By Thomas Smith

Local construction firm G. J. Burtch Construction has been nominated for the Ontario Homebuilders’ Association’s (OHBA) Builder of the Year Award.

Andrew Burtch, son of Gary Burtch, started working for the family business when he was 13 years old. His father started the business when Andrew was three and was busy his entire life supporting his family.

After trying out college, Burtch decided it was not for him, and returned to Haliburton County. Gaining his apprenticeship and returning to the family business, he is now able to work with his father every day.

After Burtch’s kids had grown up, his father started to give him more responsibilities with the company. In December of 2023, his father sold him the business and made himself a director.

“He’s always here,” said Burtch. “He’s always able to help out. He has a wealth of knowledge and does what he wants now.”

As the owner, Burtch has reflected on the mentorship of his father and sees how much work he has put into G. J. Burtch Construction to make it one of the busiest construction companies in the county.

Just like the men before him, Burtch wants to be the same type of mentor that he has met through his life and inspire his other crew members.

Last year, G. J. Burtch won an OHBA award in Architectural Design in the Custom Home (3001-5000 square feet) category. After receiving the award last year, Burtch says that they knew they were going to apply again, hungry for another.

In August of this year, the OHBA announced that G. J. Burtch was a finalist for their OHBA Builder of the Year – Small Volume award in their prestige award category.

“It’s a testament to what my dad and Aggie have done throughout the years,” said Burtch.

The Builder of the Year award category is not just in recognition of the quality of their work, but the impact that the business has had on their local community, the local partnerships that you have fostered, a continued effort in encouraging young people to enter the skilled trades industry, and their dedication to customer satisfaction and service.

Wanting to have a stronger workforce in the future, Burtch is highly active at the local Haliburton Highlands Secondary school, encouraging kids to explore the trades.

Even if they are not ready for them yet, Burtch says that the trades will always be there for you in the future.

“You get a sense of fulfillment in what you do, you get to build something outdoors, and you get paid to do what you love,” said Burtch.

Burtch says that his favourite part of operating his business in Haliburton County is the people that he gets to meet and talk to every day.

“Being able to interact with the community is wonderful,” said Burtch. “There are so many great people in this community.”

Burtch says that winning the OHBA award last year is a memory that he will never forget.

“To be able to get up on stage with my wife and Aggie was amazing. I immediately ran outside after to call my dad.”

Burtch says that winning this award would recognize all the efforts of his team. Without them, it would not be possible to overcome the unique challenges of the landscape of the highlands, from bedrock to the persistent bugs.

“I am thankful for the people that we have worked with through the years,” said Burtch. “I am thankful for the staff we have now.”

From custom builds, interior renos, to repairs, no job is too big or small for G. J. Burtch Construction.

Until Sept. 12, finalists in the People’s Choice Award categories can be voted for through ohbaaod.ca. The OHBA Award winners will be announced on September 30th.

“Thank you dad, for what you have done for me,” said Burtch.