Agenda Subject to Change
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Conference Registration Desk
Welcome to Fallsview Casino Resort in beautiful Niagara Falls, Ontario!
Visit the Conference Centre on the lower level to pick up your conference kit, which includes your badge, event tickets, and supplies for the OHBA Conference.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Lower Level
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
OHBA Executive Officers Council Meeting
OHBA welcomes all Chapter Executive Officers for a roundtable discussion. We will share best practices, hear from partners, and discuss the year to come at OHBA.
** Lunch will be served.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Maple A
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
OHBA Renovator Council Meeting
OHBA welcomes all renovator members to attend this council meeting. We will discuss priorities for the OHBA Renovator Council in the year ahead, including how to increase renovator membership across the province.
If you are interested in attending this council meeting, please email pnewman@ohba.ca
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Maple B
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
OHBA Board of Directors Meeting
Setting course for the association is an important part of the OHBA Conference.
Board of Director Members, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Executive Officers are welcome to join.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall D
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Opening Reception
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we open the 2024 OHBA Conference! This opening night reception provides a great opportunity to network with both new and familiar colleagues in a fun and interactive setting.
Enjoy a beautiful walk along the falls or hop on the shuttle bus at the FCR Bus Terminal. Shuttle runs on a continuous loop from 6:45 PM – 12:00 AM.
Location: Niagara Distillery, 4915-B Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N5
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Conference Registration
Welcome to Day 2 of the OHBA Conference! Check in for a day of association business and learning.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
8:00 AM
Conference Breakfast
Grab your breakfast and prepare for a day of learning.
Programming begins promptly at 8:30 AM.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Conference Kick-Off
It’s time to get the 2024 OHBA Conference program underway, and you will not want to miss our first speaker:
The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
8:45 AM – 9:30 AM
Provincial Policy: Q&A with Ontario Ministers
We are excited to introduce a new forum at this year’s conference for members to hear directly from Ontario Cabinet Ministers on evolving policies affecting housing and new home construction in the province.
In this moderated forum, we will be putting questions to the Ministers on topics and issues of direct interest to our members, allowing them to provide their responses directly to those in attendance. Whether your interests lie in regulatory changes, housing affordability, energy, skilled trades, student housing, or economic development, this session offers a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the residential construction sector.
Panel of Ministers
-
Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery
- Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy & Electrification
- Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education
- Hon. Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities
- Hon. Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries
- Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation
We invite attendees to submit questions that will be reviewed by OHBA staff and amalgamated into industry questions that will be posed to the appropriate Minister and to allow the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible to the Ministers on the stage.
Use the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ button below to submit your question. Members can ask more than one question, but should submit each one separately, and indicate which Minister you wish to address your question to.
When submitting questions, we ask you to keep the following in mind:
- The questions should be applicable to the industry, and not specific to a particular building project or local issue. The purpose of this forum is to provide everyone present with the benefit of industry-wide issues and policy concerns
- The question must be put forward in an respectful manner, and should be framed not as a particular criticism, but rather asking how the government intends to deal with or respond to an industry issue that is the topic of your question.
This session should generate some interesting and informative dialogue and will highlight how the solutions to the current housing challenge will require a government-wide approach.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Annual Meeting of Members
The Annual Meeting of Members is an opportunity to provide updates to association membership, review financial information about the organization, and discuss the path forward for OHBA, including the confirmation of the 2024/2025 OHBA Board of Directors.
All OHBA members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Networking Break
Refuel after a full morning of programming and connect with colleagues at the Networking Lounge.
Networking Lounge Features:
- Work stations to catch up on emails and calls
- Get a new headshot to update your profiles
- Meet with the RenoMark team to learn more about the benefits of verification
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Future of OHBA: A Fireside Chat
To close our morning program, join OHBA leadership for a fireside chat on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going as an association.
You do not want to miss this conversation for some exciting announcements on the future of OHBA.
