THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN 4 ONTARIO ROOFING NEWS – ISSUE 1 2026 Award of Merit manufactured fibreglass roofing felts and polyisocyanurate roof insula- tion from the Celotex Corporation. In doing so, Guardian became the first stocking distributor of polyiso roof insulation in Ontario, further establishing the company as an early adopter of new roofing technologies in the province. An OIRCA Legacy In 1997, Marks began a new chapter in his roofing career by shift- ing into the not-for-profit sector to manage the OIRCA. Over the next 30 years with the association, he be- came one of its most consistent and visible advocates, helping represent the organization across committees, boards and industry forums. “Year after year, Don has been one of the association’s strongest supporters. His dedication, leader- ship and long-standing service have played a major role in supporting the work we do,” says Godfrey. “We’ve Continued from page 1. been incredibly fortunate to have that level of leadership and commit- ment for so many years.” Known by OIRCA staff, mem- bers and peers as a steady and reli- able leader, Marks played an impor- tant role in supporting OIRCA’s work and ensuring the industry’s interests were represented across the province. His long-standing com- mitment, leadership and profession- alism made him one of the associa- tion’s strongest champions. “I always refer to the OIRCA as ‘not your typical trade association.’ And it isn’t,” he says. “How we are structured and how we operate is unique when compared to other construction trade associations in Ontario. The roofing trade has not always been recognized as a ‘skilled’ trade like some of the more glamor- ous trades, such as electricians.” Reflecting on his time with OIRCA, Marks says he is proud to have worked with his peers to set a very high standard for the association’s membership and to see them rise to the challenge. He also looks fondly on the many in- dustry and community-building initiatives he has been part of: “I am also particularly proud of the establishment of our charitable foundation, appropriately named Rooftop Rescue. Providing roof- ing services to individuals and or- ganizations with limited funding has been very rewarding.” Award-Worthy Career The OIRCA’s Award of Merit arrives as Marks prepares to enter a new chapter of life: retirement. It was a surprising but much-ap- preciated honour, he says, joking, “I suppose the main reason I was so surprised is that the award is supposed to be given to an individu- al from a member company. I guess I can turn a blind eye to breaking the rules this time.” Marks has many to thank for the honour, including his OIRCA team and board, along with current chair Mike Godfrey and past chairs Jay Campbell, Darcy Beites and Rob Kucher, “who all conspired to break the rules.” As for his post-OIRCA plans, Marks is entering retirement with the same curiosity and optimism he had when he first entered the field all those years ago. “I actually find the notion of re- tirement quite frightening!” he ad- mits. “I guess I have a year to figure out what I am going to do.” The OIRCA Award of Merit was presented during the associa- tion’s 2026 Annual General Meet- ing on Jan. 15, 2026, at the Old Mill venue in Toronto. SOLAR ENERGY AND STORMWATER CONTROL ON THE SAME ROOF? Check out the complete line of pre-grown modular LiveRoof Systems at LiveRoof.ca or contact us at 519-671-5777 info@amherstroofing.com Membership News The OIRCA Board of Directors is pleased to welcome the following new members to the association: Active Member: Stybek Roofing Ltd. 64 Dumart Pl. 519-888-9676 Kitchener, ON N2K 3C7 www.stybek.ca Ms. Kate Selbie Industry Member: RJ BEE Inc. 2830 Argentia Rd., Unit 1 647-241-6731 Mississauga, ON L5N 8G4 www.rjbeeinc.com Mr. Bob Bossenberry “Year after year, Don has been one of the association’s strongest supporters. His dedication, leadership and long-standing service have played a major role in supporting the work we do.” - Mike Godfrey
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