The 2026 Big 3: Celebrating Standout Success at the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

By Chloe Perreault

2026-06-03

Awards

Every year, the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence shines a spotlight on the very best in Canadian new home construction, renovation, community development and residential marketing. In March, finalists were named in 49 categories that capture the full breadth of market-rate homes for ownership and rental. Winners were awarded on May 8 in Québec City during CHBA’s Glitter & Groove Awards Bash, presented by LG Electronics Canada.

Based on their cumulative success in individual categories, three companies were awarded the competition’s top honours. From bold, immersive marketing to precision-crafted renovations and thoughtfully designed homes, Branthaven Homes and Pureblink, Ultimate Homes & Renovations, and Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc. earned their place as this year’s “Big 3.”

Let’s take a closer look at the projects that resonated with judges and set these companies above the rest.

Marketing Excellence Award

Branthaven Homes and Pureblink: A Masterclass in Marketing Excellence

Taking home the Marketing Excellence Award, Branthaven Homes and their agency partner Pureblink delivered a fully integrated campaign for Branthaven’s Canvas Hill development in Glen Williams, Georgetown (west of Toronto). The marketing is visually stunning, informative, and highly functional, and resulted in the duo being named finalists in 6 categories, and winners of two.

The image displays a cohesive collection of architectural plans and design elements, including a house layout with a living room, kitchen, and covered porch, alongside a series of design centers and nature-themed spaces.

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Best Website Finalist - Branthaven Homes and Pureblink, Burlington, ON: “Canvas Hill” (see website here)

The image shows a series of beautifully styled homes, with a focus on the luxurious lifestyle offered by Branthaven, featuring an Instagram feed layout showcasing wellness and outdoor escapades.

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Best Digital Advertising Campaign Finalist - Branthaven Homes and Pureblink, Burlington, ON: “Canvas Hill”

The image shows a booklet with various images of luxurious homes in different locations, showcasing their architectural design, space, and community.

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Best Print Ad Finalist - Branthaven Homes, Burlington, ON and Pureblink, Toronto, ON: “Canvas Hill”

The image shows a comparison of two scenes: one is a rustic kitchen with a window, a coffee table, and a lamp, and the other is a person smiling in a sunlit outdoor setting.

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Best Short Video (under 45 seconds) Finalist - Branthaven Homes, Burlington, ON and Pureblink, Toronto, ON: “Canvas Hill”

The image depicts a picturesque community with various scenes including a rural landscape, a cozy home with a red-roofed church, and a well-maintained neighborhood with modern homes, all showcasing a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere.

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Best Long Video (45 seconds and longer) Winner - Branthaven Homes, Burlington, ON and Pureblink, Toronto, ON: “Canvas Hill” (see video here)

Best Renderings Winner - Branthaven Homes, Burlington, ON and Pureblink, Toronto, ON: “Canvas Hill”

What made “Canvas Hill” so compelling was its ability to translate architectural vision into an emotional, lifestyle-driven narrative. The award-winning long-form video and renderings brought the community to life, while the supporting assets reinforced a strong, cohesive brand experience across every touchpoint.

Renovation Excellence Award

Ultimate Homes & Renovations: Craftsmanship That Elevates Everyday Living

Winners of the Renovation Excellence Award, Ultimate Homes & Renovations, a renovation company in Calgary, Alberta, demonstrated what it means to combine technical skill with great design across a range of renovation projects, bringing to life amazing home transformations.

Their standout performance included:

Before: The kitchen has a wooden cabinet, a counter, and a bar stool.

After: The kitchen has a red counter and a bar stool.

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Best Kitchen Renovation – under $70,000 Winner - Ultimate Homes & Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Millrise Modernized”

Before: The kitchen has a blue countertop, a kitchen island, and a wooden cabinet.

After: The kitchen has been updated with a new countertop, a new kitchen island, and a new cabinet.