Speakers:
- Scott Andison, Chief Executive Officer, OHBA
- Dave Depencier, Outgoing Board Chair, OHBA
- Mike Memme, Incoming Board Chair, OHBA
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Conference Lunch – Building a Brighter Future, Together
Ontario is in a stage of unprecedented transformation and growth, which Hydro One is uniquely positioned to enable. Join Hydro One’s Teri French, Executive Vice President of Safety, Operations and Customer Experience who will share more about how we’ll meet our common goal of providing affordable homes for the next generation – powered by clean, reliable electricity.
Teri French, Executive Vice President, Safety, Operations and Customer Experience, Hydro One
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
What is AI and Why Should Home Builders Pay Attention?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future—it’s here, reshaping industries worldwide. This session will explore the transformative impact of AI on the homebuilding industry. You’ll discover how AI tools can help homebuilders understand buyer behavior, predict market demand, and streamline operations, offering resilience against market shifts. Learn how to identify the right AI partner to ensure seamless integration and lasting value for your business. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve with AI-powered strategies that can boost certainty and control in your operations.
Speakers:
- Will Zhang, CEO, OpenHouse.ai
- Andrea Malovic, Account Executive, OpenHouse.ai
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall D
Sustainable Success: Growing Your Company in Ontario’s Evolving Market
Ontario’s unpredictable housing market is challenging, but your business can still grow. Learn how to refine your business plan and internal operations, attract new business, and effectively manage growth.
In this session, we’ll explore how to build a sustainable business plan and make strategic staffing decisions to ensure long-term success.
- Key market insights and how they impact your business
- The importance of updating your business plan for growth
- Selling your company’s unique benefits in a tighter market
- Strategic hiring to boost efficiency and eliminate bottlenecks
This session is geared towards Renovators, Custom Builders and Small – Medium Businesses.
Speakers:
- Keith Kristalovich, VP, Education and Training, Training Ontario
- Steve Barkhouse, Owner, Amsted Design-Build
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall E
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Networking Break
Refuel for the final session of the day and continue the conversation in our networking lounge.
Networking Lounge Features:
- Work stations to catch up on emails and calls
- Get a new headshot to update your profiles
- Meet with the RenoMark team to learn more about the benefits of verification
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
The Future of Development: Innovation and Trends
Step into the future of development with our forward-thinking session on emerging and future trends combined with the pivotal role of changing policy in the residential construction industry. This session will provide a high-level, comprehensive discussion of the latest regulatory advancements, best practices, government initiatives, influences and impacts, and market and political shifts shaping the future of development.
Explore how policy initiatives coming out of all levels of government are changing the way we design, construct, and manage development projects. Gain insights into the latest trends and practices in market housing, urban planning, purpose-built rentals and designing complete communities, and discover how proactive policy-making and strategic advocacy can help to redefine our built environment.
Our panel of industry and policy experts will share their vision and predictions, discuss the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing policy landscape and offer valuable perspectives on how community builders can stay ahead of the curve and leverage these initiatives and changes to create well-planned more efficient, and more resilient developments.
Whether you’re a developer, builder, planner, policy-maker, or industry enthusiast, this session will equip you with the knowledge and foresight needed to navigate and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of development and policy.
Moderator: Paula Tenuta, MCIP, RPP, Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, BILD
Speakers:
- Cheryl Shindruk, Executive VP, Geranium
- Terri Johns, Founder & President, Landwise
- Jill Hogan, Commissioner, Development Services, Town of Milton
- Adria Minsky, Director, Public Affairs, Mattamy Homes
- Eileen Costello, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall D
Advancing Projects for Small and Custom Home Builders
Join us for an in-depth session tailored specifically for small and custom home builders. In this session, we will explore unique strategies and best practices for advancing residential projects from concept to completion. Discover how small builders can leverage their flexibility, personalized service, and attention to detail to stand out in a competitive market.
We’ll also delve into the distinct differences between small/custom home builders and high-rise developers in today’s market, focusing on project scale, client interaction, construction methodologies, and interacting with municipal actors. Learn how to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that come with building infill, low-rise, and custom homes, and walk away with actionable insights to elevate your building projects.
