Business View Magazine - Nov 2023

33 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 On a positive note, Foster reports that the CHBA-NL is supporting a provincial budget allocation of $350 million to create 800 affordable new homes over the next three years in Newfoundland and Labrador. “We were included in the consultation process when they were developing this program,” she notes. “So, that’s something that we’re excited to see. Hopefully, our members will participate in that program and help build some of these homes.” The provincial government was also helpful during the COVID pandemic, when, somewhat counterintuitively, the home renovation industry thrived even as the general economy devolved. “The sector, as a whole, was incredibly busy because people were stuck in their homes,” Foster recounts. “You realize your ‘pinch points’ and things you’d like to change or fix. So, during COVID, we were very fortunate to be working with our provincial government’s phenomenal home renovation rebate program. We saw so many people investing in the sector and taking advantage of that program to do renovations on their homes and utilizing our members to do that.” Getting back to normal Of course, the downside of COVID was that it was very difficult to stay in touch with CHBA- NL members as major association events had to be canceled and/or postponed. “We normally have a home show every year,” says Foster. “Last year was the first show we’ve had in three years, and last year, one day even got canceled due to a pretty severe snowstorm. So, we’re hoping this next year’s show, which is April 12-14, will have a great turnout. Consumers will be able to see what’s available here in the province and some of our members will be able to get in front of consumers and get their year set up. We’re hopeful, now that COVID’s behind us, we can get back to our new normal.” The road ahead Going forward, Foster says she would like to THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NEWFOUNDLAND LABRADOR