The Mike Martin Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Bursary
The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association recently established the Mike Martin Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Bursary to acknowledge their friend and industry colleague who passed away on April 26th, 2021 after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Originally from Labrador, Mike arrived in Ottawa in the early 1980’s, where he attended the Carpentry program at Algonquin College’s Perth Campus. After graduation, he started Luxury Renovations, a successful Residential Renovations company, which served the Ottawa community for over 30 years. Working closely with his wife, designer Suzanne Martin, he embarked upon an illustrious career bringing incredible renovations projects to life. His work has earned numerous Housing Design awards locally, and he received an award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
Mike’s dedication to the industry was demonstrated through his leadership of GOHBA’s Renovator Council. He moved on to lead both the provincial and national councils, and worked on a number of key initiatives, including the implementation of a renovation tax rebate program for Ontario homeowners, and engaged the CRA to help combat the underground economy. He was an instrumental force in bringing the RenoMark program to Ottawa, which continues to provide professional industry standards, beneficial for both renovators and consumers.
GOHBA awarded Mike a honourary membership for his contribution and commitment to the professional renovation industry, and his leadership of the Renovators’ Council at all three levels of the Association.
Mike’s volunteer contributions didn’t end with his work for the advancement of the renovation industry. Mike was also a well-liked hockey coach for his son’s minor league team and his wife Suzanne’s womens team. A 30 year veteran of the Labrador Heritage Society, Mike took pride in participating in their fundraising activities by crafting grub boxes, which were traditionally used by trappers to store their food. These boxes were auctioned off at their social events to raise money to be sent back to Labrador for various cultural and artistic activities.
He will be remembered for his big personality, engaging sense of humor, his integrity, and his passion for the building industry. He was a warm-hearted man filled with pride and as generous as they come. It is fitting to honour Mike by continuing his generosity for those following in his footsteps in the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program at Algonquin College.
Please join the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association in supporting the Mike Martin Heritage Carpentry and Joinery Bursary.
On behalf of students in the Heritage Carpentry and Joinery program at Perth campus, we would like to thank the following supporters and many others for their generous contributions:
- Amsted Design-Build
- Pierre Dufresne
- Natalie Armstrong
- Bob Deeks (RDC Fine Homes)
- Claude Brulé
- Nicole McCallion
- Urban Quarry
- All Things Home Inc
- Ian Lewer
- Anthony Mac Neil (of ‘The Roaders’)
- Paul Donnelly (of ‘The Roaders’)
- Taggart Parkes Foundation
- Highbridge Construction
- Tartan Homes – Bruce Nicol
- CKC Group Ltd.
- Healthy Homes Renovation Construction Design Inc.
- Crossford Construction
- Richcraft Homes
- Francie Healy
- Rex Engel