The Coast Community Builders' Association is energized and eager to work with government and community groups on projects for the greater good of the Coast.
That was the message brought forward by CCBA president Clark Hamilton and CCBA member Jane Hopkins at the Gibsons committee of the whole meeting Feb. 21.
Hamilton and Hopkins appeared as a delegation to provide the new council with an update on who the CCBA are and what their plans are for 2012 and beyond.
"The CCBA has been a registered non-profit society since 2008 with builders, realtors, manufacturers and suppliers, trades with more than 100 companies on the Coast and is committed to creating well-balanced and sustainable communities," said Hamilton, adding the CCBA is aiming for 150 members by the end of the year.
The CCBA has a number of objectives for 2012 including: building strategic relationships with all governments on the Coast, looking for ways to collaborate on community and economic development strategies, and find ways to work with other organizations like the Sunshine Coast Tourism Association on common goals.
Hamilton said the organization is well into its planning for its annual home show, which is set for June 9 at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre.
There is also a mini-show for CCBA members to network and showcase their services on March 3 at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt.
Marine access is also a major project the CCBA wants to be involved in.
Hamilton said CCBA members have been working closely with the Sechelt Indian Band and have gone with the Band on tours of Sooke and Campbell River to see marine access projects in those communities.
"Now is the time to strike positive relationships and attract positive investors to push this kind of development forward," said Hamilton. "I think the federal government is looking at the Coast and Coast-wide involvement as a positive thing and will help us with funding support."
Affordable housing is also a major initiative that the CCBA continues to support.
"We're encouraged by the Parkland development project and want to continue to assist the Town of Gibsons in that effort," said Hamilton. "There is a demonstrated need for more affordable housing on the Coast for all kinds of people and the CCBA wants to stop talking about it and aid governments in getting things to an implementation phase quicker. We want to be a resource for the community."
