Annual Parade of Homes underway

Event continues through Sept. 22

It’s parade time in Lethbridge.

No, not for Whoop-Up Days or for a sports team.

Saturday was opening day of the 53rd annual Parade of Homes, hosted by the Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) Association Lethbridge. The event had its official launch with a champagne breakfast at The Coast Hotel Friday morning.

The 2019 Parade of Homes runs until Sept. 22. This year, there are 24 homes from eight developers with hours of viewing from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

It is an important event for the association and the community, says Joey Baranyay, president of BILD Lethbridge Region.

“I encourage all of you, your friends and family to get out and enjoy the Parade of Homes,” he said at the launch event. “There are truly some exciting homes to see. Our developers, trades, suppliers and builders all work together seamlessly to bring you a backyard that was once farmland.”

Among those in attendance Friday were Mayor Chris Spearman, Lethbridge East MLA Nathan Neudorf and MP Rachael Harder.

Baranyay said having all three levels of government represented helps them promote their agenda to listening parties.

“When it comes to advocacy, we have really put our foot on the gas,” he said. “MLA Neudorf and MP Harder, it’s nice to see that you guys know our issues. Thank you.”

BILD also recently presented a Le th bridge specific mortgage stress test study to council, which will be discussed at the AUMA meetings in Lethbridge later this month.

“This could result in a made-in-Alberta solution to this detrimental piece of legislation that is most certainly negatively affecting our industry,” Baranyay said. “BILD Lethbridge is at the forefront of this issue and is a leader on it in our province. Keep building, Lethbridge.”