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Best Kitchen Renovation – under $70,000 Finalist - Ultimate Homes & Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Edgemont Walnut Transformation”

The kitchen layout has been transformed from a simple, open-plan design to a more modern, segmented layout with an island, additional countertops, and updated cabinetry.

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Best Kitchen Renovation – Over $100,000 Finalist - Ultimate Homes & Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Chef Crafted Kitchen”

Before: A well-maintained, tidy house with a white front door, a red roof, and a neatly trimmed lawn.

After: The same house has undergone a significant renovation, now featuring a fresh coat of paint, updated landscaping, and a more modern, polished appearance.

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Best Exterior Renovation Finalist - Ultimate Homes & Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Lakeside Haven”

Before: The living room has a wooden dining table, chairs, and a fireplace with decorations, while the kitchen has a long counter and decorative items. After: The living room and kitchen have been rearranged, with the dining table now in the kitchen and the decorations moved to the living room.

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Best Whole Home Renovation – $300,001 to $500,000 Finalist - Ultimate Homes & Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Wentworth Oak & Ivory”

From budget-conscious transformations to high-end culinary spaces, Ultimate Homes & Renovations showed an incredible range. Their winning project, “Millrise Modernized,” captured the essence of smart renovation, maximizing impact while maintaining cost efficiency.

All of their entries demonstrate attention to detail, thoughtful material selection, and a deep understanding of how homeowners live in and use their spaces. It’s this balance of practicality and polish that continues to set them apart.

Design Excellence Award

Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc.: Designing Homes That Deliver on Every Level

Earning the Design Excellence Award, Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc. showcased a portfolio that blended innovation, livability, and strong market appeal.

Their achievements span multiple categories:

The image shows a comparison of two views: on the left, a modern urban high-rise building with a green skyline, and on the right, a contemporary living room with a dining table and contemporary furniture.

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Best Mid-to High-Rise Building (Planned) Finalist - Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “Sovereign on 17th Avenue”

The image showcases a modern, well-lit living room with a black and orange dining set, and a contemporary kitchen with a fireplace, all set against a backdrop of a beautiful, white-painted house with a garden.

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Best Attached Low-Rise Home 1,500 – 1,800 square feet Winner - Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “The Sasha”

The image is a split view showing a modern, well-maintained house with a black and white exterior, and a contemporary kitchen with black countertops and open shelving.

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Best Detached Production Home Under 1,800 square feet Winner - Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “The Gregory 1”

The image shows a modern, well-lit kitchen with black countertops and bar stools, and a spacious, contemporary living room with a garden and a welcoming front door.

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Best Detached Production Home Under 1,800 square feet Finalist - Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “The Gregory 2”

The image depicts a modern, well-maintained house with a white exterior, a spacious living room with a fireplace, a contemporary kitchen, and a cozy seating area, all set against a backdrop of a blue sky and green grass.

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Best Detached Production Home 1,800 to 2,100 square feet Finalist - Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “The Hemsworth”

The image depicts a modern kitchen with a wooden dining table and chairs, contrasting with a contemporary, dark-colored house with an open-concept layout and a white kitchen.

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Best Detached Production Home 1,800 to 2,100 square feet Finalist - Homes Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “The Douglas”

The image depicts a modern, well-designed home with a spacious kitchen featuring a countertop island, sleek bar stools, and contemporary lighting, alongside a cozy, two-story living space with a white garage and a picturesque backyard.

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Best Detached Production Home 2,101 to 2,400 square feet Finalist - Homes by Avi (Canada) Inc., Calgary, AB: “The Jefferson”

Homes by Avi’s strength lies in its ability to design homes that resonate with modern buyers, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and attainability.

Winning models “The Sasha” and “The Gregory 1” exemplify this approach, offering smart layouts, strong curb appeal, and thoughtful interior design that meets the needs of today’s homeowners without compromise.

Raising the Bar Across the Industry

Together, this year’s top overall winners reflect the strength, innovation, and forward-thinking mindset that continues to drive Canada’s residential construction industry forward.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence.