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In our new Insider Q&A feature, we take a personal approach in interviewing some of the industry professionals that envision, design, promote and analyze the new developments currently reshaping our city. This week, we chatted with Bryan Tuckey, President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), about his work and what he loves about Toronto.
UT: How did you start in the business?
BT: I have a background in urban planning, so it was natural for me to end up in the building and development industry.
What a lot of people don’t know is that when I graduated from the planning program at the University of Waterloo in the 1980s, economic conditions were harsh and finding a job was a challenge. I spent some time working at my family’s farm, and even worked as a substitute teacher for a while.
Before joining BILD in 2012, I spent 30 years working as a planner in various capacities. Some of my past roles included York Region's Commissioner of Planning and Development Services, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Director of Community Planning at the City of Toronto and the former City of North York.
What is your role at your organization?
As President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association, I lead a dedicated team of professionals to advocate on behalf of the building, development and renovation industry, as well as their consumers. As you may know, our association is the largest local HBA in Canada with more than 1,400 members whom we represent in government as the voice of the industry.
A very important part of my job involves educating industry professionals and the public about the realities of building and development in the GTA. We work hard to make sure people are aware of the issues, as well as the solutions put forth by our association.
One of my favourite responsibilities is working with our members, as well as talking to prospective members about the benefits of joining the BILD family. Our industry is full of incredibly smart, interesting professionals and I feel like I learn something new at every member function.
Perhaps one of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping out with our philanthropy work. BILD is a community partner with Habitat for Humanity GTA. For more than a decade, our members have been raising money to build a home for one partner family each year. This is done through a series of annual events organized by BILD. Since 2003 we have raised more than $735,000 for low-income families in our region.
BILD is also the sole owner of three GTA-based home shows, as well as the founder of the national RenoMark program – a brand used to search for and identify professional renovation contractors across Canada.
What inspires you to do your job?
When I walk through the streets of downtown Toronto, I can’t help but appreciate the efforts of all the people who helped build this city. BILD members have been building quality, complete communities across the GTA since 1921. These communities include homes, offices, malls, community centres, parks and more.
None of these projects would be built today if it were not for the industry working together with its government partners. BILD has been a key component in this relationship for the past 93 years and I am proud to lead this great organization as we continue its remarkable legacy.
Tell us about a current project you're working on.
In late 2013, Ontario launched a broad consultation to review the provincial land-use planning system, decision-making process and the financial components of the development process. Earlier this year, BILD and OHBA made two submissions that laid the groundwork to improve the financial tools used in the land-use planning process.
These solutions-oriented submissions provide a number of recommendations to ensure government legislation is up to date and responsive to the provincial priorities around complete communities and provincial themes of affordability, economic growth, transparency and accountability, as well as fairness and better outcomes for new neighbours.
It is our hope that this new commitment to work collaboratively with our government partners will bode well for the public and the future of the home-building industry.
Any future plans you'd like to tell us about?
The provincial government recently announced that it would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for the construction of six-storey woodframe buildings. This is a big win for the industry and new-home buyers as we work together to change the shape of our towns and cities. The next step is to work with municipal partners to ensure that we see the implementation of this exciting initiative, which will bring a new housing option for new-home purchasers.
What is the current biggest issue facing Toronto/GTA?
Building homes that people can afford to purchase is a significant challenge, not just for the industry and new-home buyers but for every resident in the GTA.
Your take on the state of the Toronto market?
The GTA is one of the fastest-growing regions on the continent, which is growing by up to 100,000 people each year. That means our industry must build approximately 35,000 new homes so that these people have a place to live.
One of the objectives of Places to Grow, the provincial growth plan, is to intensify development in urban areas, and this is exactly what is happening in the GTA.
Back in 2004 low-rise homes accounted for almost 70 per cent of all new homes sold in the GTA. Today those statistics are nearly reversed, with high-rise condominiums holding a dominant share of the market at just under 60 per cent. It’s worth pointing out that the majority of these new condos are located in the city of Toronto, and situated along transit corridors and urban centres.
High-rise developments provide an option for home-buyers who have been priced out of the low-rise market, as well as for renters who are challenged by a lack of new purpose-built rental buildings.
What is your favourite new project in Toronto?
There are so many quality projects in Toronto and surrounding areas that I could never settle on a favourite. Every year, our members build new communities across the GTA that raise the bar when it comes to quality of design and construction.
I live in Corktown and I really enjoy watching it evolve thanks to a number of new, award-winning projects constructed by BILD members.
Who do you follow on Twitter?
My schedule is very hectic and Twitter is a great way to get the latest news in just seconds time. I follow all the major news publications. I also follow a lot of our members because they don’t just report the news, they make the news!
There are a handful of professional sports teams based in Toronto. Out of the Argos, Blue Jays, FC, Maple Leafs or Raptors, which is your personal favourite team to watch?
If I have to choose one, it would have to be the Raptors. I’m looking forward to a good season this year.
Favourite restaurant?
My wife and I really enjoy a lot of the restaurants that are within walking distance of our home. Some of our favourites are Fusilli Ristorante on Queen East and Mangia & Bevi just off Ontario Street near King. Best pizza in the neighbourhood!
Favourite thing to do in the city?
I really enjoy live music and Toronto is a great place to see concerts by a wide variety of artists. Last week I saw Sinead O'Connor at Massey Hall and Oh Suzanne at the Great Hall on Queen Street.
When I’m not enjoy live music, I attend Raptors games at the ACC or explore some of the local cafes and restaurants in my neighbourhood.
We thank Bryan for taking the time to answer our questions, and we will return soon with another Q&A session with one of the many insiders in Toronto's development scene.
