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Issue 1 | Spring Edition | 2026      BUILD MANITOBA
After nearly 27 years at the helm of the Winnipeg Construction Association, I’m officially announcing my retirement. It’s been one heck 
of a run – full of progress, innovation and more than a little fun along the way.
I first walked into WCA back in October 1999, in the old Burnell office, and officially stepped into the leadership role on January 1, 
2000. At the time, we had five employees, about 275 members and a mortgage hanging over us. Construction activity had slowed, 
finances were tight, and like any new role, there was a lot to figure out.
It didn’t take long to realize the heart of the operation was the plan room. There were rules – very clear ones – about borrowing 
drawings, and a couple of staff members who made sure those rules were followed to the letter. WCA also ran the bid depository 
– which many members loved – and which terrified me more often than I’d like to admit. The space itself was something else: big 
plotters running nonstop, the largest fax machine I’d ever seen and a row of carrels where members worked on plan take-offs – or, 
occasionally, caught a nap.
Meanwhile, administration was a little more low-tech. Membership records lived on index cards in a recipe box. Things were…quieter. 
Meetings happened, but attendance was light. What we now know as CSAM was just a small but dedicated team. And Builders’ Night? 
It was just getting off the ground in 1999, thanks to a group led by Cliff Olson, who wanted something better – and maybe a way to 
chip away at the mortgage. (Cliff, for the record, is also the reason there are no speeches at Builders’ Night.)
One of the biggest shifts came in 2002, when we launched the online plan room. It gave members 24/7 access to plans from 
anywhere in the province – something that seems obvious now, but at the time was a pretty bold move. Not everyone was on 
board. In fact, I wasn’t entirely sure I’d make it out of the Manitoba Association of Architects annual meeting after suggesting we’d be 
scanning their plans. But in the end, it transformed how our members worked and cut down on a lot of travel.
In 2011, we took another leap and moved into a larger space. It was a big decision, strongly backed by our board, and it gave us room 
to grow – hosting meetings, seminars and expanding both WCA and CSAM in ways we couldn’t before. We retired that mortgage in 
less than five years.
Fast forward to today, and things look very different. Our offices on Waverley are bright and busy. The plan room is still the heartbeat 
of WCA – just fully digital now. Our education program has become a standout service, and the Construction Education Centre is 
constantly active with in-person learning. Membership has grown to 775 and counting. 
More than anything, the association feels confident. We’ve built depth, we’re not afraid to take on bigger ideas or larger events, 
and we’ve earned the respect of governments and partners along the way. Quietly, without too much fanfare, WCA has become a 
nationally respected organization – and it’s on the right path.
There’s a lot I’ll miss. The events, especially – though it’s a different experience when you’re behind the scenes worrying about 
attendance, logistics and, of course, the weather. And the people – our members are second to none. Many of them step into board 
roles, and over the years I’ve had the chance to get to know them, travel with them and learn from them.
A few have suggested I might stick around in some reduced capacity. I appreciate that – but it’s not really how I’m wired. I’ve always 
been all in, and this feels like the right way to step away.
I leave knowing the association is in very good hands. It’s strong, it’s focused and it’s ready for what’s next.
And that’s a pretty great note to end on.
Ron Hambley
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Well… It Had to Happen

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