across the industry and the city.
Lifetime Achievement: Paul Scissons received this prestigious honour for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing professional renovation, notably through his work strengthening member engagement with Ottawa Renovates magazine for more than a decade.
Closing the formal business, Board chair Serge Desjardins reflected on the association’s recent successes, which included advocating for one of the largest housing tax breaks in recent history.
“Together, we have a responsibility to ensure that Ottawa remains a vibrant city where housing development meets the needs of our residents,” Desjardins said. Moving into 2026, the board plans to continue prioritizing member engagement, strategic planning, policy advocacy, and community impact.
