Demonstrating both technical excellence and innovation while integrating green, energy efficiency building practices earned Steve Snider Construction Inc. the Building Innovation and Excellence award.

“All 2011 winners represent Ontario’s best and brightest in sustainable building, and are making exciting things happen across the industry. We are privileged to work in an industry with so many true innovators and leaders guiding sustainable building now and for the future.” said EnerQuality President Corey McBurney.

About EnerQuality
EnerQuality Corporation (www.enerquality.ca) is the market leader in green building programs. Founded in 1998 as a partnership between the Ontario Home Builders’ Association and the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance, EnerQuality’s mission is to transform Ontario’s housing into the most energy efficient and sustainable in the world.

Walk-in bathtubs
Wheel-in showers
Widening passage doors
Lowering existing counters/cupboards

The new President and guest MC Jim Caruk discussing initiatives that will ‘grow’ the Association in numbers and in vision, while at the same time continuing to work with government and industry partners on issues affecting the home building industry and our communities here in Durham.

Our President’s Star award for Outstanding Achievement goes to an individual who – and this is to coin a phrase in keeping with this evening’s theme – has truly taken the bull by the horns. Her enthusiasm in everything she does for this Association is highly contagious and she motivates our board and members through the positive energy that she emits. She has spearheaded our membership and marketing committee and has taken us to new heights with social media and improving our website to give our members more value for their membership. She is always willing to volunteer her services to this Association and contributes to the betterment of the Durham Region Home Builders’ Association. It gives me great pleasure to present this award to Elfie Hayes of Mortgage Intelligence. Congratulations Elfie.

DRHBA President Stephen Snider said’ “In an aging society it is important that options are provided allowing seniors to age-in-place and live with dignity in safe and familiar surroundings. Adapting and improving Ontario’s housing stock with retrofits to improve accessibility is an important recognition of our changing demographic realities and the value of renovations conducted by professional contractors.”

Snider commented, “we strongly believe that a renovation tax credit will encourage home owners to collect receipts and hire legitimate business rather than paying cash under the table. The underground ‘cash’ economy is rampant in the renovation sector and the Healthy Home Renovation Tax Credit should help combat illegal activity.” Of the over $23 billion spend on renovations in Ontario, it is estimated over $5 billion is conducted by illegal underground contractors.

Earlier this year the CRA noted that 3 million Canadian participated in the stimulus focused federal Home Renovation Tax Credit, which gave the Canadian economy a shot in the arm in the midst of the worldwide economic crisis. Analysts have estimated it pumped an additional $4.3 billion in renovation investment into the economy as well as reduced underground economic activity through the collection of tax receipts.

The Durham Region Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in Durham representing over 160 member companies. The Durham Region Home Builders’ Association is proudly affiliated with the Ontario and Canadian Home Builders’ Associations.