KELOWNA, BC – The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Okanagan (CHBA-CO) announced today that Darren Witt is its new president. Witt is president of Bercum Builders and brings 35 years of construction experience to the leadership of the association. As a 3rd generation general contractor & Architectural Technologist, Darren’s experience spans Commercial, Residential, Contract Administration and Safety in the industry.

Witt’s appointment comes as the residential construction industry in the Okanagan faces a barrage of challenges that continue to add to the issue of housing affordability. Whether its shortages of construction materials, a lack of trades talent locally, upcoming changes Building Code, rising municipal fees, or the rapidly growing population in the Okanagan, all of these factors are adding to the ‘perfect storm’ that has put home ownership out of reach for many.

Photo Caption: Darren Witt, president of Bercum Builders and CHBA-CO

Photo Credit: Provided by CHBA-CO

“The way we built homes five years ago will be vastly different than the way we’ll build in the next five years, and I believe our builders are up for the challenge.” says Witt, “. Our challenge will be to provide our clients with innovative new construction techniques and materials to provide affordable housing models.”

The CHBA-CO has set the goal of driving a high standard of quality control, service, affordability and innovation through the CHBA-CO contractor certification. Certification provides consumers with the knowledge to choose suppliers confidently. The CHBA-CO prides itself on the quality of its members, and provides consumers with a reputable source for hiring home builders, renovators, designers, or suppliers.

Government relations and advocacy are top on the new president’s agenda. “Our region is growing, and climate change is redefining the way we build homes. Our goal is to collaborate with city staff and educate elected officials about the effects these issues have on our industry, and housing affordability overall” says Witt.

In the Central Okanagan, residential construction is one of the largest economic drivers, employing over 12,500 local residents and contributing nearly $1.5 billion dollars in economic impact to the region.

In addition, the following members have been appointed to the Board of Directors

• Krista Paine – Vice President – Ian Paine Construction and Design
• Tyler Krenz – Treasurer – Grant Thornton LLP
• Cassidy deVeer – Past President – 3^rd Generation Homes
• Mark Danielson – Pushor Mitchell LLP
• Sherri Paiement - Telus
• Sandy Morris – Sandmor Construction
• Ranvir Nahal – Sunterra Custom Homes
• Jacob Kuiken – Everton Ridge Homes
• Michael Chatham – Chatham Homes on the Hill Ltd.
• Kendra Dunn – Isabey Interiors
• Andrea Eichberger – Csek Creative
• Chuck Cullen – Team Construction

About the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Okanagan:

CHBA-CO is the voice of the residential construction industry in the Central Okanagan. Representing over 260 members, the CHBA-CO advocates on behalf and provides education and networking opportunities for builders, renovators, interior designers, and the suppliers and trade companies they employ. Locally, CHBA-CO members have created over 16,000 local jobs. One in five employees in British Columbia work in the home building industry. Membership includes home builders, renovators, land developers, interior designers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, building product suppliers, lending institutions, insurance providers, and service professionals. For more information visit www.chbaco.com