In an exciting move that serves to recognize long-time builders and developers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is launching the Trusted Builder Program.
The program recognizes tenured builder and developer members — those that have been BILD members for at least 25 years or more — for their steadfast commitment to meeting the development needs of the GTA and consistently working with BILD through the many ups and downs the market has experienced over the last half-century.
To qualify as a Trusted Builder/Developer, a company must be a minimum 25-year member of BILD, have no unresolved code of ethics complaints and be in good standing with the association.
The idea, BILD President David Wilkes says, is to shed much-deserved light on committed and trustworthy builders.
"This program takes what we’ve been doing internally, in recognizing the members of the association that have had a long tenure, and sharing that information with the market," Wilkes tells STOREYS. "It's a way to recognize their commitment to the collaborative work we do at BILD in order to develop policies and programs that allow us to build the homes that the GTA requires."
Though over 80 members currently qualify for the designation, a key goal of the Trusted Builder Program is not only to recognize tenured companies, but to inspire newer members to strive for that same recognition. "We have over 500 builder and developer members overall, and we anticipate that many more will qualify by continuing their relationship with the association as the program moves forward," says Wilkes.
So what does it mean to receive the Trusted Builder/Developer designation?
Experience
Trusted Builders/Developers have the advantage of having built and developed in the GTA and grown alongside BILD for at least 25 years. This sheer experience lends them a high level of expertise that ensures their products are not only built with care and quality, but with confidence and skill.
It also means that they have weathered their fair share of adversities, and have come out the other side.
"Over the last 50 years, interest rates have been as high as 22%, and we’ve gone from expanding out to building up. We’ve seen the rise of condominiums, of stacked townhouses, we’ve had nine different premiers with different policies, far too many mayors to count, as many as 10 different iterations of the building code [...] and at least five recessions," says Wilkes. "The companies that are recognized in this program are companies that have worked with BILD to adjust to these changes and the varying market conditions."
The program credits long-time members for their longevity and consistency over the long-term. "It's a demonstration, if you will, of the fact that they recognize the need to 'be in it for the long haul;' to support their association, not only in good times but in difficult times — such as the one we’re going through right now," says Wilkes.
Tenure
While experience plays a main role in distinguishing a Trusted Builder or Developer, all with the designation are also accredited builders in Ontario, are fully licensed, and meet the highest building codes and regulations in the province.
Wilkes highlights that buying from any member of BILD comes with the same commitment to the code of ethics and to having no outstanding complaints; Trusted Builders/Developers are, however, specifically recognized for their long-standing commitment to these requirements over time.
"This program highlights those who have supported the association through the longer term," he says. "But whether you’ve been a BILD member for one year or 50, people can still purchase with trust."
Community
Finally, BILD and its membership are dedicated to serving the GTA and all its various communities, and members of the Trusted Builder Program reflect that dedication in their unwavering commitment to enhancing those communities in which their customers — and they themselves — have roots.
"It's very hard to look around without seeing a contribution from a builder/developer to our city, whether it's philanthropic efforts or supporting universities, hospitals, public art, community centres, and arenas," says Wilkes. "The program is another way to recognize those commitments from all our members, regardless of tenure, but those that have been in the industry for a long time can proudly point to the contributions and the support they’ve provided."
BILD and its members are long-time players in the GTA development scene. While some Trusted Builders/Developers have been working to enhance cityscapes across the region for 25 years or more, the association itself has been around for over a century, supporting builders through the GTA's many evolutions.
Throughout the years, BILD has remained dedicated to recognizing the hard work of its members, and the Trusted Builder Program is just the latest effort to further amplify their labours.
"If you look at what the key role of our association is, it’s really to enhance the standards, environment, and policy framework that are impacting our markets and to provide a platform for industry to come together to educate each other and raise the bar," says Wilkes. "We wanted to share with the public the commitment these companies have to the association, and demonstrate what our association stands for."
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
