General • January 19, 2024

Building Inclusive Futures: BDA & TCBN's Impact

In the heart of Canada's bustling construction landscape, Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) emerges as a force of progressive transformation. At the helm of this change is Rosemarie Powell, a leader whose journey from Jamaica to Canada embodies the resilience and passion that drive TCBN's mission. As the Executive Director, Powell has channeled over three decades of community development experience into fostering an equitable construction sector.

TCBN, under Powell's leadership, not only orchestrates but celebrates the confluence of diverse talents through the Building Diversity Awards (BDA). These awards are more than just accolades; they are milestones in the journey towards an inclusive industry. The BDA, intricately linked with TCBN's goals, spotlights the exemplary efforts of individuals and organizations propelling DEI to the forefront of Canada's national conversation.

Central to the BDA's ethos is its role as a fundraiser for the NexGen Builders program, an initiative that nurtures young, aspiring professionals in construction through mentorship and development. It is a tangible expression of TCBN's commitment to nurturing the next generation of builders, ensuring a diverse and robust future for the industry.


Key Partnerships Strengthening DEI Goals:

The BDA's reach and impact are amplified by its key partners, each contributing to a facet of DEI within the construction ecosystem.

  • The Afro Canadian Contractors Association stands as a pillar of support, recognizing emerging minority contractors who are carving out new paths in the industry.
  • BuildForce Canada offers strategic insights into workforce development, addressing gaps and fostering growth.
  • Canada's Building Trades Unions bring together the collective strength of workers, advocating for fair representation and opportunities.
  • Labour Toronto & York Region Council reinforces the voice of labor, ensuring that the rights and interests of workers are paramount.
  • The Residential Construction Council of Ontario provides a platform for residential construction professionals to engage with DEI practices actively.
  • ULI Toronto focuses on urban development, bringing DEI into conversations about city building and infrastructure.

Each partner is integral to the mosaic of change that TCBN and BDA represent, creating a network of support, advocacy, and action.


Rosemarie Powell's Role as a DEI Champion:

At the core of TCBN's and BDA's success is Rosemarie Powell. Her expertise and commitment have shaped TCBN into a leader in community benefits and DEI initiatives. Powell's role extends beyond executive responsibilities; she is a co-founder of the Canadian Building Diversity Institute and the Owner of Big on Green Property Management, highlighting her multifaceted approach to fostering DEI.

As we look to the future, TCBN and the Building Diversity Awards, with Rosemarie Powell at the steering wheel, are not just responding to the call for diversity but are actively constructing the roadmap. These awards do more than recognize achievements; they inspire action, encourage participation, and cultivate an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals but the foundation of every project and initiative.


The BDA and its partners are thus not just awarding diversity; they are constructing a legacy, brick by brick, policy by policy, partnership by partnership. The awards are a mirror reflecting the industry's growth, challenges, and the boundless potential that diversity brings into our communities and workspaces.

As TCBN continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, the Building Diversity Awards will remain a beacon of progress, illuminating the path for current and future generations within the construction industry. For more information and to become a part of this transformative journey, visit Toronto Community Benefits Network and learn more about the Building Diversity Awards.


Join us, and together, let's build diversity into the blueprint of our society.

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