From its humble beginnings as a small gathering of builders and suppliers in the New Westminster Legion Hall basement 50 years ago, to becoming the largest homebuilders association in BC and the second largest in Canada with over 1,100 members, HUDAC/GVHBA/HAVAN has truly come a long way.
Celebrating our 50th anniversary milestone this past Thursday gave us the opportunity to give tribute to the legacy of the past with a look forward to the promise of the future. It was a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of our association. To our founding members whose vision laid the groundwork, to our current members and volunteers whose passion drives us forward, and to all our partners and supporters who have stood by us through the years – it was a moment to say thank you.
And a celebration it was!
Four 50-year members were celebrated: Dan Glavind accepted an award on behalf of Dick’s Lumber and Building Supplies; Cecil Ballard and his son, Todd Ballard of Ballard Pre-Hung Doors & Hardware Ltd. were present; Andrew Brassington and Salvatore Ciarlo attended on behalf of Owens Corning Canada LP; and Steve Riley was present of S.P. Riley Residential Design Ltd. 50 years speaks volumes to your belief in the value of the association, as does the 90%+ retention rate of our members over the years.
PHOTO: Cecil Ballard and Henri Belisle.
The event emceed by Henri Belisle, HAVAN’s current board chair, featured guest speakers Matt McCurrach, CHBA’s current national president, and Mark Bernhardt, CHBA BC president, who spoke on behalf of Neil Moody, CHBA BC CEO. Steve Riley shared a message of congratulations from our former CEO Peter Simpson (1993-2012) who called for ‘More red carpet, less red tape,’ and Dan Glavind relayed well wishes from Bob deWit, CEO (2013-2019), and Ron Rapp, our current CEO.
Despite our senior members being unable to attend due to illness or family emergencies, the celebration felt like a warm ‘gathering of friends’ akin to hosting a party at your parent’s house while they were away for the weekend.
And just like working with professionals to build a home, when you want to design a party to remember, you call in the professionals.
A huge shout out to Brian Jessel BMW for hosting this amazing event. The details, from valet parking, delectable appetizers, signature beverages, signage, HAVAN-branded beer, to the entertainment Platform on Camera Dancers, and all the added touches in between, were superbly executed by our gracious host, Abdel Karim Awwad. Your team helped HAVAN knock this small gathering of 500 people out of the neighbourhood!
Guests were also treated to a unique “Phone Guest Book” to leave messages, share fond memories, or congratulate the association. Take-home gifts included a HAVAN 50th pin, retro buttons, a set of HAVAN-branded coasters resembling six 45’s with a QR code linking to music through the decades, and a postcard with a QR code to view archival photos shared at the event.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to our HAVAN Sponsors. This celebration of our collective efforts would not have been possible without your support.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
LEGACY SPONSORS
Federated Insurance, PD Moore Homes Inc, Polygon Homes Ltd.,
Qualico Developments Inc (Van) and Streetside Developments,
Tien Sher Group
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR
MARQUEE SPONSOR
FRIEND OF HAVAN SPONSORS
777ecounting, BC Hydro, Hoskins Homes,
Highland Landscapes, IRL Construction Ltd., Pacific Art Stone,
PacificRim Cabinets, PHF Ventures, Urban Fireplaces, Vicostone
HAVAN SUPPORTER SPONSORS
Adera Development Corp, Airfoam, ALH Design Builders Ltd,
Ames Tile & Stone Ltd., Centra Windows, Condoworks,
Home Depot, Martin Knowles Photo/Media,
Nucor Rebar Fabrication, NWI Contracting, TQ Construction,
Trail Appliances, Varsa Windows and Doors, YAAT
VIDEO/IMAGE SPONSOR
HAVAN continues to work with CHBA BC and CHBA to advocate for all levels of government to work together to address the challenges of the housing industry including zoning restrictions, density limits, and NIMBYism.
Looking to stay up-to-date on Metro Vancouver’s residential housing industry? Sign up for Ron’s weekly Monday Morning Briefing and other HAVAN emails here.
QUICK BITES …
- Last Thursday also saw the federal government announcing $204.8 million to build 404 rental homes through two projects in Vancouver. The funding will come as a fully repayable low-interest loans through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP).
- And more money is being handed out by the Liberal government who launched a $1.5B program to build more co-op housing.
- Vancouver did approve new water heater standards for replacement water heaters in the City, to take effect February 2025.
- And if you are following the North Shore $3.86B wastewater treatment plant fiasco, here is timeline to help explain the past 11 years, and Metro Vancouver’s approved cost-sharing plan.
- BIV reports softer than usual sales in May as per the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver noting sales were down due in part to higher borrowing costs, to worries about the economy, to policy interventions imposed by various levels of government.
- BC Housing’s May New Housing Report is out. In the first five months of 2024, 18,892 new homes were registered in B.C., including 2,633 single detached and 16,259 multi-unit homes. So far in 2024, total home registrations are down 1.4% from 2023.
- Rate cuts won’t spur immediate rebound in Canada’s economy, as per RBC Macroeconomic Outlook
- Two local upcoming tours/courses:
- Industrial Lands Walking Tour: Mt Pleasant Vancouver – June 22, Saturday, 10:30 am to Noon
- Learn the Basics of Urban Planning: One-Day Live Online Class – July 27, Saturday, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm PST
