The 2025 Special Achievement Awards were presented to five exceptional contributors during the annual general meeting of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) on Mar. 27. The sold-out event was attended by 180 association members and guests.
Pat Daniels, Enercare, Cathy Mitchell, Renfroe Land Management / NovaTech Engineering (a shared win), and Murray Chown took home trophies honouring their contributions. The competition was stiff, with six to eight nominations for each award.
This year’s five awards were an increase from three in previous years. Older categories were also renamed.
The expansion and renaming “allow us to better reflect the future of GOHBA and the values and achievements we want to celebrate,” said Soula Burrell, GOHBA’s director of business development and membership, prior to the event.
“Whether it’s through leadership, community engagement, or outstanding professional contributions, our members continuously set the standard for excellence. By broadening our awards program, we’re not only celebrating success — we’re fostering a culture where achievement, innovation and collaboration are encouraged and appreciated.”
This year’s honourees are:
Pillar of the Community
Previously known as the Colonel Boss Award, this trophy is given to an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to serve GOHBA and the Ottawa community. The award went to Pat Daniels, who is GOHBA’s outgoing chair.
“I’m honoured,” said Daniels. “But this is really not about me, it’s about everybody and all the work they do. I love being part of this organization and giving back. I’m speechless — I never expected it.”
Outstanding Contribution
This award goes to a company member who has made exceptional and lasting contributions in their field, organization or community. Previously known as the Fred Neilsen Award, it was won this year by Enercare, represented by Linda Oliveri-Blanchard, a member of GOHBA’s board of directors and chair of the Housing Design Awards Committee.
“Enercare is thrilled to win,” said Oliveri-Blanchard. “We’re very happy to be part of this community and contribute to the success of the City of Ottawa.”
Both Oliveri-Blanchard and Enercare are previous Special Achievement Award winners.
MORE: 2024 Special Achievement Awards honour three winners
All-Star Contributor
Cathy Mitchell of BMO took home the award for All-Star Contributor. It is presented to an individual member who, in the first three years of membership, actively participates in GOHBA events, engages in the association’s initiatives and makes meaningful contributions to its success.
“Honestly, I was shocked to find out that I was at first nominated and then to win,” said Mitchell. “To myself, it is essential to recognize that membership in GOHBA implies a commitment to support and contribute. This should be a natural aspect of belonging to this wonderful organization. We are all “All Stars” in my eyes!”
Visionary Leadership
This award, shared by Renfroe Land Management and Novatech Engineering, is given to a company member that not only envisions bold and impactful goals but also inspires and guides others to achieve them.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” said David Renfroe of Renfroe Land Management, who last year won the Colonel Boss Award. “It’s all about the membership and all the companies that support the membership. I’m humbled and very grateful; it’s been an amazing year.”
Lifetime Achievement
Murray Chown took home this award, which honours sustained and meaningful involvement over many years demonstrating unwavering loyalty, passion and a spirit of service. Chown is director of planning and development at Novatech, so he also accepted the shared Visionary Leadership Award.
“I’m overwhelmed. I didn’t expect it. I’m so grateful to the organization,” he said.
Along with the awards and association business, the annual event featured guest speaker Matt McCurrach, president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. He spoke about the CHBA’s role as the housing industry’s national voice advocating with the federal government and recent accomplishments, including the association’s role in promoting the release of public lands for more housing.
The meeting also saw Pat Daniels pass the role of GOHBA chair to Serge Desjardins of Minto Communities.
