2026 Modular Housing Summit

Mayor Julius Bloomfield

Member of the Provincial Chair of Mayors Task Force on Standardized Modular Factory-Built Homes for BC, Host City and Modular Summit Welcome Speaker

In November 2024, Mayor Bloomfield joined a coalition of British Columbia mayors to form the Mayors' Task Force on Standardized Modular Factory-Built Homes. This initiative aims to streamline the development and approval processes for modular housing, addressing the province's housing crisis by providing affordable and efficient housing solutions.

As the host city mayor and welcome speaker for the Modular Housing Summit 2025, Mayor Bloomfield will share insights from Penticton's experiences with modular housing and discuss collaborative efforts to implement standardized modular construction across British Columbia.

Mayor Mike Hurley

Mayor of Burnaby, Chair of Metro Vancouver, Provincial Chair of Mayors Task Force on Standardized Modular Factory-Built Homes for BC

As Mayor of Burnaby and Chair of the Mayors’ Task Force on Standardized Modular Factory-Built Homes for BC, Mike Hurley is a leading advocate for innovative housing solutions that address affordability and supply challenges across the province.

With a deep commitment to sustainable urban growth, he has championed policies that accelerate housing development while maintaining strong community values. A dedicated leader in municipal governance, Mayor Hurley continues to drive collaborative efforts between local governments, industry, and policymakers to create a more accessible and sustainable housing future for all British Columbians.

Ben Nishi

Manager, Commercial Accounts

Ben manages an energy portfolio for commercial, institutional and public sector customers that includes natural gas, electricity, propane, renewable gases, and energy efficiency programs.

Tami Der

Industry & Program Specialist, Prevention Programs & Services – WorkSafeBC

Tami Der is an Industry and Program Specialist with WorkSafeBC, bringing over 30 years of experience in occupational health and safety. She focuses on improving safety in high-risk sectors, including manufacturing, with expertise in ergonomics, machinery hazards, and musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention.

Tami holds a degree in Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene from Simon Fraser University and works closely with industry partners, including the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, to advance safety education and prevention strategies across the province.

At the MHABC Modular Housing Summit, Tami will share valuable insights into emerging safety trends and practical approaches to building safer manufacturing workplaces.

Ken Kunka

Senior Codes Administrator with the Province of BC’s Construction Standards and Digital Solutions

Ken Kunka is a Senior Codes Administrator with the Province of BC’s Construction Standards and Digital Solutions Branch. Using his 30+ years experience as a building official and department manager, his work focuses on building code updates, standardized permit documentation, and digital solutions that help improve consistency and efficiency across the construction and regulatory environment. Ken collaborates with local governments, industry stakeholders, and technical experts to support modernized, practical approaches to permitting and compliance, with a particular in interest is developing awareness between industry stakeholders to evolve construction methods such as modular and prefabricated construction.

Steve Arnold

BES Building Energy Solutions – Principal Head of Operations

For over 25 years, Steve has worked with clients to deliver cost-effective, sustainable mechanical engineering solutions. His experience is drawn from his work in both Europe and North America.

Steve is also proud to conduct training on behalf of FortisBC and CLEAResult, leveraging his experience providing research, development and measurement and verification on new emerging technologies.

Steve is a Professional Licensee in Engineering, certified measurement and verification professional and Member of ASHRAE.

Paul Binotto - Director Modular BC

Adviser on the MHABC Board of Directors & Lead of the Provincial Modular Advocacy Program

Paul has a history in modular construction and is a strong advocate and driving force for the increased development of the BC Factory modular industry and more manufacturing jobs. He is past president and co-founder of My Lane Home Inc., an organization focused on modular infill, multi-generational, and affordable housing. Paul is also the Directory of Strategy and Business development, Guillevin International where he leads the clean energy solutions program.

Paul has worked with various cities and planning professionals across the province to help further develop their infill programs, create industry partnerships, and establish Modular Best Practices. Paul is also an adviser to the Manufacturing Housing Association of British Columbia board of directors and leads the Provincial Modular Advocacy Program

Gord Rattray

Retired Executive Director, MHABC

Gord worked in the BC forest industry from 1975 to 2003, eventually serving as General Manager of the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers Association. He gained extensive experience in forestry, engineering, and non-profit management, with a strong understanding of small communities and private sector contributions to local economies. Afterward, he founded a consulting firm focusing on finance and marketing for non-profits. In 2011, Gord became Executive Director of the Manufactured Housing Association of BC, leading the organization until 2023, when he entered semi-retirement but returned in an acting capacity due to restructuring.

Ron Burnett

Building Official III Town of Oliver

Born and raised on a mixed farm in Southern Manitoba, I moved to British Columbia in 1990 and began a career in construction, earning my Red Seal Interprovincial Journeyman Carpenter certification in 1998. Over the next 20 years, I worked on a wide range of commercial and industrial projects across BC, including hospitals, schools, bridges, high-rise buildings, parkades, and Canada Line SkyTrain stations.

I later transitioned into building inspection, serving communities including Armstrong, Lumby, and Revelstoke, and worked with QAI Laboratories as a Project Manager in the Factory Built Structures Division, inspecting and certifying modular manufacturers to CSA A277.

Today, I am a Level 3 BCQ Building Official and serve as the Chief Building Official for the Town of Oliver.