Boskovich takes on position as board chairman of BILD
It’s been a year of substantial new roles for Paul Boskovich. Not only was the 37-year-old unveiled as new president of Genstar Development Co. in January, but he’s also moved into the top spot on the board of an association representing the residential industry in the Calgary region.
“As an industry, we’ve seen a lot of change, and what we have today is a very strong organization with BILD Calgary Region,” he says. “I’m looking forward to providing some leadership to the organization as we’re faced with some challenges and some opportunities.
“On one hand, we have some economic challenges, but on the other hand, I think we’ve got a stronger relationship with the municipalities in the region than we’ve had at any time in the last number of years. So there are opportunities to execute on delivering some really fantastic developments, and improving the housing sector for all of our membership, and for the homebuyer, who is ultimately the end benefactor of what we do.”
Boskovich will serve as chairman for BILD (Building Industry and Land Development) Calgary Region on a one-year term, taking over from Darryl Conroy of Borger Group of Companies.
Boskovich and Conroy join re-elected board members: Justin Bobier of Crystal Creek Homes, Collin Campbell of Mattamy Homes, Elaine Doel of McKee Homes, Brett Friesen of Hopewell Residential, Wendy Going of Timber Tech Truss, CEO of BILD Calgary Region Guy Huntingford, Shannon Lenstra of Kon-Strux Developments, Ian Nash of Brookfield Residential, James Robertson of West Campus Development Trust, and Mark Wynker of Stantec Consulting.
The newly elected members include Ryan Boyd of Brookfield, Michael Cundy of Regal Building Materials, Mike Foster of Rob’s Drywall Services, Jill Huber of Excel Homes, Jane Power of Urban Systems, Sean Nolan of Excel Homes, and Kathy Oberg of B&A Planning Group.
In 2016, BILD Calgary Region was formed through the amalgamation of the Canadian Home Builders Association-Calgary Region and Urban Development Institute Calgary.
On the improved relations between the residential industry and municipalities in which it builds and develops, Boskovich says this amalgamation deserves credit.
“We’ve been able to create a bigger tent, which provides a good, consistent message to the municipalities,” he says.
“On the other side of the equation, I think the municipalities have recognized what we contribute both economically and socially to the region. It’s a two-way street, and I think there’s a lot of respect in the room.
With lower energy prices weighing on the provincial economy in recent years, new residential construction pulled back. But as Boskovich says, economic indicators are improving.
“I think there has certainly been challenges for a lot of our membership from the economic conditions, but I think we have a fair amount of stability in the market, which isn’t necessarily the case in other parts of the country,” he adds, noting there’s a good, solid market to build upon.
Boskovich says he’s optimistic they can move forward and see some growth in economic activity in the region.
Among the priorities for the current board of directors is an aim to grow the BILD Calgary Region membership, member engagement, and potential changes to policy and legislation.
I think we have a fair amount of stability in the market, which isn’t necessarily the case in other parts of the country.