Recognizing the Leaders Behind Ontario’s Residential Construction Industry

Great associations are built by exceptional people. The OHBA Association Awards celebrate the members and local HBAs whose leadership and commitment are making a lasting impact across Ontario’s residential construction industry.

If you know someone whose contributions deserve to be recognized, we encourage you to nominate them and help celebrate the people shaping the future of home building in Ontario!

Nominations Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 OHBA Chairs’ Gala, which will be held on Monday, September 28, at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario.

The OHBA Association Awards program adheres to the following submission eligibility guidelines and reserves the right to disqualify any nominee who does not meet them.

These awards are open to:

• OHBA Members – In good standing as of July 1, 2026
• Local Home Builders’ Association – In good standing as of July 1, 2026
• Local HBA Staff

Judging
These awards are judged by a group of association leaders comprised of Executive Committee members, Past Chairs and OHBA Staff.

Nominations will be judged according to the judging criteria set out for each award.
Each piece of judging criteria is given a score out of 10 and is weighted equally.

OHBA MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Presented to an OHBA member who has made a meaningful impact on the association network and Ontario’s residential construction industry over the last year. This individual leads by example, driving initiatives, advocating for the industry, and making a difference for members and communities.

Judging Criteria

• Leadership & Initiative
• Industry or Association Impact
• Advocacy or Community Engagement
• Commitment to OHBA Mission
• Peer Recognition or Influence

OHBA EMERGING LEADER

Celebrates an OHBA member under 40 who is actively shaping the future of the association and the industry through leadership, participation, and forward-thinking.

Judging Criteria

• Leadership Potential
• Association Involvement
• Innovation & Initiatives
• Industry Impact
• Peer or Mentor Influence

OHBA LOCAL ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR

Awarded to a local HBA that has demonstrated outstanding performance in advancing member value, community visibility, policy engagement, and organization strength.

Judging Criteria

• Member Engagement & Services
• Advocacy & Policy Impact
• Community Visibility
• Organizational Strength
• Innovation & Growth

ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP AWARD – HONOURING THE LEGACY OF DAVID HORTON

Recognizing an Executive Officer or association staff member who has demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to strengthening their local association and advancing the broader OHBA network.

Judging Criteria

• Organizational Impact
• Member Service & Support
• Leadership & Collaboration
• Contribution to Association Network
• Legacy & Professionalism

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The association’s highest individual honour, recognizing a member whose long-term contributions have profoundly advanced Ontario’s residential construction industry and strengthened the association network.

Judging Criteria

• Lifetime Contributions to Industry
• Leadership & Mentorship
• Association Service (Local/Provincial/National)
• Enduring Impact & Legacy
• Peer Respect & Recognition