Whether you are an established builder or just starting out, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to successfully manage and grow your business in the dynamic world of residential construction.
Moderator: Kirstin Jensen, Vice President, Policy, Advocacy & Relationships, OHBA
Speakers:
- Dave Depencier, Depencier Builders
- Andy Tran, Suite Additions
- Paul Demczak, Batory Urban Planning & Project Management
- Ike Keesmaat, Keesmaat Homes
- Charles Wah, Gateway Group
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall E
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Meet the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) and Tarion
New to the 2024 OHBA Conference! Join us for an opportunity to engage with representatives from Tarion and HCRA to learn about the new home regulatory landscape.
Discover the essential role these organizations play in Ontario’s home building ecosystem, from ensuring proper licensing compliance to the warranty program.
The session is open to those registered for the ‘Complete Conference Package’ or ‘Monday One-Day Package.’
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer – Networking Lounge
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Chair’s Gala – Pre-Reception
Join us for the pre-reception to mix and mingle with industry colleagues, discuss the day’s learnings, and prepare to celebrate our new Board Chair, Mike Memme!
Attire: Formal
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Chair’s Gala
The OHBA Chair’s Gala provides an opportunity to honour association leadership and members through a night of celebrations. This year, OHBA will induct our 56th Board Chair, Mr. Mike Memme, of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association.
Join us as we say “Thank You” to champions of this association and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our industry.
Attire: Formal
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Chair’s Gala – Post Reception
Keep the celebrations going at the Chairs’ Gala Post Reception!
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Conference Registration
Welcome to the final day of the OHBA Conference! Check-in for another day of education and networking. Have a question about where to go? We are here to help!
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
8:30 AM
Conference Breakfast
Grab your breakfast and pull up a chair for a full day of learning.
Programming begins promptly at 9:00 AM.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Ontarians Speak: Insights on Housing Climate, Home Ownership, and Deferred Dreams
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful breakfast session where we dive deep into the minds of Ontarians regarding the housing climate and the dream of home ownership.
Greg Lyle will unveil findings from a recent summer poll, offering a detailed summary of public opinion on the current hurdles to achieving home ownership. Discover who or what Ontarians perceive as the barriers and explore the underlying causes behind these perceptions. Greg’s unique approach not only dissects the data but also provides potential solutions to navigate the current housing landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the housing challenges facing Ontario today.
Speaker: Greg Lyle, President, Innovative Research
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Networking Break
Connect with colleagues in our Networking Lounge and prepare for the day of learning ahead.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Insights and Implications for the Future Code in Ontario
As Ontario continues to evolve, staying ahead of building code development is essential for ensuring safety, maintaining compliance, advancing sustainability, and maintaining a competitive edge in the construction industry. In this session, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association will share their insights on the harmonized code development process. Additionally, the session will delve into how the upcoming priorities in the 2025 and 2030 National Building Code (NBC) will shape future construction practices.
The discussion will also feature experts presenting their ongoing research and development efforts, which are set to influence future code changes.
Moderator: Andy Oding, Vice President, Building Knowledge Canada
Speakers:
- James Ross, Policy Manager, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Frank Lohman, Director, Building Science, Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)
- Pat Daniels, General Manager Construction Operations, Glenview Homes; Chair, OHBA Technical Committee
- Miyoko Oikawa, Senior Manager, Technical Services and Stakeholder Liaison
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Conference Lunch
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
Integrating Renewable Energy Sources and Planning for Future Technologies
This session will focus on the critical role of load management and renewable energy integration in shaping Ontario’s sustainable energy future. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the strategies and technologies that will be essential for optimizing energy use, enhancing grid stability, and reducing emissions. Industry experts will share insights into future practices, innovative solutions, and the evolving regulatory landscape, providing a comprehensive overview of how effective load management and renewable integration will ensure a balanced and efficient power supply for Ontario.
