Women in Residential Construction
The residential construction industry is full of opportunity – and not just for men. More women are joining the sector every year, finding fulfilling, well-paid careers that offer flexibility and ample room to grow.
From the jobsite to the boardroom, women are shaping the future of home building – leading and mentoring the next generation of builders.
A National Movement with Local Impact
Through local, provincial, and national initiatives, CHBA members across Canada are working together to create an environment where women – and all underrepresented groups – can thrive.
CHBA's national Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) unites a growing network of more than 260 women from across Canada, who are involved in various initiatives that reach over 1,000 women and counting in the residential construction sector. Together, they’re driving change through mentorship, education, advocacy, and community.
Across the country, CHBA's local and provincial Home Builders’ Associations (HBAs) are launching initiatives that empower, connect, and inspire women in all areas of residential construction – from skilled trades to design, management and leadership.
Industry Initiatives
The activities below are a compilation of initiatives happening through HBAs nationwide – not all programs are offered in every region. To learn what’s happening near you, connect with your local or provincial HBA for more details.
Mentorship & Empowerment
- One-on-one mentorship connects emerging professionals with experienced women across the industry, including through Ontario HBA’s Futures Faster program and Peterborough and the Kawarthas HBA's Women in Trades mentorship program.
- Visits to high schools and colleges aim to inspire young women to explore rewarding careers in residential construction and introduce students to hands-on experience, including through CHBA Central Okanagan’s involvement in Okanagan College’s Jill of All Trades event and CHBA Central Interior’s collaboration with Thompson Rivers University (TRU) on the YMCA Training House.
Featured Stories: CHBA CI and TRU, YMCA Training House
Check out these inspiring stories from women working on the YMCA Training House, a successful collaboration between CHBA Central Interior and TRU that gives students hands-on experience in residential construction. Videos produced in partnership with CHBA BC's Homebuilders Initiative.
Learning & Leadership
- Online learning sessions and speakers focused on professional and personal development, including free quarterly sessions for BILD Edmonton Metro members.
- Leadership events, including Home Builders’ Association Vancouver (HAVAN)’s Art of Leadership for Women event and Agents of Change: Women Connecting, Inspiring & Leading in Residential Construction panel series, and CHBA Newfoundland and Labrador (CHBA NL)'s Women in Construction and Networking Conference.
- Industry tours and educational days, including West End HBA’s Women in Industry (WIN) WE BUILD education day.
Networking & Community
- Extensive networking events that bring women in industry together, including HAVAN’s annual “Our Joy” event, Grand Highland HBA’s Le Nine and Dine and sip and social events, West End HBA’s Women in Industry Luncheon, and much more.
- Fundraising initiatives, such as CHBA Central Okanagan Women in Construction Committee-sponsored Music Bingo in support of BCIT’s Architecture, Construction, Engineering (ACE) program, Greater Ottawa HBA’s Home Builders of Ottawa Women Leaders (HoWL) various networking events, BILD GTA’s Women’s Lunch, and much more.
Visibility, Advocacy & Collaboration
- Advocacy efforts that aim to shape the path forward, including through BILD Calgary’s Women in Residential Construction Committee’s advocacy and policy working group.
- Reciprocal relationships with other women-led organizations across Canada to ensure shared momentum and national collaboration.
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Promotion of women leading in the residential construction sector, including through HAVAN member spotlights sponsored by HAVAN’s Women’s Council and BILD Alberta’s “No Trade Offs” campaign.
Featured Stories: BILD Alberta, "NO TRADE OFFS"
CHBA Members Paving the Way
Across the country, women are leading by example – building companies, mentoring others, and breaking barriers in every corner of the industry. Read about some of the women shaping the future of residential construction:
Building Confidence. Building Careers. Building Homes.
Every initiative is part of a larger goal – to make the residential construction industry a place where women can not only succeed, but lead.
And it’s working.
Across Canada, women are building and renovating the homes that shape our communities – and inspiring the next generation to do the same.
The House That She Built – inspired by an all-women home building project completed by members of the U.S. National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) – spreads the message to youth that representation matters. Learn more: thehousethatshebuilt.com
Join the Movement
Whether you’re an established residential construction professional or just starting off in this industry, there’s a place for you in this community. Learn more about CHBA’s national Women in Residential Construction Council (WIRCC) and find out how you can get involved at the local or provincial level.