Left to right, 2026 winners: Reza Kamrani, Crystal Ingram, Rose Choy (EO of CHBA Central Interior), Sue Wastell, Larry Clay (HAVAN member receiving on behalf of HAVAN), Jared Zaifman and Melissa Jonker.
process. Zaifman’s collaborative approach with volunteer leaders has revitalized board leadership. He instituted a new strategic plan and ensured ongoing engagement through dynamic events and programming, and his efforts have resulted in high member retention and growth, increased participation in HBA activities and a budget surplus each year. His advocacy has directly supported members’ business success by streamlining permit approvals, championing affordability initiatives and expanding networking and educational opportunities.
Community Service Award – CHBA – Central Interior
You may have heard of the amazing work of CHBA – Central Interior (based in Kamloops, BC) and its members before, notably their Training House: An impressive community service project that has been ongoing for 36 years. Members and staff work with their local university to build a fully permitted, code-compliant home as a training site for first-year trades students. Once complete, the home is donated to the YMCA as the grand prize for the annual Dream Home Lottery, funding programs such as child and youth services, after-school care, swimming lessons and wellness initiatives. In 2025, the project engaged 84 students across multiple trades and the home was built to Net Zero Ready,
BUILDINGEXCELLENCE.CA
helping future tradespeople learn energy-efficient practices that benefit local housing quality. More than 90 CHBA member companies contributed materials, labour, mentorship, leadership, $17,000 in donated tools and major funding support for trades education, including $50,000 to the local university’s Trades Endowment Fund.
HBA of the Year
HBA OF THE YEAR – SMALL HBA (FEWER THAN 200 MEMBERS) – GRAND HIGHLANDS HBA Grand Highlands HBA was recently formed through a merger of two local HBAs and a local development association. They leveraged social media, newsletters and a new website to keep members informed and engaged. The merger has strengthened members’ collective voice, expanded the HBA’s advocacy reach and enhanced benefits for members. Over the past year, Grand Highlands HBA achieved record-high membership and retention rates, introduced new committees to boost engagement and offered great member services, including monthly events, networking opportunities and a municipal monitoring service. Its advocacy efforts include extensive engagement with municipal and provincial officials, participation in committees and working groups, letter campaigns, and policy discussions to fight development charges, support
housing affordability and industry growth. With a strong focus on community engagement, Grand Highlands HBA also promotes skilled trades to youth, supports local charities by donating at least 15 per cent of its net income, and provides scholarships to students pursuing construction careers.
HBA OF THE YEAR – LARGE HBA (MORE THAN 200 MEMBERS) – HAVAN Homebuilders Association Vancouver has built a strong and vibrant member community through active committees, targeted networking events and robust member services. The HBA offers extensive educational programming, including 24 courses and a broad selection of on-demand learning, while charitable initiatives such as Coats for Kids and student scholarships demonstrate meaningful community impact. Member engagement is reinforced through onboarding, awards and innovative events such as Construction Social speed networking. HAVAN stands out for its government relations work, tackling policy challenges, producing influential reports and participating in more than 30 municipal Development Liaison Committee meetings in 2025. With strong communications, including newsletters, podcasts and an active online presence, plus strategic governance and inclusive councils such as Women’s and Young Professionals, HAVAN continues to lead in supporting members and advancing the residential construction industry.
SUMMER 2026
21