The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Lethbridge Region (CHBA) and Lethbridge College announced the two builders who will be involved in creating the first houses to be sold in the innovative The College Home partnership at a ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday.
Both Galko Homes Master Builder and Ashcroft Homes Master Builder have stepped up to build the inaugural homes for the collaborative project. Early in February, CHBA and Lethbridge College announced a unique partnership. Over the next five years, CHBA builder members will partner with their suppliers and tradespeople to build two homes per year and have the proceeds from the sales of each go towards the Trades and Technology Renewal and Innovation Project (TTRIP) at Lethbridge College.
“We’re excited to kick off our five year project with Lethbridge College,” says Anita Hartman, the 2013 CHBA Lethbridge Region President. “We are proud to announce Galko and Ashcroft as this year’s builders and showcase the designs of these beautiful homes.”
Both homes will be unveiled this year at the CHBA’s Parade of Homes in Lethbridge, which takes place from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6.
"The College Home program is a great opportunity for the homebuilders association to partner with the college in support of the new trades facility,” says Galko President Bruce Galts. “Galko is proud to be part of this fundraising activity to help promote the best training for trades.”
Galts goes on to mention “Quality trades training is critical to quality home-building, and the career opportunities that lay ahead for those involved."
“Ashcroft is thrilled to be among the first two builders for this one-of-a-kind project,” says Ashcroft President Stephen Amonson. “We are setting the bar high for unique gifting that will result in a stronger community while improving the educational resources Lethbridge has to offer.”
Ashcroft went on to say that he “believes this project will be successful and looks forward to seeing the end result once all 10 homes are finished. The first two homes will most definitely make a statement to the extent of social responsibility businesses in Lethbridge have.”
“This project is a wonderful example of collaboration between post-secondary education and industry within the community of Lethbridge,” says Lethbridge College President and CEO Paula Burns. “So many great corporations are coming together on this project. It’s a true testament to the value these companies place on the importance of accessible higher education.”
Lethbridge College will further its commitment to promote accessible post-secondary education by donating a $2,500 tuition credit to the home buyer for each of the ten homes.
Galko Homes Master Builder
In 1972 Marvin Galts and his siblings, along with his wife Chloe, founded the company that eventually became today’s Galko Homes. Over the years, many extended family members have been a part of this company; working in positions from labourers to leaders. Galko Homes has consistently made a solid contribution to the landscape of Lethbridge through award-winning homebuilding, longstanding business and customer relationships, and community volunteerism. Decades later, the model of family and community participation still holds true under the direction of second generation President, Bruce Galts.
Ashcroft Homes Master Builder
Ashcroft Master Builder is a residential home builder in Lethbridge and area with fresh home designs and unique concepts. Ashcroft Master Builder has been a long standing member of the Canadian Home Builders Association and a valued contributor to the community.
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Since 1943, the Canadian Home Builders' Association has been "the voice of Canada's residential construction industry"—one of the most vital and enterprising industries in Canada. Representing more than 8,000 member firms across Canada, CHBA members come from every area of Canada's housing industry - new home builders, renovators, land developers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, building product suppliers, lending institutions, insurance providers, service professionals and others.