Message from Brian Trenchard, VRBA President 2025-26 

As 2025/26 President, it is a pleasure to be part of an outstanding VRBA team, building our community. I want to thank Russ Barry, Past President for his leadership.

I look forward to continuing to work with Russ and the Board of Directors to address the challenges of rising costs on housing such as development cost charges. Joining me on the Board in 2025/26 are:

Past President:  Russ Barry, Interactive Construction Inc

First Vice President: Christopher Walker,  Christopher Developments Inc

Second Vice President: Amandeep Gill, Patriot Homes Ltd

Treasurer: Rob Mickelberry, Prodigy Development Services Ltd

Builders’ Council Chair: Christopher Walker,  Christopher Developments Inc

Suppliers and Trades Council Chair: Darrell Ell, Island ICF Foundation Supplies Inc

Directors:

Ryan Breuker, Oak Bay Construction Ltd

Darrell Ell, Island ICF Foundation Supplies Inc

Maureen Elmer, K2 Stone Inc

Peter Forbes, PJF Construction Ltd

Dani Metzmeier, Times Colonist

Thomas Sercombe, TEKloch Homes Ltd

Kyle Velikovsky, White Wolf Homes Ltd

At VRBA’s Annual General Meeting, the following awards were presented:

Jerry Hepburn Award Memorial Award for integrity & professionalism – Dusty Delain, Amity Construction

Mike Kipot Award for contributions to the industry – Tim Schauerte, James’ Joinery

Sponsors Appreciation Award for supporting VRBA and the CARE Awards – Cantu Bathrooms and Hardware / Phylrich

Marilyn Ann Lee Award for service and support – Spencer Evans, FortisBC

VRBA Service Award for valuable contributions – Mike Dalton, Citta Group, outgoing Past President

VRBA Service Award for important CPD education at Builders Council  – Murray Frank, Building It Right

In addition, I appreciate the President’s Award from Russ Barry for service to the association. VRBA will continue its leadership in professionalism, education, and housing affordability.

VRBA gives back to the community through fundraisers such as the Festival of Trees for the BC Children’s Hospital, Threshold Housing Society, Habitat for Humanity, CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, and T-C Christmas Fund. Join us in building exceptional homes and communities.

Thank you for your support!

This column appears Wednesdays in the Times Colonist.

Visit us at vrba.ca and careawards.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.