Moderator: Darren McIlwraith, Director, Low Carbon Solution, Enbridge Sustain
- Derek Hickson, Supervisor, Technical solution, Enbridge Sustain
- Carl Pawlowski, Senior Manager of Sustainable Development, Minto
- Brandon Herd, Project Manager – Community Growth, Oakville Hydro
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall D
Adapting to Building Code Changes: Strategies for Future-Proofing Your Business
Building on the morning session’s in-depth exploration of the National Building Code (NBC) priorities for 2025 and 2030, this session will shift focus to practical applications. Industry leaders who are already adapting to these upcoming changes will share their strategies, offering attendees invaluable insights into future-proofing their business planning and navigating the significant impacts these updates will have on building practices and regulatory compliance. By connecting the broader implications discussed earlier with actionable strategies, this session looks at how to stay ahead in Ontario’s evolving construction landscape.
Moderator: Alexis Minniti, Project Coordinator, Integrated Design & Building Science Services, Building Knowledge Canada
Speakers:
- Phillip Santana, Director, Sustainability, Mattamy Homes
- Lucas Bromerchenkel, Technical Services Representative, Concrete Ontario
- David Lomas, Canadian Business Development Manager, LP SmartSide
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall E
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Networking Break
Connect with colleagues in the networking lounge to discuss the day’s learnings and prepare for the final session of the conference.
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall Foyer
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
The Role of Multiplexes and Additional Housing Units in Addressing Ontario’s Housing Supply Challenges
This session will explore how multiplexes and additional residential units (ARUs) can significantly contribute to addressing Ontario’s housing crisis by increasing density in existing neighborhoods. Experts will discuss the policy frameworks, zoning challenges, and building code considerations that impact the development of these housing types, offering practical insights for builders, developers, planners, and policymakers on how to effectively implement these solutions while maintaining community character and promoting affordability.
Moderator: Alex Lukachko, Assistant Professor, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto
Speakers:
- Michael Piper, Assistant Professor, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto; Program co-lead, Re-Housing
- Brendan Charters, Development Manager, Eurodale Design + Build
- Lauren Romanowitch, Sales Manager, Pinewood Homes
- Santiago Zuluaga Mayorga, Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for the Sustainable Built Environment
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall D
Innovative Solutions to Housing Supply Barriers
This session will explore cutting-edge software and technology solutions designed to address Ontario’s housing supply challenges by reducing project timelines across all phases of construction. Attendees will discover strategies for streamlining processes in planning, design, permitting, construction, and project close-out. Industry experts will present these solutions and engage in a panel discussion to provide actionable insights for developers, builders, and policymakers committed to overcoming housing supply barriers.
Moderators: Danielle Hagen, Promise Robotics
Speakers:
- Ellen Hlozan, Director, Strategic Alliances, Trax.co
- Leigh St. Hilaire, Executive Director, Volta Research Inc.
- Marcos Silveira, Director of Engineering, Pinterra Inc.
- Samantha Eby, Executive Director, ReHousing
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall E
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Awards of Distinction – Pre-Reception
Get the celebrations started at the AoD Pre-Reception and prepare to cheer on our finalists and winners!
Attire: Semi-Formal
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Awards of Distinction Gala
Get ready to celebrate excellence in Ontario’s home-building industry at the highly anticipated 2024 OHBA Awards of Distinction Gala!
A night of recognition, this event honours the outstanding contributions of builders, developers, renovators, and industry professionals who have redefined the standards of innovation and craftsmanship.
Hosted by Comedian, TV Personality and Writer Graham Chittenden, this celebration is sure to be an unforgettable night!
Attire: Semi-Formal
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Awards of Distinction Gala – Post-Reception
Keep the celebrations going at the AoD Post Reception! Congratulate our finalists and winners, and network with clients new and old at the last event of the conference.
Attire: Semi-Formal
Location: Fallsview Casino Resort – Conference Centre – Grand Hall ABC
Ready to Register?
