PAGE A4 – March 2009 – The GTA Construction Report
Editor’s
Publisher’s
column
viewpoint
Matthew Desrosiers
By Chase
I just got back from Quebec City today and The conference speakers all delivered inter-
It must be AGM season!
I am trying to reflect back on everything that esting takes on the current status of the econ-
It’s the time of year when associations and organizations across the
happened the past few days here at the Cana- omy and the home building industry in Canada.
province gather their members to discuss the upcoming year, and how
dian Home Builder Association National Con- My personal impressions from all the people I
ference. Where do I start? have spoken with are that the great companies
they plan to overcome various trials.
The event ran from Friday February 27 to are still busy. By great I mean they have a good
This year’s big issue? No surprise here… it’s the economy.
Sunday March 1 and showcased the leading reputation and have delivered exceptional qual-
The consensus seems to be that the infrastructure moneys promised
builders and renovators from across Canada, ity in the past. Now with the “Great Recession”
in the budget will greatly improve the health of our industry. The only with Ontario represented very nicely. This was the companies who took care of their customers
thing people aren’t sure of just yet is when we’ll actually start seeing
the first national event that we have attended are still thriving while those who did not are
those dollars.
and as it was relatively close to our head office failing. The next two quarters will effectively
Council of Ontario Construction Associations’ (COCA) president Ian
in Ottawa, it made sense to attend. I hope I can see a thinning of the home building industry
Cunningham said, after their recent AGM, that they planned on advo-
sell the idea of attending the event in Victoria, with the strong and reputable companies re-
British Columbia to Mark Buckshon, the pub- maining.
cating strongly for the quick release of those promised dollars, in a re-
lisher, for next year. No sooner did I get off the train did I have to
sponsible way. Clearly, it’s important the money gets out fast, but at the
The event was a great chance to reconnect pack up my stuff to head over to the National
same time, we need to ensure it’s not squandered.
and network with members from Barrie such as Heavy Equipment Show at the International
Despite the daunting economic future, this infrastructure spending Sheila Hissa who won the National Executive Centre in Toronto which ran March 4 to the 5.
seems to offer some hope for many companies. They’re chomping at
Office Award, Mark Basciano past OHBA pres- As I am submitting this report I am about to
the bit to get started and help rebuild our crumbling economy. Until the
ident from Niagara as well as Mark Martin and head out, so I will report in April my impres-
money gets out and we start seeing results, however, all we can do is
John Herbert from Ottawa. I also had a chance sions of attending this event for the first time.
wait and hope for the best.
to meet some other companies such as Pioneer First quarter is wrapping up and it is only get-
Craftsman and New Horizon Homes who each ting busier!
In the meantime, things move on as usual across the province. It’s
won awards. As I spoke with Conni Robinson Chase is the Director of Marketing and
not as though work has completely stopped just yet. Buildings are going
the Director of Marketing for New Horizon Client Relations for the Construction News and
up all over the place, and exciting new projects are ready to get started.
Homes, I commented on how funny it was I had Report Group as well as the Associate Publisher
Though some have been put off for now, there’s still plenty for us to re- to travel to Quebec to meet with her when we for the GTA Construction Report and Ontario
port on.
are only 40 minutes apart in Ontario. The event Construction Report. If you have any recom-
You’ll notice Habitat for Humanity continues its work, building qual-
allowed everyone a relaxed environment to mendations or suggestions on changes you
ity and affordable homes. While it’s not breaking news every time they
simply talk. would like to make for the papers please contact
put up a new house, what is exciting is the way communities are getting
him toll free at 1-888-432-3555 ext 211 or
email him chase@cnrgp.com or visit us online
involved. You’ll read about exciting fundraisers in both Ottawa and Ni-
at www.cnrgp.com
agara this past month. In Ottawa, students at two local high schools are
building playhouses to be raffled off for Habitat. While in Niagara, col-
lege students have organized a series of original events, supported by the
community.
Not to be left out, Northern Ontario has it’s own set of exciting com-
munity projects coming up, including North Bay’s One Kid’s Place,
which is nearing completion. This facility will benefit children in the
community
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not just focus on how bad things are getting. We welcome your news about upcoming projects, company anniversaries and special events.
This can be said for the rest of the province as well. It’s a statement
Fax your news releases to 613-224-1076. Daily update data on upcoming projects, including
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to our resilience that, in the face of an economic downfall, we continue
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to build and strengthen our communities.
When the money starts to flow, and our economy is strong again,
we’ll be much better off for our efforts during these hard times.
President: Mark Buckshon
Publisher: Chase
Editor: Matthew Desrosiers 888-432-3555 ext 111
Director of Sales and Advertising, GTA,
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