The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) has represented the professional home building industry in Peterborough and the Kawarthas region of Ontario for almost 70 years. Throughout their long history, they have worked tirelessly to achieve their vision of a progressive, diverse community where quality of life is supported through housing, and the companies providing that housing have the opportunity to operate their businesses professionally and profitably. In recent years, as youth participation in the industry has declined, their highest priority has been to reverse that trend. Currently, they are working hard to encourage youth to pursue skilled trades, and working hard to encourage young professionals to join the PKHBA and reap the many benefits. Mitch Cleary, a board member and past president, has a deep family connection to the PKHBA. “My grandfather was involved at the association’s inception in the 1950s,” he says. His father was past president and his stepmother was the first female president. “I joined the board in 2021. I’m the fourth one in my family to step up and do this.” “The PKHBA started in 1956 when some suppliers and builders got together to lobby against the high prices of building with a larger voice,” Mitch recalls. Back then, the association was a small grassroots organization, but they have since grown to over 100 members. Three of the founding members are still active in the association over 65 years later: Kingdon Timber Mart, Doughty Masonry Center and Doughty Aggregates. Over the years, the PKHBA has formed key partnerships with other industry associations, locally, provincially, and nationally. For example, PKHBA members are also members JULY 2024
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