Ontario Construction News staff writer
Georgian Communities of Barrie is a five-time finalist in the 2021 Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) National Awards for Housing Excellence. Sifton Properties Limited, London and The Tricar Group, London are also finalists in the Best mid- to high-rise category.
Finalists were announced recently in the annual competition, which recognizes the best in Canadian new homes, home renovations, community development and residential marketing. Fifty-three awards for excellence in housing will be presented during a virtual ceremony May 7 during CHBA’s Homebuilding Week in Canada.
“The entries in the competition this year represent the full spectrum of Canadian homes, from high rises to single-family homes, and from rental and entry-level homes to stunning custom builds,” CHBA CEO Kevin Lee said in a statement.
“The pandemic has been challenging for Canadians in many ways. One of things things many people have experienced is spending more time at home than ever before. Our homes have needed to function as a place not only to live, but also to work, learn and play.”
This year more than 730 entries of top projects from across the country were received, representing rural and urban communities. A geographically-diverse and expert panel of over 170 judges reviewed images, floor plans, and project descriptions before narrowing down the field.
“Our members worked with their clients through challenging times to still put forward the great housing projects they are known for, to meet the evolving needs of home,” Lee said. “Entries in the competition this year represent the full spectrum of Canadian homes, from high-rises to single family homes, and from rental and entry-level homes to stunning custom builds.”
New categories were added this year to capture new homes spaces in both production and custom homes including Best Custom Kitchen and Best Home Office. In marketing categories, the new Best Virtual Tour Experience was included.
“It’s incredible to see the variety in homes we have here in Canada, and the architectural elements that differ from coast to coast. But there’s a lot of pride in living in a country where we have this great mix of small family-run businesses and large companies – all who do amazing work building the communities and places that Canadians call home,” Lee said.
Award categories include:
- New Home Awards (16 in total)
- New Home Spaces Awards (8 awards)
- Net Zero Home Award (1 award)
- Modular Innovation Award (1 award)
- Home Renovation Awards (12 in total)
- Community Development Awards (2 award)
- Marketing Awards (13 in total)
Three major awards will also be presented: The Design Excellence Award, Renovation Excellence, and Marketing Excellence Award will each be presented to the home builder or renovator who has achieved the highest level of success in the respective new home, renovation, and marketing categories.
A complete listing by category of all the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence finalists is available on the awards page.