KELOWNA – CorWest Builders is entering a new era.
Under the leadership of President and General Manager Ray Wynsouw, CorWest Builders, a Kelowna-based construction management firm, has built a team of outstanding professionals who are able to meet a diverse range of needs in the Okanagan.
CorWest began about 12 years ago as a subsidiary of Troika Developments, a Kelowna-based land and real estate development company. Though CorWest continues to function as general contractor for all of Troika’s Okanagan projects, they are open for business and 2018 saw the company taking on new residential, commercial and institutional project projects across the Okanagan Valley.
When Wynsouw was approached by Troika CEO Renee Wasylyk to take the helm at CorWest, the decision was easy. “I’ve always had a passion for building homes,” he says. “What we provide for families and communities is so important, and it’s a very fulfilling line of work.”
With a diverse set of experience and expertise, as well as his relationships with trades, suppliers, building officials, and government officials, Wynsouw was a perfect fit for the growing company. He was the sole proprietor of his own project management company for 25 years, worked as a building inspector, and has served as president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association for Central Okanagan.
“We’ve brought a new focus, a new direction, and a different philosophy,” he says.
“Today, I share an office with Mike Woodroff, our senior construction manager. We drive that philosophy together, and have built a team that can take us where we need to go.”
The Troika connection has also been a key driver in CorWest’s successes.“Our CEO Renee Wasylyk has been working to elevate CorWest’s profile since its inception. As a result, we have been hiring nothing but the best to grow our team. We’ve been investing in education and training, and this year, we became COR Certified through WorkSafeBC.”
This certification was the result of a year-long process involving the complete revamping of the company’s safety manual, with new safety procedure implementation for trades, suppliers, and management.
“We want to make sure everybody goes home safe each day and nobody gets hurt,” says Wynsouw. “It has taken a lot of effort on the part of our safety coordinator Lisa Detmers, and we are very happy with the result.”
CorWest has several major construction projects underway, including West Harbour, a resort-style community of over 200 homes that has recently entered its third phase. This project was planned and developed by Troika, while CorWest manages all aspects of construction. The community includes a 500 ft sandy beach, private 225 slip marina, pool amenities, and a central amenity building that includes tennis courts and a fitness room.
Additionally, they have been busy constructing another Troika venture called Green Square Vert, Kelowna’s first six-storey wood frame building. The development features 134 contemporary condominiums and townhomes in the heart of Kelowna’s Lower Mission.
These two large-scale projects have provided CorWest with a foundation to focus on sustainable building practices.
“The new BC Energy Step Code is coming and will require a new standard of energy efficiency in homes through a five-step process by the year 2032,” says Wynsouw. “We recently received a report from the energy advisor indicating that our current building practices already meet step three of the code. That was a very proud moment for us.”
The team at CorWest takes great pride in building communities, but they also work to contribute to their communities in any way they can.
“Our staff are engaged in many different associations, and are involved in the community,” says Wynsouw. “We help where we can, whether it be working with the John Howard Society, the Journey Home Society, or local schools and sports teams. Giving back is very important to us.”
For more information on CorWest please visit www.corwestbuilders.com